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The Roanoke Times

The interior of Market Street Pub.

I recently ate lunch downtown on two different days, which presented the perfect opportunity to visit one place I've been meaning to try for a while, Market Street Pub, and The Judge's Chambers, both of which recently opened.

Market Street Pub

There's something comfortably reminiscent about Market Street Pub, which opened in September. It reminds me of the type of place everybody went to in college because it was an inexpensive yet decent place to grab a bite to eat and hang out with friends. That being the case, I treated a group of friends to lunch so that we could catch up (and so I could sample the food).

Market Street's interior is what you might expect in a pub -- televisions tuned to ESPN, beer posters and jerseys decorating the walls, a pool table and a golf arcade game. Lunch specials are advertised on a board out front on the sidewalk. Most of my group stuck with the sandwiches, though. Trying not to blow my weight-loss resolution so soon, I opted for an entree of bourbon barbecue chicken breasts with steamed vegetables ($10.95).

We started with an appetizer of nachos smothered in goopy melted cheese and dotted with sliced jalapenos. The nachos were basic but fine. My two deliciously grilled boneless chicken breasts slathered with a tangy (and tasty) barbecue sauce offered what the menu promised -- a hint of bourbon. The steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots were about as good as steamed vegetables not drenched in butter can be.

One friend ate the Noke ($6.95), a sandwich of grilled chicken breast, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato and mayo on wheat. Another chose the Taubman ($7.50), a panini sandwich with grilled chicken breast, roasted red peppers, spicy mustard and Swiss and provolone cheeses.

Although all the sandwiches were good, the Billy's Ritz ($7.50), a delicious panini with roast beef, roasted red peppers, tomato, Swiss cheese and brown mustard on grilled sourdough bread, was a favorite.

The service was perfectly pleasant and attentive.

The Judge's Chambers

The Judge's Chambers opened its doors in December and occupies a small space (I counted nine seats at a countertop and three four-top tables) that has been completely renovated from its former use by the Peanut Store on First Street. Decorated in warm tones with "caricature-style" sketches of courtroom scenes by a local artist on the walls, JC's provides a cozy atmosphere.

The restaurant bills its menu as "heart healthy food for a life sentence" and makes good use of turkey bacon, light salad dressings and vegetables. Breakfast includes sandwich wraps, bagels and croissants with your choice of eggs, cheese, turkey bacon, turkey sausage, onions, and peppers. Lunch fare consists of salads and hot panini sandwiches served with multigrain Sun Chips on the side.

I chose a cup of the delicious three-bean and basil soup. The white kidney, great northern and navy beans made a hearty complement to my grilled veggie panini labeled "Not Guilty" on the menu. Be warned, however, that ordering a cup of soup means a pretty small cup of soup. My sandwich ($7.50), consisting of marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms, onions, spinach, tomato, pepperjack cheese and light mayonnaise, was warm and delicious. The veggies looked and tasted surprisingly fresh. I also enjoyed tasting my lunch companion's equally delicious "Guilty as Charged," ($7.50) with turkey, turkey bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato and light mayo. My experience only got better when the owner came around and gave us some sinful macadamia nut cookies (hey, I had the veggie sandwich!).

The Judge's Chambers is pretty basic, which in this case is a good thing, since it provides a sort of no-fuss yet satisfying lunch. Service isn't much of an issue because you order at the counter before seating yourself. Work on my sandwich began as soon as I ordered, and it was delivered to the table promptly. It's also worth noting that JC's uses Earth-friendly cups and utensils made from corn or sugar. Even the napkins are made from 100 percent recycled material. You can do good while eating good.

The bottom line

Market Street Pub and the Judge's Chambers each offer a competent, hassle-free and economical lunch experience. Try them.