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| - Mezze might just be my favorite restaurant in the immediate downtown area. It's always the first place I suggest when a friend wants to grab a bite--and not just because it's right down the street (don't hurt though ). The unique tapas-style cuisine and cozy, almost sultry ambience keep me coming back way too often for my own good (both physically and fiscally).
Mezze features a small menu of small(ish) plates tending toward Mediterranean/American/??? flavors. They change their menu every couple of months but I am never disappointed--it is always filled with mixtures of flavors that I have never experienced before (but want to experience again and again!). Some of my favorites over the span of its existence include:
Fried Chicken
Hummus w/ Lamb
Acorn squash w/ wild rice, cranberries, feta & maple glaze
This empanada-type thingy with squash & raisins, served with a homemade pesto (name??)
THE GOAT CHEESE PIZZA--whichever one there is at the time (I've now had two versions and they both were some of the best pizza I've ever had--tastes even better as leftovers straight from the fridge because you can really taste all them flavors when it's cold )
We always order a bunch of plates to share because I'm tryna taste everything I can. Menu names are a little tricky but the usual waiter/bartender (owner?) is always happy to explain what they mean. DO NOT MISS THE PIZZA. It's at the bottom of the menu and it's not called "pizza," but pizza it is.
Cocktails are pretty small but that doesn't stop me from ordering them...the dark and cozy feel of the place just begs to be paired with a cocktail (or 2 or 3). They also usually have drink specials depending on the day and time (often it's half-off wine, which works just fineeeeeeee).
The space is pretty small, so if you're planning to go out with a big group I'd vote a few people off the island OR plan to go to Mezze another time (but, like, go.). It's perfect for groups of 2 or 4...or 1, I guess, but I like to be optimistic ;). When it's warm out, they also have a nice area for outdoor seating.
I don't agree with the haters on here when it comes to Mezze's downfalls, but I can see how some may have qualms. The menu is full of really different flavors and strange combinations..so if you're not into that, it might not be your jam! If you don't like sharing, it's for sure not your jam. If you're looking for a quick in-and-out job......depends? The service is usually great--the main guy who works there (owns the place?) is usually the one serving and bartending and he's really nice and attentive! We did have a female waiter one time who was a little forgetful and less attentive (I think she was also drinking behind the bar--oops), but she was still nice enough.
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