I am on the email list for Marty's Market events and the latest emails have highlighted their HH specials. Enticing enough that a friend and I stopped in on a Wednesday evening around 5:30. The Happy hour special includes $3 beer, $5 wine and half off the bar menu. I am drawn to places that include food in their HH specials. Their drink menu isn't elaborate but they have something for everyone. I opted for Jack's pear cider because it's the only gluten free "beer" option and it is locally sourced. My friend opted for Little Brown Ale and Chocolate Stout. FYI-Their drinks only come in bottles so you are unable to taste any before you order. I hope to see Marty's expand their cider selection in the future. Hint: Arsenal Cider house is local and delicious!
Off of the bar menu, there were vegetarian/vegan and gluten free items noted but none that were both gluten free and vegan. I switched over to the dinner menu and ordered a side of roasted winter vegetables (beets & squash) My friend opted for the cheese and meat plate from the bar menu. The food was served relatively quickly. My roasted vegetables were diced and delicately seasoned. I could still taste the natural flavor of the beets and squash. My friend's plate came slivers of the meat and cheese listed on the menu, a large serving of mustard seeds and grilled bread. She had no complaints about the flavor but we both agreed that the portions were too small. She didn't have enough on her plate to pair with the mustard seeds, even with the grilled bread. I finished my side of vegetables in a few bites. I don't know if portions are down sized during HH to compensate cutting the cost or if they are always that size. Either way, we didn't feel that the quality of the food made up for the portion size.
Our waitress was very pleasant and attentive and the bar/seating area has a cozy feel. I love the look of the exposed kitchen and the option to shop in the store once you're done eating. Outside of my dining experience, I have been to Marty's for groceries and always found what I needed at a decent price. They have unique health food items so it's easy for me to find gluten free & vegan friendly options. Moving forward, I will continue to shop at Marty's for groceries and perhaps I'll try their dinner one evening. The full menu looked awesome. For HH, however, I will venture to places where I get more bang for my buck.