A gentleman jeweler, a lesbian bar and a meatloaf. They’ve all been in Carytown for about 30 years. It was inevitable they form a bond.

At night, there’s booze, beach volleyball, line dancing, karaoke, DJs and live bands. And it’s packed…mostly with lesbians. During the day, some of the booths are filled with locals and on Tuesdays, my dad (the jeweler) is one of them. He goes for the meatloaf.

He never met a meatloaf he didn’t like. Even the Navy’s. And he loves to get out of the store and stroll up the street for a hot lunch. Even in July. The meatloaf portion varies in size. Once he had more than ¾ lb.

Every day, for $5.99, you can get your protein (meatloaf, spaghetti, sandwiches, chili dogs, smothered pork chops or fresh trout, depending on the day), 2 veggies or a salad and iced tea. The green beans are canned, but the mashed potatoes and gravy are homemade and quite good. The smothered pork chops are really very good and even more satisfying. Think umami. They have a taco eating contest (insert lesbian pun here) and 20 cent shrimp every Wednesday, 5-9pm.

In a neighborhood where any sandwich will run you over $10, Babe’s is a diamond in the rough, or maybe even a rough in the diamond (the jeweler gene coming out). The next time you find yourself in Carytown, don’t overlook the dark little gay bar for lunch. You’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if you find yourself too busy to pop in, they deliver.