Nine29

The banalization of the Elmwood dining scene continues apace: what was once an old-school ice cream parlor brimming with character (The Soda Bar and Pastry Co.) and later a moderately interesting Middle Eastern eatery with attached hookah bar (Mezza) has become just another "upscale" pub-grub outfit catering to a bridge-and-tunnel clientele. If that sounds harsh, take heart: despite the fact that Nine29 won't take you out of your culinary comfort zone, it does what it does well. These folks grill a great burger and Philly cheesesteak, somehow manage to turn out a brick-oven pizza with a Buffalo-style chewy crust, and keep the bar open late on weekends.

Address

929 Elmwood Ave.

Getting there

Metro Bus 20 or 26

Hours

Sun-Thu 11AM-midnight, Fri Sat 11AM-2AM

Price

$15-35