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| - After a very enjoyable Yelp tasting event at Next Door, I was excited to come back and brings my girlfriend and friends along. Unfortunately, the food didn't even come close to measuring up to what I experienced before (with the exception of the cheese curds). The cheese curds, amazing liquid orbs of muenster cheese with a light breading, have to be some of the best in Madison. These alone are worth making the drive for. So where did Next Door stumble? First, they charge for samples (almost $2 for a small pour). It's their prerogative to charge but when the waitress doesn't make mention of this, it is a shady oversight. Quite honestly, why charge at all? Are people really trying to take advantage and order 12 samples to avoid buying a beer? For a small brewery trying to expand it's clientele, I think this is a huge mistake. They should encourage their customers to try their beers and build up their fan base.
The second miss was their version of Banh Mi. It is no secret that like Mikey in the old Life Cereal commercials, "I will eat anything" but the Banh Mi stopped me in my tracks. Swapping out a chicken liver pate (vs a more traditional pork pate), the sandwich was a mushy mixture that had a taste that was reminiscent of the smell of cat food. I took one bite and put it down. I give credit to the waitress for noticing and asking if I wanted something else. I don't give her credit for removing one sandwich charge only to replace it with my second order. I thought this was bush league.
Overall, a disappointing night. With the amount of restaurant choices out there, I can't recommend Next Door due to their inconsistencies. Why risk a crummy meal when there are so many other places that bring quality food and service day in and day out?
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