2 for $20: Iris Book Cafe

Anthony Reeves, who teaches philosophy at Xavier University, reads one of his student's papers while his soup cools at Iris Book Cafe in Over-the-Rhine. (Credit: David Sorcher | Metromix)

Modern meets vintage at Iris Book Cafe, where the decor is sleek and sophisticated and the offerings are classical and rare. I had never heard of this haven on Main Street with affordable homemade food and a wide variety of collectible books, records and paintings.

THE MOOD

Hidden in one of the oldest parts of Cincinnati, the modern style of this cafe offers something a little different than the usual. The decor itself is sleek, with dark slate paint and silver framed artwork adorning the walls.

All the art, done in black and white, is for sale, and so is the extensive collection of books. If you dig a bit deeper, you might even find a few records from the good old days to jazz up your LP collection.

If the first room is a bit busy, the back room is quiet and peaceful. More books are on display with a few tables and chairs provided to give you a chance to peruse the selection. And out back is a quaint courtyard for a real respite.

THE FOOD

The selection is small, but the options are delicious. There are a variety of sandwiches to please anyone's palate, from vegetarian hummus to egg salad to the old standby of ham and cheese. These sandwiches come on wheat bread with lettuce, tomato and mayo.

Kandyce and I opted to get two sandwiches and split them. We tried the chicken salad sandwich ($5.95) and the turkey and provolone ($5.95). Both were pretty good, but I am always partial to tasty chicken salad.

THE DRINKS

Neither of us could resist trying one of Iris' aromatic teas, which are offered either iced or hot. I went with the lemongrass vanilla iced tea ($2.95) and Kandyce, a tea aficionado, tried hot Li-li Xiang ($2.95). Both were a healthy and pleasant alternative to the standard soda products.

THE DAMAGE: $19.05

Right on target. My only regret? I didn¹t get any of that creamy Aglamesis Brothers ice cream or Coffee Emporium coffee. Both are locally owned and operated, and Iris Book Cafe proudly supports its neighbors.