Christy K.
Yelp
This is a bar, not a restaurant -- and that distinction matters. If you're visiting from out of town or unfamiliar with the place, you might be misled. If you do want to call it a restaurant, think fast-food joint rather than a legit sit-down establishment.
Rating: (3 Stars) -- Points for effort on the festive decor and cold, fresh beer.
The Experience:
We visited on a Saturday afternoon. Upon entry, the lady at the bar simply yelled, "Open seating." That was the extent of the welcome. The setup felt chaotic -- signs indicated that you order at the bar and then find a seat, but the process wasn't clear. My boyfriend ordered at the bar after 5-10 minutes, yet while I was waiting, a staff member came by and asked if I wanted to order drinks. Confusing, to say the least.
The mixed signals were frustrating, and the lack of a warm greeting didn't help. The staff wore regular clothes and seemed to be trying to blend in, making it hard to tell who worked there and who didn't.
What We Ordered:
Shop Taco: I was excited to try the crispy tortilla (a rarity these days). Unfortunately, it was so greasy that oil dripped out when I picked it up. It tasted just like a Taco Bell crunchy taco -- not necessarily what I was hoping for.
Brisket Sandwich: Extremely dry and flavorless. The dominant taste was horseradish sauce, and if there was any BBQ sauce, it was undetectable.
BLT: The best of the bunch, but still lacking. The bacon was thick and difficult to chew, overwhelming the other flavors. The finely chopped lettuce was a nice touch, though.
Overall:
The experience was disappointing. Even as a bar, the service was dismal. The confusing ordering process, indifferent staff, and mediocre food didn't justify the prices, which were on par with regular restaurants. If they're going to charge full-service prices, they need to deliver full-service quality -- both in food and hospitality.
The serious lack of service and smile is interesting. This is more of a fast-food joint but their prices reflect a regular restaurant and food quality is very poor.