Shakespeare told us, “If music be the food of love, play on,” and we agree. Even if you’re not a romantic, savoring some good food while soaking up some good music is a great pairing. The only problem is that concerts around here are so expensive ($125 to see Toby Keith at Turningstone?!) and the music offered in most restaurants seems to always be the greatest elevator jams of the 90s. Here we suggest to you some more exciting opportunities to combine a love of food with a love for music.
$ — If you’re looking for atmosphere, then look no further than ABC café on Stewart Ave. Not only does the style of the music change nightly, but so does the menu — and it’s themed! You have to try Thursday’s “ABC Mexican Fiesta” night, with huge portions of burritos with salad, rice, guacamole, tortilla chips, salsas and two dollar Dos Equis with lime. And if this wasn’t enough, just feast upon the prices! You could eat here for $25 between two people, and we’re talking sizeable portions. Not only is the menu mouthwatering (and all-vegetarian!) but the music is a salt-and-pepper mix of jazz, blues, bluegrass and gypsy. Be sure to check out the website at theabccafe.com to find hours, menus and upcoming music.
$$ — If pizza, beer and rock music are more your scene, then just a few blocks away on College Ave. is The Nines, where the lighting is a bit dimmer, the music is a bit louder and the motto is “relax and enjoy.” Share a pitcher of Magic Hat and a deep-dish pizza so big you could live in it for only $15 per person. The Nines has all the classics including burgers, hot sandwiches, calzones and wings for less than $10. Try the corn nuggets! The real fun starts after 10 p.m. when the bands come out to play. There’s usually a cover charge, but it’s only $3-5 depending on the night. Make Monday a date night again and rest your tired feet and head with a hearty hot meal and blues music to help you unwind. Be sure to go to theninesithacany.com for upcoming music and the full menu.
$$$ — Maybe you’re looking for something a little quieter. If so, try the Lost Dog Café off the Commons. If you’ve never been here, I don’t know what you’ve been doing and you need to try this immediately. Unlike the other two places we’ve mentioned, here the music starts around 6 or 7 p.m., so you can be sure that there will be music while you enjoy the food. The atmosphere is very laid back with a hint of hipster thrown in. It’s a dive that’s perfect for gazing into each other’s eyes over a bottle of wine, and equally perfect for hanging out with your best friends. The prices are a little more than the others, but there’s still nothing on the menu for over $18. Huge salads with house-made dressings and creative sandwiches like the pesto tuna steak are just a sampling of what you can devour at Lost Dog. Check out lostdogcafe.net for a full menu and music lineup.
Take our word for it — nothing will help you unwind from a hard week better than a good meal (cooked by someone else) and a healthy dose of jammin’ music. And if you don’t take our word for it, go see for yourself!