When the smoking ban took effect, the hookahs at Cedar Grill fell victim, leaving the restaurant with little personality. Luckily, delicious and cheap food in enormous portions keeps guests coming to this Lebanese spot ten minutes northwest of Lincoln Square. Named after a coniferous tree (and the national emblem of Lebanon), the family-owned restaurant mixes things up by bringing cuisine from the Middle East to an area thriving with businesses owned by those from the Far East.
First-time visitors will notice a somewhat cold staff, but the lack of love takes little away from the prompt service and fresh quality. A group of local Lebanese men usually congregate near an open kitchen. Unless you like watching cooks handle everything from your food to a ringing phone, you'll likely choose a four-top table on the main floor. A bowl of Lebanese salad and some pita bread will tide you over while you wait. Arabic music videos play on a flat-screen television hung over the kitchen. Additional distractions include a few posters provided by the Ministry of Tourism, showing scenes of Roman ruins, coastal cities and ancient cedar forests.
You'll likely begin your meal with a silky serving of hummus ($3.49) or vegetarian grape leaves ($3.95). If you go for the Lebanese steak and veggie mix ($9.95) for your entree, you'll surf through more veggie than steak. For a more carnivorous meal, choose a chicken/kefta kabob combo-plate at $9.95. In addition to salad and pita bread, all entrees come with a serving of rice and range from $6.95-$12.95. Desserts differ day-by-day, but generally come in the form of a pudding and start off at $2. While alcoholic beverages aren't sold, you're allowed to bring them with for consumption.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
