Restaurants to Rediscover

When it comes to dining out, it’s not always easy to find a place to please the whole crew. That may be why Bridgewater Plaza has been the go-to spot for locals and tourists since it opened in 1988.

            Conveniently located by land and water at Hales Ford Bridge, Bridgewater has five restaurants and an ice cream parlor along with a mix of retail shops, outdoor games and climbing wall, indoor arcade, full-service marina, the SML Visitor Center, miniature golf course and several real estate companies.

            In the off-season, it can be sleepy, but come summertime, Bridgewater Plaza transforms into the lake’s hottest gathering spot. During the day, it teems with families looking for activities and eateries. On weekend evenings, Mango’s Bar & Grill books live bands that pack in a music-loving adult crowd.

            “I think it’s family oriented day or night,” said Ed Waters, the plaza’s developer. “There’s mini-golf, the arcade games. Families sit up on the deck and listen to the music. It’s a good crowd.”

            In addition to the entertainment, visitors will find the restaurants offer a wide variety of food and drinks. So whether you’re looking to enjoy a casual, sit-down meal or just want to grab a quick bite before heading back out on the water, you’ll find it at Bridgewater Plaza.

 

Moosie’s

            With an extensive menu (it’s the same for lunch and dinner), ample seating, full bar and lake view, it’s no wonder Moosie’s has been a local favorite since 1989.

            The restaurant is known for its reasonably priced sandwiches, burgers, chicken and ribs, as well as pulled pork barbeque and Mexican fare. Prices range from $2.50 (a cup of seasonal soup) to $9.75 (the triple giant Moosie’s Club).

            Manager Tricia Southard said the club sandwich is popular along with the French Dipper ($7.50), but the Reuben ($7.50) is by far the best seller at Moosie’s.

            Also popular, especially with kids, is the 7-foot-tall fiberglass moose that greets visitors at the entry.

 

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Bar stays open until 11 p.m. 540.721.5255, bridgewaterplaza.com/moosies.html

 

Mango’s Bar and Grill

            Two floors down on the lake side of Bridgewater Plaza is Mango’s, a tropical-themed restaurant with indoor seating as well as a spacious patio. The outdoor space is filled with tables and brightly colored umbrellas to provide a respite from the sun.

            Open for lunch and dinner, Mango’s offers traditional appetizers, salads, beefy burgers, a variety of sandwiches as well as larger entrees such as grilled salmon, Santa Fe Chicken and the popular Mango’s Rasta Pasta – chicken, vegetables and linguini tossed in a spicy cream sauce ($14.99).

            On weekends throughout the summer, the outdoor stage is occupied by the area’s most popular bands, including Dragonfly, Southpaw, Burning Bridges, Barefoot West and Crobar Cane.        

            “The scene at Mango’s is always rocking,” said John Brock of Fuzzy Logic, a band that plays Mango’s several times a year. “It’s fun being outside, right on the lake, and seeing all the people hanging out on all levels of the decks around Bridgewater.”

            Those looking to quench their thirst can slide up to the outdoor bar, which offers dozens of beers, wine, mixed and frozen drinks.

 

Hours: Opens daily at 11 a.m. 540.721.1632, mangosbarandgrill.com

 

Chopsticks

            If you’re in the mood for Oriental cuisine, including fresh sushi prepared daily, check out Chopsticks. The restaurant serves a daily buffet lunch ($7.95 on weekdays, $8.95 on weekends) with a wide array of traditional pork, chicken, beef and seafood dishes.

            For dinner, patrons may order off the extensive menu or reserve the popular hibachi grill for parties up to 20 people. 

            “It’s entertaining for special occasions. It makes dinner fun,” said Jenny Lin, who owns the restaurant along with her husband Shawn. The couple also recently opened Edo Grill and Sushi at Downtown Moneta.

            Sushi is available at Chopsticks for lunch and dinner along with a daily special that ranges from $8.50 to $9.50, Shawn Lin said. Patrons can dine in and enjoy the waterfront view or order for takeout. Chopsticks serves beer, wine and cocktails.         

 

Hours: Daily 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. 540.721.8839, bridgewaterplaza.com/chopsticks.html

 

Pizza Pub

            Pizza Pub, a Bridgewater Plaza staple since 1999, is open for lunch and dinner with indoor and outdoor (covered) seating. Appetizers, salads, sandwiches and, of course, pizza fill the menu. Beer and wine also are available.

            Pizzas range from $9 for a medium with only cheese to $18 for a large supreme. A personal, seven-inch cheese pizza is just $4.25 with a wide assortment of toppings available.

            “People are here on vacation and they feel comfortable coming in with their whole families, their young kids. They don’t have to worry about them behaving like angels,” said owner Jerry Waters. “It’s that kind of atmosphere at Bridgewater. The Pizza Pub goes with the theme up here with the ice cream and the arcade and the games.”

 

Hours: Weekdays 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Weekends 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 540.721.1234, bridgewaterplaza.com/pizzapub.html

 

The Mouse Trap

            If it’s a quick biscuit or sub sandwich you’re craving, head to The Mouse Trap on the upper level adjacent to the SML Visitor Center.

            For breakfast, the restaurant offers plain biscuits for 75 cents. Add egg, bacon, ham or cheese for a small additional fee. A plain bagel is 95 cents or $1.60 with cream cheese.

            Popular with the lunch crowd are the sub sandwiches, freshly prepared with Boars Head brand meats and cheeses. Most are $4.95, including the turkey with bacon and provolone and the corned beef and Swiss. All come with your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, banana peppers, mayo, horseradish or mustard (plain, spicy or honey). Sides include chips, potato salad and coleslaw.

            The Mouse Trap also offers wine by the bottle or glass as well as an assortment of imported and domestic beer.

 

Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 540.721.4997, bridgewaterplaza.com/mousetrap.html

 

Ice Cream Cottage

            A trip to Bridgewater Plaza isn’t complete without a trip to the Ice Cream Cottage, located on the lakeside middle level. Open only during the summer season, the shop offers 27 flavors of Hershey’s ice cream (including two non-dairy varieties) and shaved ice in eight flavors.

            A small cake or sugar cone (one scoop) is $2.19 and a large (two scoops) is $3.79. Add 55 cents for a waffle cone.

            Patrons can also enjoy a hot dog ($2.19), banana split ($5.89), sundae ($3.59 for small, $4.59 for large), milkshake ($4.39) or a variety of other treats. The air-conditioned shop has a small seating area, or you can take your goodies outside to one of the adjacent tables overlooking the games at the Midway.

 

Hours: Daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the summer season. 540.721.1305