Scott W
Google
We were downtown for an event across the street at the Baird Center. It was lunchtime and we needed something close by that we could walk to. This place is literally right across the street, so it was a perfect option. There were six of us, all with different appetites and preferences.
Food:
Our group ordered a variety of items including a pastrami sandwich, tomato soup, chicken wings, grilled cheese, and I got the chopped salad. It didn’t take long for the food to arrive. Temperatures were right. Hot items were hot and cold items were cold. Portions were also good.
Reviews on the food were mixed. The standout of the lunch seemed to be the tomato soup and grilled cheese. The cheese was nicely melted and the added avocado brought a nice flavor to the sandwich. I thought the grilled cheese was good, but it could have used a little more butter and more grilling for deeper flavor and crispness.
The chicken wings were ordered buffalo style. The one wing I tried was a bit overcooked and tough, and several were left unfinished. My chopped salad was okay but not remarkable. It almost felt more like a “diced salad.” Everything was cut into very small pieces, including the bacon and chicken. A soup spoon might have been a better utensil than a fork.
Service:
The restaurant opens at 11:00, but the doors didn’t open until about 11:10. Not a big deal, but by then a small line had formed outside. Once we were seated, service was very good. Our server handled all the basics well, waters, menus, drinks, and food timing. They were pleasant and efficient, though not especially chatty or personable. We were not asked about dessert, which made me wonder if they even offer any.
Atmosphere:
The atmosphere is solid and very much feels like a pub. There are some interesting wall decorations tied to the beer industry. Seating works well for different group sizes. In the room where we sat, there were only two other groups and the acoustics were good. It was easy to have a conversation without raising voices.
Overall, a decent spot, especially if grilled cheese and tomato soup are what you are craving.