By the end of the week, after too many midterms, Gia Pronto salads and Insomnia cookies, sometimes you're simply in need of some solace and a real meal. Attempting to cook a balanced meal in a semi-functional Campus Apartments kitchen just isn't the break you had in mind. It would be close to mortifying to be seen sitting alone at Marathon or Nara, and besides, you wouldn't get very many bites in without having to schmooze with someone you know who just walked in. For a pleasurable solo dining experience, venturing off campus is your best bet. Judy's Cafe, in the heart of the gayborhood of Queen Village, provides a laid-back atmosphere -- no one will deem you a social outcast if you're a party of one. And to top it off, the food is just as comforting.
The staff at Judy's is warm and chatty as they lead you to one of the small tables that crowd the dimly lit restaurant. If you're on your own, ask to sit in the cozy back room, where you can enjoy a view of the food being prepared in the kitchen as you peruse the menu, seeing for yourself what looks good as it comes out. Sit back, have a glass of wine -- the place is so homey you could even bring a book.
The menu at this nearly 30-year-old institution changes daily and can be classified as spruced-up comfort food. Meatloaf is stuffed with spinach and provolone ($15) and chicken breast is crusted with cheddar crackers in place of bread crumbs ($16). Sounds odd, but it's delicious. To round out your dinner, most entrees come with a couple of wholesome veggie sides like lightly buttered haricot verts and Judy's "renowned" mashed potatoes.
Salads are fresh and inventive. Even the simple mixed greens option is topped with pears, gorgonzola, grapes and spiced walnuts ($7). The antipasto platter ($12) is far too big for one person to tackle as an appetizer, but order it anyway and take the rest home to share with your friends. They'll appreciate the leftover Italian antipasti classics like roasted peppers, mushrooms, stuffed eggplant, fresh mozzarella, white beans, salami and prosciutto, in addition to olive tapenade and pesto to sop up with Judy's incredibly fresh rolls.
Groups and solos alike come in and gossip with the friendly bald bartender, and it seems that most are neighborhood regulars. Some retreat to tables and others just make themselves at home at the bar. A couple of "2 for 1" coupons, offering two entrees for the price of one on Monday through Wednesday nights, are presented with the check and surely keep patrons coming back.
If you've had enough downtime, the bright lights and sketchy crowds of South Street are right around the corner. Or just stick around, meet some of the regulars, make friends with the bartender and order one of Judy's specialty cocktails.
Judy's Cafe
627 S. Third St.
(215) 928-1968
