Consisting of dining areas, a wine bar and a separate bar named Frank’s, 622 North offers a variety of typical restaurant items with a twist, as well as a comprehensive array of alcoholic beverages.
Located downtown at the intersection of North Main Street and Giles Road, the restaurant opened in May with a unique decor and take on mundane dishes. The interior has a New England beach house feel with light colors and porch-style railings.
The large windows let in ample light, almost giving diners the sense they are eating outdoors. However, if diners do prefer to sit outside, 622 North has balcony seating that can accommodate up to 35 people.
The menu consists of staples such as burgers and fries, salads and pasta.
There is also a range of items for the more refined palate. A charcuterie plate with a variety of meats and seafood dishes packs an extra punch, such as corn-crusted tilapia and crabs in a jalapeno cream sauce.
Some regular items are dressed up and include alternate ingredients, but the dishes have the same overall outcome. For instance, the “House Potato Crisps” appetizer features thick-cut potatoes with Gorgonzola cheese, green onions, bacon and sour cream, accompanied by an onion sauce. The use of Gorgonzola may be a twist, but in the end, the crisps taste like cheese fries with a kick from the new cheese.
Additionally, 622 North offers an array of vegetarian and meat options for all tastes. The usual beef entrees, such as burgers and steaks are enhanced with sizable seafood and vegetarian selections and a few extras, such as ground pork, lamb and chicken. Most entrees feature more than the main ingredient and include plenty of vegetables, sauces and other additions to spice up the meal.
For Blacksburg’s wine connoisseurs, the wine bar boasts a wine list of more than 60 choices and offers a sommelier for guidance. Also featured are 14 types of draft beers.
While the prices may seem a little steep, Frank’s has classic bar entertainment, including pool tables, darts and televisions. Frank’s also has its own menu that will soon be expanded to include 20 new choices. Moreover, the bar is open until 2 a.m., and food is served until midnight for those who enjoy eating while they drink.
Students might be put off by the upscale appearance and name of the restaurant, but 622 North offers a wide range of meals that will not hurt a college student’s wallet.
Burgers and sandwiches with a side may be under $10, and pasta dishes begin as vegetarian entrees with the option of adding meat for an extra cost, which can run up to $20.
Understandably, steak and certain seafood entrees are on the higher end of the price range.
The restaurant also offers a lunch special for $6.22, comparable to most restaurants in Blacksburg with high quality food. Furthermore, the list of daily specials offers many options and varies from day to day, allowing diners to try out something new.
The portions, however, do match the prices. Appetizers can easily be shared by two or three people, and entrees may require take-home boxes.
Close enough to campus for students who want a break from campus dining, 622 North is the perfect culinary option for sit-down dinners with visiting parents or occasions where a classier venue is sought without breaking the bank.