First Bite: Mixed Grill Cafe in Woodbine

In the real estate business, the standard advice is "location, location, location." A lot of the restaurant biz is about the real estate, so the same rules apply. That's why I was surprised to find a restaurant that may not qualify as new enough for a traditional First Bite, but which is so well hidden that I sure as hell didn't know it was there despite driving within a block or two of it several times every week. The

is located at 2600 Grandview Ave. Don't feel bad if you don't know where that is. If you don't feel like Googling it, I'll tell you that Mixed Grill Cafe is basically right behind

on Nolensville Road. You can turn either the block before or after Phonoluxe and circle your way in.

But should you? That's the question. The restaurant is a very unassuming place with a small parking lot and hardly noticeable signage. Inside you're greeted by an open kitchen with two or three employees working the griddle and answering the phone for carry-out orders. Even with the small staff, service was very attentive and friendly during my visit.

The menu claims to be "All-American Food," but there is a decidedly ethnic spin too, with a few Italian and Greek dishes available. Mainly, it's a sandwich joint with seven different burgers and an array of old standards like Philly Steak and Italian Beef. The burger is exceptional in that they seem to have flavored the beef with gyro spices like paprika and rigani. The peppery patty is flattened thin but huge, overhanging its bun by a good inch or so. The consistency of the meat is coarser than your average burger, more like a kefta kebab. It might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it.