Upon my arrival on a weekday night to meet friends for dinner, I was immediately drawn to the circular bar's unusual shape. Light, but upbeat jazz played over the system, adding a cool, soulful vibe. Deep clay-colored walls are accented by a bold and catching blue trim. The vibrant blue is a color repeated in the glass tea light candles and cloth napkins on the table. The tile floor mimics the square pattern of the antique style ceiling.

The most focal element of the restaurant's design is the three booths that sit in separate arched compartments that are indented into the walls, an intimate seating option. The arched design is repeated several more times in the bar shape and waiter stations.

Stairs with thick metal railings start at the far wall and curve up to the second floor balcony. Several tables overlook the open dining room below and the railing provides bold, clean lines. Wall sconces on the upper level provide warmth, while a few green plants placed high on the walls run adjacent to the balcony's base, adding a contrasting splash of cool color.

The menu spans from sandwiches, wraps, and salads to specialty entrees like blackened catfish and jambalaya. There are a variety of options for vegetarians including humus pitas and veggie pizzas. The impressive beer list offers both domestic and international brews, like Hoegaarden and Wolaver's Organic Oatmeal Stout.

Three friends and I sat ourselves at a table by a large window overlooking Margaret Street. Ordering a raspberry iced tea, it came in a glass Lipton bottle, meaning no free refill. I then settled on the portobello sandwich and sweet potato fries. Two of my friends picked the philly cheese steak, while my other friend chose a burger with homemade French fries.

More than a half an hour later our waitress returned with our dinner. The portobello sandwich was tasty, with bold flavors. A large mushroom cap contained a sweet balsamic-tasting marinade. The roll was soft and fresh and the roasted red peppers added sharp flavor and a smooth texture, while the fresh greens added a delightful crisp. The pesto mayonnaise was a tangy complement to the array of different tastes. The sweet potato fries were cooked crisp and were a pleasant alternative to everyday French fries.

My friend's philly cheese steak sandwich came wrapped in a paper plate and foil and was about the size of a 6 inch sub. The meat was sliced thin and drenched with cheese atop a long crusty roll. One friend that ordered it barely touched her sandwich, admitting it was too dry for her taste.

Our bill came to $45.14, not including tax and tip. The price proved very reasonable for four people, who had each ordered soft drinks. I would recommend LivinGoods to anyone looking for a casual, but retro place to eat, with many options for the pickiest of eaters.

Have you ever eaten at LivinGoods?

LivinGoods
518-561-2821
14 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, New York