Redifining

Everyone knows U2. And just about everyone is familiar with the band's famous album Joshua Tree. However, what most people don't know is that there is a lot more to Joshua Tree than just great music. The Joshua Tree, a restaurant of the same name located in Davis Square, is pretty much the best all-around eatery in the Davis area.

Known for its versatility, Joshua Tree has been a favorite of Tufts students for years and years. The exterior looks like all of the other places in Davis Square, with its big-lettered sign and big windows _ that's about it. The interior, however, is more modern that one might expect from only seeing the outside. Once inside, you will notice a totally different atmosphere compared to the surrounding restaurants and shops. It is more fashionable and modern, with wood and steel as the prime surface materials. The lighting is warm and subtle.

The versatility that makes up a large part of Joshua Tree's reputation is based on the idea that the eatery can serve three unique purposes: either a bar, restaurant, or take-out joint. The bar itself has just about everything, including a whopping 32 beers on tap. (Where else, especially in the immediate area, has such a huge beer selection?)

But the versatility does not stop there. The dishes themselves are the other reason for Joshua Tree's undeniable success. At first, one must admit, the menu looks like your typical, generic, wannabe success-story restaurant. And while Joshua Tree does admittedly fall into the "American Bar and Grill" category, with options ranging from clam chowder to burgers to burritos, each item on the menu is top of the line for Joshua Tree's stereotypical selection.

The appetizers are sure to get you in the mood. The menu includes an array of traditional noshing favorites. Basically, you can get just about anything you can think of that involves some sort of salsa. In colder weather, a cup of French onion soup is the perfect way to warm up _ it is a gentle combination of beef broth and onions, topped with a layer of melted Swiss cheese.

As for entrees, the usual favorites at Joshua Tree include quesadillas, burgers, and fries. While the buffalo burger tastes no different than your usual burger fare, the burgers in general are absolutely phenomenal. There are more unique dishes, such as the "mojo roast pork loin," which is grilled and sliced into thin pieces and served with a smidgeon of strong lime and some crinkle-cut sweet-potato fries, which costs about $12. For the same price, you can go Mexican and order a hearty chimichanga. Available in both chicken and beef varieties, this enormous fried burrito comes with a side of rice and beans. While it rates disappointingly mild on the spice scale, it is tasty and satisfying nonetheless.

At Joshua Tree, you will find something for everyone in your party, whether you are alone, on a date, or with a large group of your friends. On top of it all, you won't spend much more than $18 per person, if even that much. Be forewarned, however, that ordering drinks at Joshua Tree is pricey, and can easily add $10 to your tab.

In addition to great dining and drinking, Joshua Tree provides live entertainment as well. There is a lounge area that is separate from the sit-down, restaurant area. The music, usually played by local bands, is as good as the food, and tends to suit the mood and ambience of the place _ fun, chill, energetic, and enjoyable.

This can also be Joshua Tree's weakness, however. While the music is good, the service above average, and the food better than most, the acoustics of the restaurant do not help much in the area of personal conversation. At times it can be so loud that any attempt at intimate conversation is futile. So, if you are planning on that date, you may want to make it earlier in the evening, perhaps before catching a flick at the Somerville Theatre. Maybe that date should be for a Wednesday evening. Thursdays will vary, depending on what time you arrive (you should get there about 8 p.m., since the place fills up by 9 p.m.). As for Friday and Saturday nights, forget it, unless you want to try a lunch-date. Joshua Tree is open from 11 am until 10 p.m., and the bar stays open until 1 AM. In other words, the Joshua Tree is open exactly when most college students would want to attend.

Joshua Tree is definitely a place to be experienced by all Tufts students, and multiple times. If you have another place in mind, keep Joshua Tree as your "Plan B" as it will not ever seem like a bad option.