A step up from the Melrose Grille days. Last time I was here, it was the first week of the transition from the old Melrose to Driftwood's "Orchard House".
1) Service has become incredibly better. Melrose set the bar pretty low, but Orchard House is professional. Big improvement.
2) The space itself is awkward. Huge with few tables, it feels a bit like eating in an empty warehouse. This place needs a re-design to feel cozy.
3) The bar area is out front. No real life. I can't imagine a reason to choose this bar over any other. They might be better served flipping restaurant area over to the bar side and using the restaurant area as a bar/club that takes advantage of the view and space.
4) The food is much improved. Had the chicken fried steak and my friend had the fish fry. Both were very good. This is some of the best prepared food in the area.
5) The menu is strange. Is this comfort food? A barbecue joint? Figure it out, because you are confusing me. How about a seasonal farm to table menu? Because barbecue isn't going to pack them in. Or haven't you noticed?
6) The combined lack of ambience (while managing to waste the best view in NEO), and a menu without a clear continuity is going to kill this place. Signs of desperation are beginning to show. Specials being extended, the seasonal beer is STILL Christmas Ale (what bar with patrons still has this in near February), etc. Sad, because the food preparation and service issues have mostly been fixed.
With some tweaks and a sense of purpose, this could be a gem. But that would require more investment - so I won't hold my breath.