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| - A few years ago, they had a great shrimp po boy and a French dip sandwich that was rather impressive for a bar. After a recent visit, it looks like ownership has changed. A change in ownership can mean two things: things will be better or things will go downhill. Whether a change in ownership occurred or not, I'm sad to say that Hambone's has gone downhill.
Our server, who could've possibly been the owner (and the only staff member working that Friday night) started by asking, "Have you been here before?" We said, "Yes." She replied, "And you came back?" Not quite the response we were expecting. She continued to explain that the menu has changed and that she cooks everything herself so therefore, everything is delicious. Such confidence that woman had. But hey, there's nothing wrong with confidence so we left it up to the food to speak for that bold statement.
We ordered the buffalo chicken dip, pulled pork sandwich and shrimp po boy. The buffalo chicken dip was edible, but not all too great. Honestly, you can make a better-tasting one at home and it would be quicker too (which I'll explain more in a little bit). The pulled pork wasn't bad, but wasn't great either. There just wasn't anything special that you can't throw together yourself in the crockpot. And finally the shrimp po boy. I was excited for this sandwich but it just wasn't the same as what I remembered. Something was different and I can't seem to really put my finger on what that difference was. The shrimp was soggy and the fries use to be fresh cut. During this visit, they were the frozen kind you can find at any old bar. What a bummer to cut corners like that: to replace fresh with frozen. I'm hoping that that was just a one-time thing.
As far as the service goes, there was just one do-it-all person working the dining room that night so needless to say, service was agonizingly slow. In the time it took for us to get waited on, to get menus, then to actually order, and then to receive our appetizer (the buffalo chicken dip), you might as well save some time and spend 35 minutes making it at home.
If you know me, I always love a divey hidden gem, but with below average bar food, a cocky employee, understaffing and slow service, I regret to say I probably won't be back.
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