Steve S.
Yelp
This was our second experience at Hillside, and it was not good.
This review is 80% based on the fish and chips ($13.50) order that Jamie and I shared for a quick bite tonight (about 7:30pm on Wed, 9/25).
The place was busy when we got there, with two tables open inside and about half the patio occupied- business is still good here.
Now, about the fish and chips:
- #1, first and foremost, do not order this here, ever
- #2, crispy batter out-volumes the fish by a factor of 2-3, disappointing and borderline criminal for a premium priced bar entree
- #3, the oil used to fry the fish in was dirty and rancid, and should have been changed last night, if not earlier
- #4, fries were fresh and crispy, but tragically grossly oversalted.
- #5, jalapeno tartar sauce was fresh and creamy, with no signs of jalapeno whatsoever
Based on our experience tonight, I fear that a cost accounting mentality has taken over here, sacrificing quality and quantity for the sheer capitalistic goal of maximizing profits. It is possible (but highly doubtful) that we just ordered the wrong dish at the wrong time, tonight, so with that I offer a small crease of a potential "excuse" for this very popular, relatively highly rated establishment.
Next time (later vs sooner, based on tonight), we will stick with known and proven entrees of chicken lettuce wraps and a double cheeseburger. If you want fish and chips, go somewhere else like Old Monk, who serves a good quality, good value local option for this gastropub cornerstone dish.