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Georgie S.
Phoenix, AZ
Four-star rating
06.01.10

I am at the point where I’m making up reasons to go to The Main Ingredient — it’s gotten that bad. I love it. Jumbo Coney Island hot dogs, baked crusty green chili mac and cheese and more microbrews than I can even count, all set to old school East Coast hip hop? Be still my heart!

I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to a place with that killer of a vibe. Actually, I’m lying, I can totally remember. It was Hanny’s in January of ’09. Restaurants never cease to amaze me at how little attention they pay (it seems) to the music/background noise they pump out into their business as if it’s a minor detail. I, for one, completely disagree as the music and vibe are the difference for me between a quick 45-minute meal or a three-hour one. And you can guess the difference between the tabs/tips on the latter one.

Anyhoo, the food is always consistently fresh and tasty. Nothing overtly fancy — mostly sanwiches and salads with a few just-like-mom-made favorites like mac and cheese and grilled cheese thrown on for good measure. Everything is pretty much in the $6-$9 range as well, which is awesome. Service matches the vibe, very unassuming and laid back, but never lazy or unattentive. I remember being sad when Lisa G closed her doors, but I couldn’t be happier with the restaurant that took her place!

The Main Ingredient Ale House & Café is located at 2337 N. 7th St. in Coronado — 602.THE.MAIN

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