Taste of Roswell: Nine Street Kitchen

You could drive around looking for a place to eat until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Occassionally, Roswell Patch will pick a great restaurant either in town or nearby that is worth checking out. 

Here's this week's choice:

The facts

Nine Street Kitchen is owned by Rick and Kellie Clark, who formerly owned 946 South which used to be just down the street. The restaurant serves "an eclectic mix of American fare." They are located at 982 Canton Street , Roswell. The resturant is open daily from 11 a.m. "until everyone leaves." Contact them at 678-682-3222.

The food

Nine's menu is all over the map, hence the self-described "eclectic" reference.

The lunch menu is filled with the sandwich, soup and salad options that the restaurant has become known for. The Tomato Basil Soup** is the perfect blend of creamy tang and earthy basil. Items such as the Red Hot Chicken Panini - with jalapenos, cheddar-jack and hot sauce - the Waldorf Salad on Mini Croissants, the Salmon Apple Salad and "artisan grilled cheeses" have quite literally become the bread and butter of the business. 

Dinner strays slightly and goes a bit heavier. From the Tomato Havarti** small plate, to the Steak Flip - a tenderloin and cheddar jack grilled in a tortilla - to the Sage Turkey over potatoes and the Black & Bleu Salad - served with steak, bleu crumbles, croutons and tomatoes - the dinner menu strives to prove Nine has more to offer than just sandwiches.

Extensive wine and beer lists showcase selections from the bar.

The features

There are two distinct parts of Nine: one an idylic patio and sidewalk, the other, an interior that is just as "eclectic" and scattered as the menu. A popcorn machine filled halfway with old corks sits next to a smattering of empty wine bottles. An ampersand hangs on the wall near a giant fork, a cartoon picture of a German beer girl and polka dot curtains. The overall effect can be a bit disconcerting.

Outdoors is an entirely different experience. Wrought iron tables and chairs line the porch and umbrellas shade sidewalk diners. In the winter, individual fleece blankets are placed on each chair and giant heat lamps take the place of umbrellas to warm patrons. The atmosphere is at once free and breezy, as well as cozy and intimate; not to mention all the Canton Street people watching it allows for.

The claim to fame

Stop by on most weekend - or Alive After 5 - nights for live music while you sip some chardonnay and take in the sweet charm of Canton Street.

**Recommended by Roswell Patch Editor Christine Foster.