2-Minute Review: Blue Plate

The taste of the food manages to overcome the lackluster decor at downtown's comfort-food hangout

We were pleasantly surprised with what we found at the Blue Plate Bar & Restaurant (311 S. Patton Ave., 417-865-4255), the sparsely decorated but appealing downtown eatery that replaced Agrario.

Owner Erik Zackrison is obviously focusing on menu changes, because the interior, on the whole, feels underdone and sort of empty. But simplicity fits the “down home comfort food” motif, and the food is quite good—you can tell a good chef made it. Try entrées like Momma’s meat loaf for $6.99, (our pick—very tasty), fried catfish breaded in cornmeal for $7.99, and the Black and “Blue” steak tip salad for $7.99. The rest of the simple paper menu reveals that it’s still possible to take a date downtown and spend less than $25.

Everything was laden with flavor, but still, don’t be looking for a wine list; there were maybe two choices on the menu. Blue Plate’s bar scene is a work in progress. Really, though, you probably won’t go to Blue Plate just to drink, since Patton Alley Pub is right next door, offering a similar atmosphere and far more extensive drink selection.

In addition to cheap food, Blue Plate offers up a great gimmick, too. The story behind the name “Blue Plate” tells of a single blue plate among the stacks of white ones in the restaurant’s kitchen. If your order comes out on that blue plate, your meal is free, which is always a good deal. Speaking of deals, Blue Plate has figured out how to lure the college crowd in with another offer. Show your student ID and you’ll get a free house salad and a brownie with any entrée.

Ultimately, we say check this place out because the food won’t disappoint. You’re going to leave full, and without having broken the bank. And who knows, you might be served on the blue plate.