Fran M.
Yelp
This was my first visit! I came on a Tuesday night for happy hour with friends.
They open at 5. We had a reservation for 5:15, and the place was quiet for Tuesday. We had choice of inside or outside patio with view! It was too hot to be out, but inside was good.
We each ordered small plates to share. I got the grilled artichokes with beet salad, ricotta cheese, and crostini; and tomato salad with balsamic, fresh basil, corn, and fresh mozzarella. Each were excellent! So delicious!
One friend ordered the jerk fries, which came with two dipping sauces and were good - hot, crisp on outside and soft on inside.
The other friend ordered the mushroom ginger dumplings, which also came with a dipping sauce. They were ok (my least favorite, because the dough was thicker and tougher than I'd like).
My specialty cocktail was wonderful! I ordered the "Paradise Lost" with Basil Hayden's Bourbon, Yzaguirre Dry Vermouth, Broad Bent Rainwater Madeira, Brown Turkey Fig Leaf Syrup, and Lime Juice. It was a bit pricey (more eek) for the small glass I got at $15. But it was splurge with the girls night - so what the heck.
Overall the food menu was small, and a bit pricey for a $$ rating on Yelp IMO. I ordered pomodoro to go - it was $23. It wasn't a huge portion or the best I've ever had. I don't know that I would order it again. I thought I might get bread or crostini for that $23. Nope. It came with just the pasta, sauce, some basil pesto on top, and grated cheese. So I was disappointed when I got home and checked out my to go order (it was a good individual serving size, but just not for $23). The happy hour small plates we ordered ranged in price $14-$18 each.
The service was great. The staff were super friendly and helpful in ordering advice when asked. They also provided a half mocktail drink for a friend who wanted a smaller serving.
The atmosphere is cool -- old industrial space turned classy, yet not snobby. The bar area is fun. The lighting fixtures are beautiful. I love the patio area with its view and string lights hanging above. I bet it's a great spot at night! The feel of the place on that Tuesday night was casual, laid back, not pretentious, cool. It was perfect for our girls happy hour to catch up!
There is ample parking with free street and a parking lot right there. The Bellweather is on the third floor -- and it felt a bit like a hidden treasure to wind your way to find where they were in the building! Easy to find with the directional signs, but still almost like you were journeying to a semi-hidden spot as you walked along curved corridors and through various doors!
I hovered between 3 and 4 stars... I'll giving it 5 for service and atmosphere; 3+ for food, and 3 for pricing / portions. So 4 overall.
I'll be back. Although, prices are a bit of a splurge for my pocket book. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, and their menu items were unique and made me want to try more. All the food was good to really great tasting. The wait staff were very friendly and provided excellent service. So while it's not going to be a spot I visit often, it will be a special night out -- or brunch! - for me.