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Main Street Kitchen & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Main Street Kitchen & Bar
8.1
Locally run California kitchen with seasonal salads, pizzas, and market fish that land under an hour. Approachable pricing and a roomy dining room make it easy for standing weekly check-ins.
Must-Try Dishes:
Petrale sole, Margherita pizza, Brussels sprouts
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Seasonal, well-priced menu with fast, reliable pacing.
Who should go: Teams wanting dependable weekly lunches
When to visit: Arrive before noon to avoid the rush
What to order: Petrale sole; sprouts; Margherita pizza
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal veggie sides; quantities are limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along North Main and a few nearby public garages; easiest access from the Lesher Center garage across the street.
Dress code: Smart casual—blazers and polished denim fit in well with the downtown business crowd.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch hours; lively hum but comfortable for meetings or small group chats.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak brunch-to-dinner turnover.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 12 pm; short queue after 12:15 on sunny days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection of salads, pizzas, and seasonal vegetable entrées.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées can be customized vegan upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free crusts and modified plates available; handled with care but not a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bright, open space with California warmth and attentive pacing; relaxed enough for conversation without formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, especially for weekday lunches or early dinners; weekends benefit from booking on OpenTable to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids; booths and pizzas make it approachable, though midday service leans business-oriented.
Best For
Better for: More consistent pacing and lighter California fare than heavier steakhouses or corporate chains nearby.
Skip if: You want a long, quiet power lunch—Rooftop or Va de Vi offer more privacy for extended meetings.
Main Street Kitchen & Bar
8.1
Family-owned California kitchen focused on seasonal produce and organic sourcing. Expect straightforward plates—petrale sole, wood-oven pies, market vegetables—done with care at approachable prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poached petrale sole over butter beans, Brussels sprouts with bacon, Margherita pizza from the wood oven
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Seasonal, organic-leaning menu from a local, family-run team.
Who should go: Neighborhood diners seeking seasonal California plates
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early dinner before the rush
What to order: Petrale sole; Brussels sprouts; Margherita pizza
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu seasonal veggie sides—often limited nightly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking structure access via the Broadway Garage behind the restaurant, plus metered street parking on North Main (free after 6pm). Weekends can fill up quickly near the plaza.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine; many guests come in brunch attire or business casual for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly during brunch and lunch; slightly louder at peak dinner service.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; patio tables may take longer in nice weather.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several veggie-focused starters and mains, including wood-oven pizzas and salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 items can be made vegan upon request (check with staff for preparation).
Gluten-free options: Yes—many entrées and pizzas can be made gluten-free; separate prep area used where possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for a low-key lunch or brunch date. The cozy booths and relaxed atmosphere make conversation easy without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays or early hours, but weekend brunch and dinner times often require a short wait. Patio seating is first-come-first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—families are common here, and the staff is accommodating with high chairs and shareable menu items. Great for kids 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Casual, family-friendly dining with reliable, fresh ingredients at reasonable prices—ideal for everyday meals or relaxed work lunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking a fine-dining farm-to-table experience or extended tasting menu; this spot leans casual and accessible.
Main Street Kitchen & Bar
8.4
Polished, ingredient-forward brunch with multiple signature Benedicts and thoughtful seasonal sides. It’s the move for a nicer brunch date or client meet-up without feeling fussy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Ragù Benedict, French Toast, Old-Fashioned Veggie Hash
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-driven Benedict lineup with seasonal produce and careful execution.
Who should go: Upscale brunch seekers and small groups
When to visit: Reserve 10:30–12 or walk-in after 1:30
What to order: Duck Ragù Benedict; French toast; veggie hash
Insider tip: Bar seating is the easiest path for last-minute weekend walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking in the adjacent Lesher Center structure and limited street parking on North Main; free after 6 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean polished, especially for brunch dates or business meets.
Noise level: Moderate; comfortable for conversation though the bar area hums at peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation between 10:30 am and noon on weekends.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; bar seating always available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—strong selection including veggie hash, avocado toast, and rotating salads.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be modified; staff helpful with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many mains and sides are naturally gluten-free or can be adjusted; dedicated care on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—refined but relaxed setting with attentive service and craft cocktails makes it an ideal first-date brunch or low-pressure evening option.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible for small parties if you arrive after 1:30 pm or opt for the bar; peak hours on weekends fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—staff are welcoming but the crowd trends adult. No dedicated kids’ menu, so best for ages 8+.
Best For
Better for: Upscale brunches, business lunches, and date settings where presentation and ingredient quality matter.
Skip if: You’re seeking a casual diner-style brunch or quick counter service—nearby ButtercuP or Sunrise Bistro suit that better.
Main Street Kitchen & Bar
8.4
Chef-driven brunch with quality sourcing—house Benedicts, seasonal hashes, and thoughtful sides. A polished downtown dining room and bar program attract brunch dates and business meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Ragù Benedict, Old-Fashioned Potato Hash, French Toast with Mascarpone
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Seasonal, ingredient-forward brunch with multiple signature Benedicts.
Who should go: Upscale brunch seekers
When to visit: Reserve 10:30–12 or walk in after 1:30 pm
What to order: Duck Ragù Benedict; veggie hash; French toast
Insider tip: Bar seats are easiest for last-minute weekend walk-ins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated garage parking at the Lesher Center and limited metered street spots on N Main; best access before 11 am.
Dress code: Smart casual — weekend attire leans stylish; jeans are fine if paired with a button-down or nice top.
Noise level: Moderate — lively brunch energy but still easy to converse at most two-tops.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — dinner service not the primary draw; brunch waits 45–60 min without reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait if seated before noon; quick turnaround at bar seats.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several Benedicts, hashes, and salads are vegetarian by default.
Vegan options: Limited — can modify a few dishes (ask for no dairy or eggs), but not many fully vegan entrees.
Gluten-free options: Yes — menu labels gluten-free options and kitchen accommodates substitutions when requested.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room and craft cocktail bar make it a relaxed but refined choice for daytime or brunch dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small parties after 1:30 pm or at the bar; weekends before noon usually require reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — high chairs available and staff accommodating, but the menu and ambience lean adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: A higher-end, chef-driven brunch with superior plating, cocktails, and service compared to casual local spots.
Skip if: You’re seeking a fast, grab-and-go breakfast or large-group seating without planning ahead.
Main Street Kitchen & Bar
7.7
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Casual, Californian-leaning American kitchen for lunches, brunch, and easy dinners near the North Main corridor. Solid staples—burgers, salads, seasonal fish—served in a comfortable room.
Must-Try Dishes:
MSK Burger, Brussels Sprouts, Petrale Sole
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Neighborhood standby balancing quality, comfort, and convenience.
Who should go: Casual lunch and brunch crowds
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:00 or brunch before 11:00
What to order: House burger, Brussels sprouts, petrale sole
Insider tip: Happy hour runs on weekdays—check the board for specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along North Main and nearby garages on Locust Street; usually open spots before noon and after 6:30pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—polished but relaxed; jeans and a button-down or blouse fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—comfortable for conversation, though it livens up during peak brunch hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during prime hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several salads and veggie starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 entrées can be customized upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many dishes can be made gluten-free with substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual daytime or brunch date—easy conversation and friendly service, though not especially intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Typically yes for lunch and early dinners; call ahead on weekends or larger parties to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—broad menu, high chairs available, and relaxed service style make it easy for families.
Best For
Better for: Reliable all-around American fare and consistent service in a central location—ideal for work lunches or low-key brunches.
Skip if: You’re seeking a special-occasion dinner or chef-driven menu; nearby spots like Va de Vi or Rooftop offer more ambiance.