Vivian C.
Yelp
Okay, so I'm not normally a patron of bar centered establishments, so I'm not sure if the experience I had was normal or out of the norm for such places.
As I was in the area, I decided to stop at The Plough & Stars for a quick bite after work. It is located on a corner down the block from the Republik mentioned in another review. It is a rather small and narrow space with a bar set against the long inner wall, with perhaps 8 tables set around it along the exterior walls. A waitress told me to sit anywhere, so I jumped on to a stool along the bar.
There were at least 4 staff folk around, but getting anyone's attention was tough since it was noisy and they seemed to have friends enjoying their attention.
When I go out to eat at a non-counter type spot, I'm used to being started off with a menu and some water without needing to ask for them. Here, I had to ask for a menu. Then I had to work to get someone's attention in order to place my order, to get some water, to get my bill, and to pay/get change. Once I was able to get someone's attention each time though, the interaction was pleasant. And when my food arrived hot from the kitchen, I was quickly provided with a napkin and utensils, and a bottle of ketchup.
Turns out the night of my visit was a special circus night of some sort, so they had a shorter menu available (so no garlic green beans that I was hoping to try) and folks working on setting up a swing.
What I was able to order was the Cuban Sandwich $8.50 and an order of fries $5. They both arrived hot in paper serving baskets. The sandwich was tasty but a bit blackened along one edge (which I crumbled off), and perhaps a tad overpriced for what it was since it came with just a simple pickle and no fries or cole slaw or other some such side dish. The fries were a large portion, and would have been fine shared by 3. However they lacked an exterior crisp, so I didn't care for them, despite the special touch of the seasoning.
It is really 2.5 star from this first time experience, but I rounded up because a waitress helped me to get the attention of the fella who gave me the bill when she saw me holding the bill and the money expectantly while I was trying to get him to see me.
The ladies room was not the smallest I've ever been in, but it was rather closet-like. But I have to give props for the placement of the double-hook between the sink and the toilet.
*** 2/2018 live music experience ***
Plough & Star is a deep narrow space, yet it has a live music scene, with the band setting up in the far inner corner. Just plop yourself somewhere on the bench against the wall or at a seat at one of the tables, order a beer at the bar, and enjoy. The kitchen closes at 9:30pm or so, so pre-eat or arrive early accordingly.
"All shows are 21+. Sun-Thurs shows are free. Fri/Sat shows are a $5 cover."
Calendar - https://www.ploughandstars.com/calendar/