I've talked about Boston Beanery on the Evansdale campus before, but I didn't want to neglect the fact that there is another location downtown. It seems to me to have more of a sense of urgency or convenience to me. The Evansdale location seems to be more leisurely and comfortable. The High Street location brings with it parking woes, of course.

The restaurant is long and narrow, with the bar near the entrance and more tables toward the back. The group I was with was fairly large, so we opted for one of the few larger tables. It was pretty awkward, with a few of us actually back inside the wall, basically. The menu varies, so there's a little bit of something for everyone.
I ordered a BLT salad with a side of fries (so I could put them on my salad). It was a big portion and quite tasty. I didn't get the southwestern ranch; I got regular. But it was a tasty, run-of-the-mill salad. Pretty utilitarian - nothing I couldn't make at home.

I gotta say, though, their fries are what really puts it over the top. I'm not a fry person as I've said many times, but give me a side of their curly fries and some ranch, and I am one happy camper.

Fresh greens, juicy chicken, plump tomatoes - not bad. Not bad at all. Nothing special, but if you get the fries, it takes it to the next level.

Grade: B