Out to eat: Dilly Café

Braised pork shank with collard greens and navy beans. (Credit: David Sorcher | Special to Metromix)

If you drive about 10 minutes east of downtown on US 50/Columbia Parkway/ Wooster Pike, you will find yourself in the quaint, quiet, Pleasantville-type village of Mariemont. Nestled in the center of town, tucked away in a corner is Dilly Cafe. You may know them as Dilly Deli. They are a gourmet eatery, beer and wine shop and a music venue to boot.

The mood: On my recent trek though town, it dawned on me that I had not been over that way in awhile and called a friend to meet for dinner. Dilly Café is casual and comfortable with a unique menu of fru-fru food and good ol’ American cuisine.

They have live music on the weekends, offer wine tastings and have a great patio for when the weather behaves. The dining room and service are simple and casual but they know their stuff.

The food: The menu offers large (and small) salads, sandwiches and full entrees. Do you fancy Ahi Tuna Nicoise Salad ($12), Meatloaf ($9) or a Vegetarian Portabella Mushroom Burger ($9)? They offer something for every palate.

I was starving on this trip so the Bourbon Burger ($10) caught my eye. It was smothered in beer cheese, a bourbon, bacon and onion jam with lettuce, tomato and fries. I swapped and ordered the sweet potato fries instead. Holy-moly what a combo! The tang from the bourbon jam and the smooth beer cheese balanced each other out perfectly. The manager told me years ago I needed to try this and man, he was spot on.

My friend went in the healthy direction with the Grilled Shrimp and Asparagus Salad ($14). The shrimp and asparagus were atop a bed of field greens with red onion, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and feta cheese with honey mustard vinaigrette. It looked so healthy next to my gooey burger. She said it was a great combo of textures and flavor. The dressing added a good kick to the salad greens.

The drinks: Don’t forget about the bar! Wine or beer? Or a cocktail? Decisions, decisions.

The wine list was so intriguing. I saw so many of my favorites: A to Z Pinot Gris ($7) and Burnet Ridge Purple Trillium ($9.75) jumped right out at me. They also offer more than 1,000 wines by the bottle. I could drink my way through their selection and never be bored!

The cocktail list was offered fruity and fun martinis and some manly mixes as well.

Since I was going with the burger, I opted for a beer this time. Their craft beer list is a mixed bag of Porters, IPAs and Ales. They also offer flights if you can’t make a decision.

My friend went with the Chimay Blanche ($7.50). I opted to be adventurous and try something I have never heard of: Brouwerij Bosteels Tripel Karmeliet ($7.50). Both came in fancy glasses – ooh la la. I am sure there is some kind of beer science behind the glassware. I now know I love Belgian beers. Both were rich and smooth and I was buzzed off one beer.

The verdict: I am already making plans as to when I will go back to start my trek through the wine list. I can’t wait for the weather to be nice again for the patio to re-open for their outdoor wine tastings and live music. Dilly Café is great for dinner with the family, drinks with friends and casual day drinking on the weekends.