Andie's Restaurant. Credit: Jeremy Bressman

Often times our restaurant reviews are about the newest restaurant to pop onto the Edgewater/Andersonville restaurant scene and we sometimes forget to write about the long time favorites that we visit frequently and know the menu like the back of our hand. Not today, however, as we visit Andie’s Restaurant (5253 N Clark) which has been serving up wonderful Mediterranean food in Andersonville for years.

Despite having dined at Andie’s numerous times, it was a first for me to sit on the sidewalk patio. While only home to a handful of tables, their outdoor area is a gem with tented tables, a good amount of greenery and great people watching. The service at Andie’s has always been top notch, whether you’re looking for help with an exotic dish that you can’t pronounce or seeking a wine pairing recommendation the staff knows the menu inside and out.

We started with some adult beverages, a beer for my dining companion and some sangria for myself on a warm summer evening. Andie’s also boasts a pretty impressive wine list of multiple varieties that won’t break the bank, including wine flights should you wish to sample multiple Vinod. On the food side we started with the watermelon salad, a sushi-like concoction of layered watermelon, basil and feta cheese. It was light and refreshing and all three ingredients came together nicely and equally important it came out well ahead of our entrees. In addition they bring that tasty warm bread that you just can’t resist munching on before your main dish comes. For the main course we didn’t veer far from our “go-to” dishes of a gyros plate with dill rice, and the vegetarian combo consisting of hummus, baba ganoush and falafel. Enter that tasty warm bread once again for some scrumptious dipping, though after the earlier munching our bowl was promptly refilled by the staff. The one downside of the meal was the falafel – for a mediterranean place it lacks the crispy-ness of another local favorite of mine, Taste of Lebanon, and tasted a bit dry. Nothing a little tahini couldn’t fix.

All in all Andies is a great neighborhood spot. You can go there for that special occasion and feel like a mediterranean king or queen, or go when you’re just seeking a great casual meal and have an equally good time. The interior is warm and cozy, and the bar staff is friendly and will take care of you should there be a wait. And the owner, Andie Tarmas, is sure to go the extra mile to ensure that you enjoyed your visit, and that you’ll be back. Which we will.

Tags: Andie's Restaurant, foodie, Mediterranean cuisine, restaurant review