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| - I often have to remind myself while eating dinner here that I'm dining at a bar, because you would never believe it to be true by taste alone.
We had a super bummer experience during their soft opening, but gave them another shot and I am so very glad we did. We've eaten here four times now and they've never once let us down. The staff are incredibly friendly, and make it feel less like a transaction, but more of a conversation. Regardless of whether you sit at the bar, the dining area, or the smoke-free restaurant room - you are taken care of.
We're steadily making it through the entire menu, but here are some thoughts.
Appetizers: Get the Turkey Stuffing Balls. These little morsels of fried perfection are Thanksgiving in a bite, with the most delicious cranberry gelee you've ever experienced. The nachos are....nachos - but made with housemade tortilla chips which make them a bit better. The fried mashed potato balls are fun! Perfectly salted with melty cheese inside - and the smashed potatoes still have their skins, so once you crunch into it's perfectly fried shell, you're in carb-heaven.
Soups: Tomato Basil - if this is on the menu then you don't need to worry about anything else. My tastebuds dream of this soup weekly. The broth is perfectly seasoned with fresh herbs and feature finely diced tomatoes which make it impossible to not giggle with excitement about. Chicken Noodle - imagine Campbells chicken noodle, but no preservatives, boosted flavor, actual chicken, and no sodium overdose. It's mmm mmm good. Chicken Tortilla - whooooo this one has a kick. Black beans and shredded chicken in a delicious, spicy broth. I added some saltines to this to take down the heat, and I didn't want the bowl to end.
Dessert: I've only had one, and it was the brownie sundae I shared with the husband on valentine's day. This was awesome! I'm not usually a fan of this type of thing, but who can say no to a warm, fudgy fresh brownie with a huge scoop of french vanilla ice cream and whipped cream all drizzled with chocolate and caramel sauces? Not me, #obvi.
Entrees:
- Beef Tips. GET THEM. Perfectly seared, gravy on point, honey drizzled carrots on top of a delicious mashed potato? UM, YES.
- Fish & Chips. I've had better. Beer battered, a bit dry, but tasty none-the-less.
-Fried Chicken & a Biscuit. Holy crap. This is amazing. Two drums and a boneless breast freshly battered and fried, PERFECTLY seasoned. Potato medley was sweet, rustic and red under a delightful bed of bacon-speckled spinach...and let's not forget about the buttermilk biscuit. hot damn. Oh yeah, and it's all drizzled with honey. GAHHHHH!!!
- Philly Cheesesteak was everything you hope it will be - a beautifully balanced sandwich to serve all of your East Coast needs with ease. This was served with sweet potato fries - a great choice.
- French Dip. I was not ready for this. It was my husband's meal the night I got the Beef Tips, and I almost wrestled him for a second bit. This beautiful beast lingers on my tastebuds still to this day. I will have you again, oh yes - I will.
Our friend got the burger with the cheese in the middle. He's that one friend that searches the world over for the perfect burger and will never be satisfied. He friggin' LOVED this burger. ...so there's that.
The drink selection is great. I've enjoyed the Pinot Noir and Cab - my husband has been making his way through the whiskey creations. The first night we asked for an Old Fashioned and the bar tender referred to her drink list and then made him an Old Grandad - which is definitely not what he wanted - but he's since ordered it again, so apprently it went well.
The placement of bar taps is confusing and a bit frustrating, as the bar staff are super friendly and it's impossible to hold a conversation with them in your direct eyeline.
The decor is great. It's bold and defining without being obnoxious. Thumbs up. :)
Congrats, Distill! You opened up less than a mile from our home, and blow us away everytime - so now you're stuck with us!
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