Pamela A.
Yelp
Goldie's opened about a month ago in LoSo, and like many new businesses it did really well on some things and was rough on others.
The high points first.
The people who greeted and served us were cheery and engaging, and the manager took pity on us in the heat and let us in a few minutes before official opening time. I appreciated their demeanor and willingness to offer suggestions about what to eat and drink. Everything was spotless, and though it features live music I suspect it'll be a great place to catch a football game this fall. Food-wise, the appetizers were very good, especially the pork rinds, and getting fried Oreos outside of a state fair was bonus material. I still regret not trying the pretzel bites...next time.
The not-bad but not-great included the prime rib sandwich, which with a small side was $20. It wasn't bad at all but it wasn't memorable, either. In value, quality and size it compared poorly with others in the area, especially Cheat's. The 4-Cheese Mac was...acceptable at best. Little disappointed it wasn't better, but probably good enough for people who don't think mac and cheese is the best food in the world (like I do).
The low point was definitely the Born in the USA sandwich, a soggy thing with Alabama BBQ rotisserie chicken and way too much cole slaw. My husband also found two bones (which he informed me about after we'd left, so I couldn't insist he return it). The supposedly tangy Alabama BBQ sauce was indistinguishable from plain mayo, so the result was pretty flavorless.
We also found it curious that a bar didn't have soft drinks on tap. Canned beverages only. A little thing but little things add up. Like no ketchup with the side of fries, and none offered. (Not a fries girl but c'mon. This is America. Ketchup with fries is de rigueur.) No napkins or eating implements with the appetizers and none to be seen for easy access...also kinda weird for a place without waitstaff.
Like I said, it's the little things.
So all in all, I can recommend Goldie's as a place to hang out, listen to music and get some snacks and drinks from their fairly extensive bar offerings. The place is appealing, the service dependable, but as a restaurant it hits square in the middle of the rankings. I'd give it a high three stars but I just can't bring myself to give it four stars, not with bones in the shredded chicken and horseradish sauce less horseradish-y than Arby's Horsey Sauce.
If you expect decent food and drinks in a sparkling new venue, Goldie's is fine. It's more music club and bar than eatery, and as long as that's what you're looking for, you won't be disappointed.
Your mileage may vary. But at the very least get the fried Oreos. :)