Angela A.
Yelp
Per Finley's Tap House website: "...is a contemporary interpretation of a gastro pub offering a casual dining atmosphere, beers on tap, craft cocktails and a hand crafted, fresh daily, beer inspired menu."
Per Google search results: "A gastropub is actually a combination of the words pub (short for "public house") and gastronomy (the study of the relationship between culture and food). Think of a gastropub as a, "restaurant in a pub."
This place seems pretty popular, it was packed when we arrived and there was a wait. I saw all the demographics here, just as you would within your neighborhood. So they nailed that local watering hole expectation. I have a feeling this place is bustling even more during warmer weather, as they have an outdoor patio area too.
Upon being sat, I noticed there was a quite a bit of debris on the floor and I had to dodge a few tater tots. I mean, we all drop stuff but it looked unprofessional. The vibe reminded me of a self-taught interior designer from the '90's who could not relinquish control and allow the more contemporary designer to do their thing. BRICK RED ALERT! BRICK RED ALERT! Brick red is not trending and no one told Midwesterners; as they are still doing accent walls too. Also, the other walls were mustard yellow (if memory serves). Then we have those generic canvas pictures on the wall. Beer taps in foreground? Heck yeah. Wine glass in foreground? Probably. Carpet? No!!! Let the contemporary designer continue ripping out the carpet and adding in wood floors that match what is around the bar. Let's keep going with the natural looking rock walls and built in fireplaces. While we're talking about updates, let's drop the cocktail menu cleverly named after Queen songs. Are we having a good time?
Now you may be saying, "Ang, we've seen you go on about clever menu descriptions and puns. What gives?" Sometimes, when it's sprinkled here and there it is clever. With everything else feeling outdated, this just added to the body of evidence. There's a difference.
Okay. Where was I? So the appetizer of cheese curds with sriracha aioli was ordered. The presentation was cool (served in a mini fry basket) and it tasted on point. Yet, the size was surprisingly small. I'm looking at the appetizer, thinking about the $14 price, trying not to chuckle at the absurdity, while listening to my husband encourage me to just enjoy the food. Yeah, he was right but that was not the serving size I expected.
I ordered a Cesar Salad to balance out the deep fried cheese curds and paid around $14 for that too. Meat options were available for an up charge of $3-$5. What?!
Now here is where I grab my soapbox. How can you serve a meatless salad and charge the same as a burger with a side? If I order a burger without the bacon, why don't I get a price reduction? If you offer vegetarian options, why don't you add in a creative side so the price feels justified. I'm kind of tired of paying the overhead for the entire restaurant. I'm eating salad folks. Up charge the carnivores so they can pay their fair share.
I'm so annoyed at this point. This isn't just an issue with this place, it's most places! Just balance the perceived value. Most people will not pay $20 and $4.99 in shipping and handling. However, they will pay $24.99 with free shipping. Same with the menu. Burgers should cost more than a basic salad.
Now I'm just complaining. Sorry! Overall, it was an average experience. Pub food should feel inexpensive and if it's not, the value needs to be upped. I would probably go back if I was with others who really liked this place. On my own accord, probs not. I'd give it at 3.5 but Yelp still isn't doing halfsies.