First Bite on Lebowski's

First Bite is a look at, not a full review of, a new Charlotte-area restaurant.

The food: Sports-bar-plus is how I'd characterize the lineup at Lebowski's, with fine Buffalo wings, a bunch of burgers and assorted sandwiches. The plus comes in with items such as hummus, veggie panini, chicken Florentine on grilled sourdough, and entrees such as chicken fried chicken and pulled pork with mac and cheese. Co-owner Kirk Weaver had Township Grille eons ago and yes, Buffalo fans, the beef on weck is here, too, along with the tin-roof sundae so loved there.

The place: Dark wood tables, black chairs, beer coasters and old album covers tastefully framed, and just three TV screens, keep this a pretty subtle look. You'll hear plenty of the music that once came out of those album covers, too, like Zep (that's Led Zeppelin, kiddies), but Jack Johnson abides, too.

The name: Yes, it's named for the Coen brothers' "The Big Lebowski" and the specialty White Russian list on every table supports that concept. But the joke isn't done to death, and the humor slops over into other areas, too -- like a recent "Michael Phelps" special of Sweet Tea Weed and water. (That's Jeremiah Weed's sweet-tea-flavored vodka. Get it?)

The details: 1524 East Blvd.; sandwiches and entrees about $6-$11; 704-370-1177.