There is an incredible amount of potential here but the menu needs a lot of work.
Stopped in earlier in the week for lunch. The service was fantastic considering they just opened and the few of their beers we had were good but not great.
Before I get to the food itself, the number of menus we were given was unecessary at best and confusing at worst. Food menu with front and back, specials menu, beer list, and a cocktail list with a seperate (outdated) beer list on the back covered in fine print options. Four menus with a contradictory beer list is a little overwhelming. I understand that printing new beer lists is expensive every time the drafts change but it's better than presenting guests with a seperate updated list.
The food itself was a little disappointing considering the chefs previous work with Pub Frato. The brisket in the Fork and Knife Brisket sandwich was so finely chopped it was mush, and the cheese fondue it was topped with didn't help. The whole sandwich had the same texture as mashed potatoes on a bun. It tasted okay (just okay) but I didn't expect a brisket sandwich to look like it had been served with a ladel.
My wife ordered the braised portobello sandwich. While it's a very vegetarian friendly menu, the sandwich itself was just.... food. It was good but not great. If you go to Ocharleys and order a Philly cheese steak without the meat, you get the exact same sandwich.
I read in an article that the owners wanted to make sure their place didn't come off too pretentious in the blue collar Willoughby. While it's a smart thing to be aware of, serving the fries in an overturned paper cup on Brim monogrammed plates is a silly misstep. It doesn't make the plate more approachable, it just looks out of place.
Overall it's a lovely building and a great addition to downtown Willoughby. With a little tweaking to the food and presentation, it will be a place my wife and I will be excited to frequent.