Jeff B.
Yelp
(Dined 07/11/23 TU @ 6:30pm): I would counter that a bobwhite was a quail and not a chicken!
An afternoon of drinking and only pretzel bites at 902 Brewing Co. led us to Bobwhite Counter for some real sustenance before we headed home. This location was close to my friend's work, and she highly-recommended it. I was always down for fried chicken and Cajun Southern cuisine, so she didn't have to twist my arm. Would this chicken counter be exactly what we needed!?
PURCHASE
Poland Spring Water 16.9floz Bottle ($1.79): We were parched after our beer-drinking afternoon. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=H74yKqexrVEpkbZuf05TiQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Boylan Bottling Co. Root Beer 12floz Bottle ($3.69): One of my favorite root beer brands, I simply had to have this with my meal. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=duhunOvcGqz3vR6Zn6b2UQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Raspberry Iced Tea 16floz Cup ($3.19): Freshly-brewed, semi-sweet, and refreshing. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=kKwhHzZrrKk_YFscxELL1A&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Lemonade 16floz Cup ($4.49): Homemade lip-smacking semi-tart goodness. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=uMJt-KPXBoLIKYJVU7oXZQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Chicken, Pickle, & Ranch Biscuit ($5.79): A simple tasty slider-sized morsel that lacked much of the included ingredients. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=czipBBC6qbg3XxGZAqlq-g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Spicy Chicken Sandwich ($8.39): Made with bread & butter pickles and mayo on a toasted roll, this lacked in spiciness and portion size which left me truly disappointed. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=LUPpJZ8UV4BbwN3GdVZDCw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Biscuit ($1.19): Homemade, buttery, and flaky... give me more, please. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=D6MaeHMRpR-pX0E2PsQ5vw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Blackeyed Peas, Collards, & Tomatoes ($4.59): A hint of good Cajun dirty spiciness, I only wished it was a bigger portion for the price. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jTQ_BX4QiW-9dQ__MsbtFQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Mac 'N Cheese ($4.99): Baked corkscrew pasta with a ton of cheese and some burnt bits, this was lovely but pricey. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Q6fkXJRiPxwCcjL2aJvE9w&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
Chocolate Brownie ($4.69): Housemade and soft that it dissolved in your mouth. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=kuDV1g4Djc9ccTiyf17pDw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
SERVICE
We were immediately greeted by a young man behind the counter who was ready for our order. I had to review the menu for a bit but eventually ordered like a starving lunatic. Minutes later, my number was called, I collected our bagged order, and easily found a table outside where there wasn't any table service which was fine. The service was straightforward - all was good!
PARKING (Varied: N/A this instance)
We took the light rail to the Essex St. stop and walked about 10 minutes through the waterfront area. They had no onsite lot. Otherwise, there appeared to be limited spots along the main drag of Warren St. and nearby surrounding side streets; take public transportation - 'nuff said.
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
An open clean space https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=snEPFXZGq88OdjaQMpSo6g&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw with the feel that you were either in a kitchen or waiting room with the pronounced tiling, there were several legible menus hung on the wall behind the counter, several chairs/tables, and a row of low stools that bordered the counter. We opted for an outdoor sidewalk table. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large front glass windows and front door while a mix of soul-sucking fluorescent and hung electric ceiling lights filled in the rest. There were no TVs while smooth R&B music played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Hqt5lNW_kUXCaLFCWoUjhQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
I liked Bobwhite Counter and appreciated the Southern-style cuisine. However, generally speaking I felt the price/value comparison was off, I wished there were meal deals versus everything a la carte (unless I missed something). The menu was simple and streamlined with slight variations. The food and service were fine. And, whenever possible I liked to support small family-owned businesses. I found fairly good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $46.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 3.5 STARS