t’s just Iz,” explains Leann Brun, co-owner of North Main’s newest resto-lounge (Iz Lounge and Bistro), “iIt’s just Iz.” So much for that, however, there’s still something about its unassuming exterior that demands a deeper probe.

Armed with an industrial loft space and dressed with Japanese art house paintings, the restaurant maintains a fine balance of hipster new and classic old. Its residents, a stew of blue collared workers, film kids and baby boomers fill up this tiny space quicker than pigeons on bread crumbs.

With only two places to sit, that’s right…TWO, how exclusive can it really be? Your choices for seating are either a canoe boats’ length of a lounge next to the window or at the bar under a painting of a gold dragon. The only thing that is granted some space is the kitchen which is out in the open.

A space of this magnitude only forces the owner herself to be in your face, good thing it is a down-to-earth one. Offering hot towels moments are sitting down is also a big plus. The gesture strikes me as oddly formal, another challenge to my expectations of this eatery.

The menu, while being very simple, does not con anyone; this is no hungry man’s joint. As great as the dishes look, the servings require you to purchase an appetizer or two just to fill up your tummy’s requirement. The Heavenly Dip ($8) which features marinated red peppers, humus, mixed olives and Persian flatbread serves some justice but other pickings such as the Chipotle Salsa ($4.50) or the Cheese Plate ($9) would probably do the same.