Solo Bistro

Solo Bistro

Mid-coastal Maine has a number of fine restaurants, and Solo Bistro at 128 Front Street in Bath is one of them. We dined there in late 2007 and found it had a light, clean, casual, and airy atmosphere. The decor is contemporary with a retro feel. On the first floor, which seats about 30 people, the kitchen is readily visible in back, which added an element of theatre to the meal, but could be a turn-off to some. The room is accounstically loud with brick walls and tile floor. The place was not packed when we were there, but we could imagine with a full house it could be hard to have a quiet conversation. The bistro has a downstairs bar. This year we plan to take in their Friday night jazz events.

The menu offerings are limited, given the size of the establishment and its kitchen, but it has a fine range of offerings at different price points, including a prix fixe offering. Our meal was started by a bread course with a colorful mix of drizzled oil & vinegars. As an appetizer, I had the potato cabbage bacon soup. If I were to be stranded on a desert island, please include a big vat of that soup. The risotto main course was perfectly prepared. My companion's pork tenderloin was juicy and tasty with interesting accompanying vegetables. The portions are not huge but neither are the prices, ranging from the teens to the mid-20s. Presentation of all the food was wonderful, and the service got a thumbs up from this customer service nut.

For the wine lover, their list is extensive enough, both by the bottle and glass. I am a lover of drinks from barley, and this was the one shortcoming in my experience. They had 2 beers on the menu, Negro Modelo and Carlsberg. 20 years ago those might have been considered exceptional beers, but with the huge variety of high quality and interesting Maine microbrews, why have 2 bland (and probably stale) imports? At least carry Sam Adams, which will displease no one.

Call Solo Bistro at (207) 443-3373.