rev:text
| - We came here for an early dinner before a hockey game and had a mixed experience that I would give 3.5 stars. The place was pretty empty because it was so early, so getting a table wasn't a problem. I loved the lighting and the overall feel of the place, but it was really chilly inside and the music was too loud for the number of people there.
They no longer carry any of the meads they had listed on their drink menu, so we started off with beer and scarlet margaritas which were both good. We split an order of the Kentucky bourbon barrel onion rings and the small order of duck fat popcorn. Both were tasty, but I think the onion rings blew away the popcorn. They were so big that they looked like cruller doughnuts. The batter was crisp and the onion inside was thick and almost meaty. They came with a spicy mayo dipping sauce. I would seriously come back to sit at the bar and order just these, but onion rings are probably my number one guilty pleasure.
Our dinner orders included the Amish chicken and waffles and the Dr. Pepper braised pork shank. The chicken and waffles was okay, but I thought the chicken was dry and the waffle tasted a little like burnt oil. Something was just slightly off about the flavor. The pork shank, however, was delicious...the meat fell off the bone and the sauce was flavorful.
Our service was really disappointing. The host came off as arrogant instead of welcoming. Our server was attentive when we arrived...quick with water and drinks...but after our appetizers arrived, we barely saw her. Our drinks were empty for at least 15 minutes and our empty appetizers plates were still on the table even after we'd paid the bill. Given the prices at Oak Barrel, I kind of expected more from the experience. Those onion rings, though...
|