There’s a particular burden placed on restaurants opening in spaces vacated by beloved institutions, but Bridges, the Nepalese joint occupying Melt’s former spot in Northside, pulls the transition off without a hitch.
Photograph by Amy Elisabeth Spasoff
The process is all very fast-casual civilized: One starts with a rice bowl, adds a legume (yellow peas, yellow lentils, or both), then goes for the main feature: chicken tikka masala, chilled hakku chuala (chicken marinated with ginger, cumin, and caramelized garlic), or, should you want to avoid meat products or lunch naps, two vegan options—a hearty veggie mix and aloo wala (seriously spiced potatoes served chilled with olive oil). You can also order any (or all!) as sides for $3, not that we know anything about that…
Photograph by Amy Elisabeth Spasoff
The produce is fresh; the samosas are hot; the salsas are not to be passed over; the fill-your-own water station is a gift given the spice levels. The service is friendly and the whole thing is preternaturally speedy to the point that it’s actually a realistic lunch break from downtown. What to do with that gifted time? Well, follow our lead and fill it with the creamy rice porridge. Which is best consumed on their stunner of a back patio.
Bridges, 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside, (513) 374-9354, bridgesnorthside.com
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