The steaks are grass-fed. The chicken is free-range. The fish is pole-caught. But it’s what Urban Plates does with these ingredients that makes me happy. We’re talking meatloaf and mashed potatoes with gravy. And, oh yeah, the desserts are made from scratch by in-house pastry chefs. And by desserts, I mean chocolate layer cake and banana cream pie.
If you need lunch therapy, this is the place to go. Even the dining room seems to be saying, “Sit, relax, have a steaming bowl of mac & cheese.” It’s straight out of Sunset Magazine, with warm wood, communal tables and the smell of fresh baked cookies.
Ordering is cafeteria-style. One station has a collection of colorful cast-iron pots filled with seasonal slow-cooked braises (Meatball Braise, Moroccan Chicken and Curry Tofu Braise the days I was there). Another has dishes of roasted organic veggies just out of the oven.
Drinks range from kombucha and craft beers ($6.25 a glass) on tap to natural sodas and organic coffee ($2 a cup).
More dining selections at The Market Place
- TAPS Fish House & Brewery
- Texas de Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar
- Snooze, An A.M. Eatery
- Natraj’s Tandoori
- Miguel’s Jr Homestyle Mexican Food
- JA Jiaozi Authentic Dumplings
For the full list, visit: shopthemarketplace.com/restaurant-listing
