OTB (Over the Bar) Bicycle Cafe - 01/13/09

Today we checked out the brand new, OTB Bicycle Cafe at 2518 East Carson St. This site was formerly the bar Quagmire's.

Pop City had a nice write-up about OTB in their issue last week, so TTG and I (with boss lady Maura in tow) drove down to check it out.

Since it is brand new, it wasn't very busy, but there were a few bodies in the place. The back room looks to be about the same as the Quagmire days, but in the front, the full, oval-ish bar has been replaced by a more practical traditional bar up against the wall, with tables along the street, and side of the room.

The decor is fun, with bicycle spokes and gears and such on the walls, under candles, etc. but not in an overabundance. There was even at least one souped up bike hanging from the ceiling.

The menu featured a nice selection of sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and salads, with a number of veggie options, and other nice touches like the ability to order a turkey burger. (An all too rare occurrence in restaurants.) The items have fun local and national names-like the Livestrong Club, which was Maura's pick for lunch.

I chose the Rails to Trails wrap, with buffalo sauce flavored seitan instead of the chicken selection. It came with lettuce, tomato, onion, melted provolone and carrot, in a nice, fluffy pita. Blue Cheese and pickle on the side. All sandwiches come with fries (delightful-they weren't greasy, but were thick and crispy) and a very small serving of coleslaw. The coleslaw was also great (creamy dressing), the small serving was just the right size.

The food was great, prices were good, portions were just right, service was friendly and efficient, and the owner checked on us and inquired as to how we learned about the place.

Oh, and I should also point out that they have a happy hour (and I think it was also listed for late night) special where select food items are a mere $2.99. We didn't have any alcohol to drink (Preggo can't, plus, the boss was with us-of course, she'd probably be the first to order...) but from what I saw they have regular stock in liquor, and a few beers on tap-including East End on tap.

Great experience all around, I think all three of us will definitely go back there soon.