Our critics’ votes were all over the map, though this eked out a win. Years ago it was a soda shop; now it’s a bar with a jumping jukebox, cold beer, monster burgers and killer sweet potato fries. Here, blue collar meets white collar, singles greet families, back tats share booths with soccer shin guards. And isn’t that what “neighborhood” is all about? (Others receiving votes included Brixx on East Boulevard, Comet Grill and The Room.)
The Penguin, 1921 Commonwealth Avenue. 704-375-6959.
This article appears in Aug 4-10, 2004.
