John D.
Yelp
I've only been to Forman's Whiskey Tavern once for a dear friend's birthday party, and while it's not at all close to my local area, I can definitely imagine myself returning. I don't drink very often, and I'm on a strict diet, which is code for "I generally either need to scour a menu to find things I can eat or put in extra special modifications to get things to my liking." Fortunately for me (and the server/bartender), Forman's has a good number of items to please even the most discriminating diner!
Food: The food at Forman's is not your average bar food. This is quality food, masterfully crafted from quality ingredients. I enjoyed at least two orders of the grilled fish tacos as well as some Brussels sprouts. Those of you who follow my reviews know that if a restaurant has either of these items, it's a sure bet I will order them. Forman's has both, so you know it was chow time for me. The fish was moist, flaky, and best of all, piled HIGH. I'm in a constant state of hunger, so big servings of food I can eat are a sure way to my heart. Anna, my constant companion and wife, knows this, and once she say the gusto with which I attacked my first order of tacos, she surreptitiously ordered another plate for me. They didn't last long either. Like the tacos, the Brussels sprouts were delicious and well-prepared, the right combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
I mentioned that I rarely drink alcohol, so it was my great fortune that Forman's has a massive self-service water dispenser that is regularly refilled, but you can also order ice-water from the bar. I did both. More on that under "ambience."
Service: The service was terrific. We ordered at the bar, but the food was brought out by servers, who also made themselves available to handle refills and the like. Everyone with whom I interacted was polite and professional, each person with an easy conversational style. I appreciate the excellent and swift service, and I also like unobtrusive service. Forman's staff excel in both regards.
Ambience: Forman's has a terrific atmosphere. I'm not sure how to describe it, so I'm going to go with "Bavarian deep woods gastro pub chic:" lots of wood, steins, and other tchotchkes on every wall and ceiling. Very cool! There is plenty of seating, and for events, you can reserve tables. We had a reservation for 25 at a long table right in front of the bar. I could imagine Beowulf himself sitting at such a table in King Hrothgar's mead-hall.
I noted earlier that I took advantage of all the water, which naturally necessitated a trip to two tot eh restroom. Like the resto of Forman's, the restroom was clean and well-maintained.
I haven't been back to Forman's since my friend's birthday--this is her "local," as the Brits say--but I am already looking for an excuse to go back. All this talk of fish tacos has activated my appetite, so perhaps I'll make way way there again soon. Until then, give them a shot and let me know how you like it.