As Delux would have it

Yours truly is in transition and on the hunt for new digs (seriously, anyone holding?). If money were no object, I’d move to the South End, just to call Delux Café my local. Nostalgia and simplicity reign supreme here (Cartoon Network on 24/7, a year-round Christmas tree, no reservations and cash only).

The wood paneled walls remind me of the rumpus room where I fantasized which New Kid I would marry, snuck sips of verboten alcohol and kissed boys (sadly no New Kids).

The playhouse vibe permeates this charming bar, as does unfortunately, the smell of garlic from the kitchen. That aside, check the chalkboard — food just like mom made, but with a twist on the familiar. Sriracha graces the tables instead of ketchup, and chips and salsa are soft tortillas with a fresh apple salsa so good you’ll spoil your dinner. 

Delux has played host to dates (Is he really gonna drink his weight in Schlitz?); picked up pieces post- break-up (I don’t advise playing ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ with drinks); and held surprise celebrations (You’re pregnant? So that’s why you drank water all night!). Keeping with tradition, when the ink is dry on my new lease, to Delux I’ll go toast to my future.

Delux Café
100 Chandler St., Boston
617-338-5258
MBTA: Orange Line to Back Bay

Kate Coughlin is a freelance writer living in Boston.