ocated among the southernmost blocks of Park Slope, Sidecar and its fine windowed exterior is nestled thinly between an antiques shop and a brand spanking new residential complex. Evident to any real estate developer with money, drive, and initiative, the stretch of 5th avenue, on which the restaurant is located (between 15th and 16th streets), is some giant, ripe peach. Admire all those 99¢ stores (Sidecar formerly was one), furniture wholesalers, and sneaker shops in South-Slope while you still can, because the aromatherapy clinics and upscale wine stores are just peeking over the horizon.

That’s not to suggest that Sidecar is unwelcoming. Actually, the well-conceived local haunt is extremely inviting. Inside the space is a non-aggressive 50’s motif with small, framed pictures of pinups on the wall and a jukebox littered with classic rock and the Detroit R& B sound. The bar upfront has a high definition TV in the corner and friendly, knowledgeable bartenders, including the familiar face of a barkeep I recognized from those heady days of past glory at 7B in the East Village. There are six beers on tap and all are local brews minus, of course, the Guinness. Opposite the bar are leather padded booths that seat up to four. Entering, I was greeted by one of the friendly and attentive wait staff, lest you worry about finding your own seating upon arrival.

But what most separates Sidecar from other typical bar & restaurant joints is closer towards the back. A communal table, nearly the size of the bar itself, directly faces an exposed kitchen area with a full working grill on display and the dedicated kitchen staff that man it. Grab a seat, order up, and admire work in progress as your order gets prepped, cooked, and served with no slights of hand. There’s also an open-air smoking area at the very back and the video game Spyhunter for all you 80’s kids looking for kicks. Personally, I’d have gone with Dig Dug.

The food refrains from ambition with a simple menu comprised of small eats and sandwiches. There are several tapas-sized plates like the white bean dip with tortilla chips and bacon (for an extra $2), as well as large plates that offer either fried chicken, a skirt steak and fries, a sidecar club (it’s turkey), and a Vietnamese sandwich. While you may be a bit skeptical about the Vietnamese sandwich, to my honest delight, the first bite was as tasty as my last. True, the bread was a bit overwhelming but the flavors inside were to be commended. You even get a shot glass of cucumber juice on the side. If they can pull this off, it is expected the other food items are equally good. Food is priced around the affordable $7-9 for the sandwiches and upwards of $17 for entrees.