Was here on 5/4/17 prior to going to the movies. I actually tried the Yard House but they were packed. I read about this establishment in December and that they would open mid-March. I was intrigued as I love craft beer, bowling and live close by.
The initial appearance was good, plenty of space and a clean design. Despite ample staff they seemed unprepared for the rush of customers that would soon befall them. They lacked communication and the food runners didn't know the table numbers and had to be redirected by servers or bartenders. My sever bore the title of "trainer" but when asked simple questions like "do you have a wheat beer or a porter or stout?" He admitted that he wasn't 21 yet and didn't know what any of that meant. Later I found out that the brewery portion of the establishment was not operational and only canned and bottle beers were available. Disappointment is an understatement.
The manager Pete stopped by to ask how things were going and was receptive to feedback. He offered to take an appetizer off our bill for providing feedback which was much appreciated.
I used the restroom which was inconvenient to get to because of the layout and could definitely see problems on busy nights as the only hallway that has access to the bathrooms intersects with the door leading to the kitchen and the line; collisions are bound to occur. The bathrooms were set up nicely but with only two hand dryers and no towels, it doesn't encourage hand washing by patrons.
The food was typical fare and was completely adequate. Despite the promise of flavorful combinations, the mac and cheese bites and pork BBQ sliders were quite standard and uninspiring. I understand this is not a fine dining establishment and more of an Applebee's with rental shoes, but some flavor was expected.
I'm not writing this place off yet as Pete explained this was just a soft opening and the official opening is scheduled for the end of the month with an appearance by the mayor and media.
That said, I found it disconcerting that a place that touts having a brewery opened its doors without one.
P.S. I received my bill with the appetizer that Pete said he would comp, still on it. I paid in full and informed the server that if he reminded Pete that he promised to take it off the bill, he would have another $4.50 (on top of my 15% tip) for himself.