I am at the point where I'm making up reasons to go to The Main Ingredient, it's gotten that bad. I love it. Jumbo Coney Island Hot dogs, baked crusty green chili mac and cheese and more microbrews than I can even count all set to old school East Coast hip hop? Be still my heart!
I can't remember the last time I've been to a place with that killer of a vibe. Actually, I'm lying, I can totally remember. It was Hanny's in January of '09. Restaurants never cease to amaze me at how little attention they pay (it seems) to the music/background noise they pump out into their business as if it's a minor detail. I for one completely disagree as the music and vibe are the difference for me between a quick 45 min meal or a 3 hour one. And you can guess the difference between the tabs/tips on the latter one.
Anyhoo, the food is always consistently fresh and tasty. Nothing overtly fancy, mostly sanwiches and salads with a few just like mom made favorites like mac and cheese and grilled cheese thrown on for good measure. Everything is pretty much in the $6-$9 range as well which is awesome. Service matches the vibe, very unassuming and laid back but never lazy or unattentive. I remember being sad when Lisa G closed her doors but I couldn't be happier with the restaurant that took her place!