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| - Let's face it. This area of Glendale isn't really what anyone considers to be a culinary destination. In fact, when I first saw reviews of Rogue Tomato, I didn't really take them seriously. Standards in this neighborhood aren't really what I consider to be high. Initially, after putting them to the test a couple of times, I felt those positive reviews were completely justified. Unfortunately, it appears that after every visit, our opinion of them keeps dropping, which I mostly blame on inconsistencies with food preparation.
Their brunch, which impressed us at first, seems to be their biggest offender. Everything from undercooked pancakes that come out like mush, home fries that are soggy and old, and an unforgettable instance where they forgot to add cheese to my eggs and offered to nuke them in the microwave. Ugh! Even their jam, which at one point, tasted homemade and filled with chunks, is practically just fruity syrup now.
As for dinner: it's tough. The one (and only) time we ordered their Rogue Burger, it was excellent. In fact, I declared it one of the best we've found in Phoenix - so I wasn't surprised to see it pop up on a local critic's Top 25 burgers list recently. I'm glad that they can still deliver in this regard.
We did a Thanksgiving Dinner here once year to deviate from our usual choice, as well as Valentine's Day. Both were okay, although I believe a different chef was running the kitchen back then.
They put their carrot cake over pretty hard here. I'm not a fan of carrot cake regardless, but my girlfriend, who appreciates it more than I, definitely believes that it's one areas that they've really nailed down to a science. So kudos to them for their carrot cake, or at least for the one time we did try it.
Overall, I have mixed feelings on Rogue. The vibe and décor is incredibly cool and a welcoming addition to a bland neighborhood that desperately needs great restaurants. I like their live music and on a good day/night, their food can really deliver. But over time, with all of the inconsistencies with service and food quality, I think Rogue has gotten a bit too comfortable, which hopefully won't hurt them in the long run.
If the kitchen is firing on all cylinders, you'll be pleased. But my girlfriend and I have dined here enough times to accept that it's not always a guarantee.
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