December 6, 2011
Ambiance: Ok. Decor is fine, but it’s a little bright and the tables are a little close together for private conversation. There is an upper level, a large bar, and the pastry kitchen is basically wide open, so that’s pretty cool. Service: Went twice. Both times, even though we had reserves, we had to wait 10-20 minutes for a table. Not a huge deal, and you know it’s a good sign when a place is this busy. First time, waiter was great. Second time, waiter was nice but forgot a couple of items and had to be reminded. Selection: This is clearly one of those newer restaurants where the owner/management is in touch with the craft beer market and wants to serve good stuff to go along with their menu. They have a rotating taps for seasonals from Sierra Nevada, Flying Dog, Victory, and others, as well as taps for an ’IPA of the Day’ and a ’White of the Day’. Not bad. Their bottle/can selection isn’t huge, but it’s solid: Allagash, Oskar Blues, 21st Amendment, Smaltz, North Coast, etc. Food: Ok, HOLY CRAP. This place serves AMAZING food. I would eat here 3 times a day and have to get around in a motorized scooter. First time we went I got the farmer’s pitchfork (candied bacon and homemade tater tots on skewers), the butcher’s plate (chili dog, mini cheeseburger, ribs), and their seasonal bread pudding. My wife got their popcorn of the day (yes, they have this: awesome), a perfect gnocchi over beef ragu, and housemade sorbet. Second time we went was for brunch. DO THIS. DO IT NOW. Red velvet pancakes, bacon a la carte (three huge slabs, choose from 1 of 4 house glazes), house-made beignets. RIDICULOUS. Value: On the pricy side, as you’d expect. The dinner trip came to $90 for both of us (1 cocktail, 3 beers, 2 apps, 2 entrees, 2 desserts); brunch was $65 (1 champagne, 2 beers, 1 app, 2 orders of pancakes (hers were carrot cake), bacon, hashbrowns, beignets). Overall: The food is wonderful, and the beer list isn’t an afterthought. This is the kind of place to go often, if you can afford it and can go during off peak hours.