I'll start by giving you my disclaimer: This was a hosted dinner for a media night. If you know me, I rarely attend these (it’s been literal years) but this was an exception as I'm a long-time fan and supporter of the East End Market (and good friends with the GM), and we wanted to celebrate the christening of Mid Drive Dive together. If one of us goes, we usually beg the other to accompany us since events are not our thing.

Ok, we got that out of the way.

College Park is my neighborhood and has been for over a decade. I've seen the constantly revolving doors of Edgewater Drive restaurants, and sadly watched some good ones go by the wayside. Does anyone remember K Restaurant? Or, going even further back, Taste on Smith Street? College Park has a robust neighborhood that can walk to their restaurants, yet many have struggled. I'm hoping Mid Drive Dive pushes through that and has staying power for my beloved 32804.

If you aren't familiar with where the concept came from, it's the joint effort of East End tenants Freehand Goods/The Neighbors and Hinckley Meats. Good food, cocktails, and some merch to sport if you become a Mid Drive Dive fan.

Just a heads up, if you haven't gotten to feast on the food at Hinckley, do so now before the lines get long once he pops up on the Orlando episode of Somebody Feed Phil.

The Vibe

The space is beautifully redone; you'd never know it once held a Graffiti Junktion.

It's as if they took a modern sports bar and a quaint neighborhood diner and blended them into an open space. It's a modern, warm, inviting atmosphere characterized by rich wood tones and deep green hues that exude elevated comfort. The mid-century elements blend with rustic charm and modern finishes, creating a stylish and comfortable space. There is no need to dress up or down; just come as you are.

Strategically placed throughout the restaurant and patio, you'll find large flat-screen televisions catering to sports enthusiasts. I say strategically because if you wanted to create a barrier between people who want to eat and converse, they have a good portion of the dining room. For the single or group of sports enthusiasts, a bank of TVs is on the back wall with high-top seating. I can't speak to how well the sound will separate the two, but still, you can tell there was thought put into the layout and having an area for everyone. There is even some casual seating near the front if you want to grab a quick drink.

The Food

American classics is how they describe the menu on their website. You’ll find snacks, casual burgers and sandwiches, salads, and then a few heartier entrees for supper.

What I tried

Beet & Orange Snack Plate: Greek yogurt, arugula, red onion, mint, dukkah, sherry vinaigrette $13

Mullet Croquettes - smoked fish and potato balls, charred lemon, and tartar sauce $10

CSA Salad - greens, herbs, local harvest fruit + vegetables. Bragg's vinaigrette $14

Crispy Fish - fried Fish, tartar sauce, lettuce, tomato, Kaiser roll - comes with fries $17

Oysters - $3 each 6/$9 or 12 $18

Ice Box Cake - cookies, whipped cream $8

Here is where I’d love to weave a tapestry of eloquent critique, to dissect each element with the precision of a seasoned gourmand and give you highs and lows. Yet, the truth is, every dish was just flat out tasty. No need for heavy handed criticism to make you believe I know anything. I can just tell you that on different occasions I’d order all of these dishes again.

The fish was nicely fried and crispy without any extra oiliness that could weigh it (and your stomach) down. The beet and orange plate was so satisfying I want to replicate it at home, and I don't even love beets (insert Killer Tofu reference here).

The CSA salad had a nice blend of textures and a great dressing. The Mullet Croquettes were a beautiful soft potato puff that didn't get overly fishy on us. Good oysters, not excessively briney. And the Icebox cake was the perfect sized slice to give you that after-dinner dessert you want, but without the regret and button popping in the passenger seat as soon as you get in the car.

Not to mention, the prices don’t scream $150 dinner for two, which is a relief.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

It opens March 1st - Address 2401 Edgewater Drive
There is a kid's menu, and they are kid-friendly
As of my visit, the most expensive item on the menu is a $29 steak under the Supper category. Burgers and sandwiches range from $15-$19, with snacks ranging from $7-$17
Nothing is specifically noted as vegan, but there are vegetarian options listed.
There is beer, wine, cocktails, mocktails, hard ciders, seltzers, and coffee. The cocktails seen below are the Jazzercise and Schools Out.
Happy Hour is all day on Monday and 3-6 on Tuesday - Friday and includes $2 OFF drafts + wine and $1 OFF oysters.
Parking is most accessible on Edgewater or the side streets.

Of course, every restaurant is on their best behavior when people are buzzing around the space with lighting gear, bulky cameras, posing with cocktails, and getting their shots in, so you might scoff, "Of course everything tasted good." But, if you're a fan of Hinckley Meats at the East End Market and know what Chef Matt can put out, you'd know that's why the food was good. And if you've ever hung out at the Neighbors and enjoyed their drinks, you'd see why the bar here didn't disappoint. As long as Chef Matt, Jacob, Brittany and staff can juggle multiple concepts and keep Mid Drive Dive in order, I think College Park might have everything we've been waiting for.

While the food for this event was comped, we did pay for beverages.