Midwest Grill

Vegetarians… this is not the place for you. This is for people feeling especially carnivorous; for those who crave juicy and flavorful kielbasa, tender pork loin, and short ribs covered in caramelized spices and savory fat. Although there is a buffet with rice, plantains, salads and other foods, Midwest Grill is known for its bountiful Brazilian BBQ. Bacon wrapped chicken? Why, hello there. Chicken hearts? Yeah sure, put a few of those on my plate. Succulent lamb meat? For the love of god, let’s get a stack of that going!

For $12,95, you have access to the buffet and all the BBQ meat your mouth desires (dinner is $21.95). With locations in Inman Square of Cambridge and Saugus, it’s the perfect weekend lunch spot where you can roll out of bed with your sweats on (I probably get out of bed much later than you do), make yourself a small plate of Brazilian side dishes and put a mound of charred meat on top. This is a casual establishment with no frills- just good food minus the annoying wait time. The waiters and waitresses will not be smiling every second or asking you how your meal was, but they come around often, refill drinks, and ask if you would like anything else. Also, their drink menu is very impressive. For $4.25 – $4.50, get draught and bottled beers. Red and white wines, cocktails from $6-$9 and a good list of whiskeys are happily there to contribute to your warm buzz as well. Heck, I know where I’m going Fridays and Saturdays!

This place even has free wings if you purchase a beverage and sit at the bar. Suh-weet.

I really have no complaints. Given the price and frequent service, I could care less whether my waitress was smiling or not. Just keep the skewer of meats coming and Midwest Grill and I will always be on great terms.

Forever dreaming of your fineeee short ribs, Midwest Grill
Total Meal: $12.95 (lunch buffet cost)
Servings: 1 person 

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Green Street

Green Street’s appearance is low key and the people that pass by it can easily miss it if it wasn’t for one thing: you can overhear the buzz of intriguing conversations that can only be sparked by a great selection of beer. For me, it was the Double Aught Lager from Bear Republic. Yep, a light, crisp, hoppy pilsner made my night. And the food! Not too shabby, Green Street.

Pan Fried Corn Bread - $8

Starting off the bustling Saturday night was the Pan Fried Corn Bread. This dish has opened a “cornbread window” for me! Being from Boston, I have never had real southern cornbread. It’s dense, it’s chewy, moist and gritty- most importantly, it is savory and I don’t know if I can ever go back to the sweet stuff. To make it even tastier, on top of the corn bread was a mild, salty layer of melted feta cheese, and on top of that was spicy tomato jam. Oh my lawd, that corn bread was sweet, tangy, salty scrumptiousness. I would like another serving please?

Macaroni & Cheese - $17

Bacon Double Cheeseburger - $11

Pan Roasted Gianonne Chicken - $22

Although the service was excellent, the food came out unbearably slow which made my hopes high for a darn good dinner. When we finally received our entrees, I could tell from the smile on everyone’s faces that they just took a really satisfying bite. The best way to describe Green Street’s food is that they highlight the main ingredient in such a simplistic way that it makes you really appreciate the art of cooking without superfluous seasonings. A perfect example of this is the Pan Fried Gianonne Chicken. Recommended by the waiter, I was a bit disappointed when I first took a bite. Plain. Took another bite… tender and full of juices. Then came the dark meat section. All clouds part now and let that light shine down! I’ve forgotten what it’s like to eat something so beautifully cooked that it’s nice to be reminded again. The macaroni & cheese was delicious too. With thickly diced bacon, tomatoes, and aged Grafton Cheddar, it was full of light flavors (if that makes sense). I did not try the Bacon Double Cheeseburger, but my friend said it was on par with the other dishes- but a bit on the greasy side. Also, extra points that they make their own chips.

English Toffee Pudding Cake - $7

Ricotta & Meyer Lemon Cheesecake Triffle - $7

Lastly, the dessert… The subtle flavors of ricotta and light cheesecake came to life, thanks to the incorporation of thinly sliced lemon rinds. The triffle was good to experience, but was nothing compared to the English Toffee Pudding Cake. Candied walnuts, whipped cream, crunchy bits of toffee and toffee syrup were all lusciously delectable, but it did not take away from the main attraction- one of the best bread puddings I’ve tasted.

All in all, I enjoyed Green Street Grill, but do not see myself coming here unless I am in Cambridge. When in the area, I’ll be comforted knowing there is a kickass beer selection nearby, comfort foods cooked to perfection, and energetic, friendly service.

Converting me to Southern corn bread, Green Street, you are good.
Total Meal: ~$95.00
Servings: 4 people

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