Restaurant Fri Feb 01 2008

Edgewater Lounge

The Edgewater Lounge is known as more of a summer spot. Its location at Ashland and Bryn Mawr features a sidewalk patio in the warmer months, and while the view isn't great (four lanes of speeding traffic on Ashland, a gas station and Jiffy Lube across the street), the atmosphere is festive and friendly, and the patio is often packed in the evenings. On a recent frigid Saturday night, however, there was plenty of seating indoors.

The place is often lauded for its sandwich selection, so we ordered several. Mine, a vegetarian sandwich of roasted vegetables with feta in a pita, was OK. My dining companions were somewhat more enthusiastic about the jerk chicken sandwich and less enthusiastic about the beef brisket sandwich. The chili was deemed acceptable, if not remarkable, as well. What I found most exciting was the fried plantains, which were served with what appeared to be homemade salsa and guacamole. Along with the beer selection, which was better than usual, these plantains made for a definitely worthwhile dining experience. Next time I go, I'll be all about the beer and plantains. I guess it doesn't take too much to make me happy...

- Dana