Hugh and I fell in love with Sidecar Bar and Grill last night. We went after the opening of the show of Mike Sorgatz's paintings at Red Horse Cafe on 12th Street and 6th Avenue. It was  about 10:30 and I was wearing uncomfortable shoes but I urged Hugh to walk up to 15th Street on Fifth Avenue.

"This is quite a trek," he said.

I told him not to be a stick-in-the-mud and to be adventurous because I was determined to give the place a try.

I'd been to Sidecar a few years ago for a blogger's cocktail party (organized by Brooklyn Based) and liked it quite a bit but hadn't been back and never tried the food.

We walked in and the joint was jumping, good music on the juke box and quick attention from a staff member standing near the door. A beautifully lit, beautifully designed restaurant, the owners have preserved much of the original detail of the space including really old signage on the wall in the back. They have a gorgeous tin ceiling and exquisite lighting.

At 10:30 or so, there wasn't even a booth to sit in but the waitress quickly led us to the counter that overlooks the kitchen, a great place to sit and watch the cooks cook, something Hugh and I love to do.

The waitress noticed Hugh's camera and asked, "How did you like the light today?" They launched into an interesting discussion of morning light versus late afternoon light. Just the kind of conversation Hugh loves. She then told us the specials.

We ordered the Brussel sprouts salad with mushrooms and onion. This unusual salad was incredibly flavorful and delicious. We also shared a delectable cheese burger and fries. For drinks our waitress selected an excellent Argentinean white wine for me and Hugh had  a bottle of Woodpecker. For dessert, the waitress suggested the bread pudding in bourbon and caramel with whipped cream and Hugh was not disappointed. Neither was I.

I asked the bartender (who I think is the owner) how late they serve food there. He told me that they serve food every night except Monday until four in the morning. FOUR IN THE MORNING.

"On Monday nights we serve gumbo," he told me. That's right: he said gumbo, that New Orleans dish of Monday is the kitchen night's off but they prepare a gumbo and they serve that until 4am on Monday. "People come in wanting their burgers, their fried chicken and I tell them try the gumbo. And they love it. Our chef is a very talented guy."

I told him that I am often looking for a place to go late on Tuesday nights with my writers group and most places in the Slope stop serving at 11 pm. I know I'm going to bring the group to try the Sidecar Sandwich, oven roasted turkey breast, bacon, cave aged gruyere, granny smith apples, thin sliced red onion and sun dried tomato mayo on grilled sour dough; Buttermilk Fried Chicken with “succotash” and root mash; the Sidecar Burger; The Bahn-De, a classic Vietnamese sandwich with grilled pork chops; Veggie Tacos filled with sautéed mushrooms and onions, roasted red peppers, roasted corn, marinated chayote, tomatillo sauce, sour cream and mixed greens and more. 

Sounds good, don't it. And I haven't even mentioned all of their interesting drink menu. Guess you'll just have to go up there to give it a try.