Open Doors: Long Live the Independent Restaurant Owner
By Andrea Tyler Evans
We moved to the North Central corridor — Windsor Square, to be exact — about 10 years ago. It was right before the launch of light rail — and the economic downturn. But we had high hopes the neighborhood would grow around us.
Turns out we were right.
As a neighbor in the North Central corridor and a self-proclaimed foodie, I could not be more pleased with the explosion of diverse, fun and mostly family friendly restaurants that continue to pop up along both Central Avenue and along 7th Street just north of Missouri. And, I am thrilled to see these places giving back to nonprofits via gift certificate contributions in silent auctions, raffles and even some live auction events this season.
Starting with 7th Street, I suggest going on a food tour on a weekend afternoon or evening (we love to do this with out-of-towners). So grab some comfy shoes, a bike or an Uber/Lyft and set out for some good eats!
Suggested itinerary #1: a drink and appetizer at The Herb Box, then hop across the street to Mora to share an item or two as a second course with a glass of wine from their incredible wine list. Then venture over to The Yard for your choice of Barrio Urbano, Little Cleo’s or Culinary Dropout for your main dish and land back at Stock and Stable for a nightcap with dessert.
Or #2: Start at Pure Sushi for some happy hour bites before 6, wander up the street a bit to Joe’s Midnight Run for some great pub food, then stroll back south to take in a game at the bar at Spinato’s with a cold one and thin crust pizza. If it’s a double-header, wrap up the evening at the just-opened Cold Beer and Cheeeburgers back up the street. And if you need to dance it off at anytime, jump in to The Womack — it’s a good time guarantee.
And we can’t forget the Camelback and Central corner, so here’s my idea of a perfect Sunday Funday: start early with a brunch item at St. Francis paired with one of their hand-made beverages, shuffle across the street to Uptown Plaza for some greens at Flower Child or hit the deep dish at Lou Malnati’s — its only outlet outside of Illinois, and not local but family owned. Then roll the dice to pick from one of Upward Projects’ outlets (Postino, Joyride, Federal Pizza, Windsor) along Central for an afternoon sip or ice cream at Churn.
Look at us in North Central — we’ve got that “real” big city going on around here. If you have a favorite culinary tour in your ‘hood, let me know and maybe we’ll try it out for ourselves.
