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| - I was so excited to try this place, as a lover of quality dining and an impassioned imbiber of all things bourbon. The reviews and word-of-mouth had reeled me in with promises that, sadly, may have worked against the actual experience. My review is a combination. In terms of atmosphere and cocktails, I'd go with a 4-star experience. I loved the drinks and the fact they attempt to keep it seasonal, and the overstuffed chairs in our top level seating, overlooking the massive wall of whiskey, added to the cool vibe (think dimly lit hipster lodge). The waitress was attentive, but almost too much so. I realize it's difficult to get reservations unless you plan ahead, so clearly they're busy, but it felt like she wanted us in and out as quickly as possible. She wasn't overtly rude, but it's just the impression I was left with.
Then comes the food. This is where I'd give only 2 stars. We tried the mac and cheese app (not my choice, but in a marriage, all things are compromise, even appalling appetizer decisions at an expensive restaurant). It was, by all accounts, mac and cheese. Nothing at all special about it, other than the four cheeses. But seriously, whose mac and cheese recipe doesn't call for multiple cheeses? Not impressed. Then came the pasta and fish entrees. My better half liked the pasta and was satisfied, because of course the base of the dish is a starch. For the tiny piece of fish I received, and the two gnocchi and small "pile" of greens that comprised the sides to round out the $30 entree, I left still feeling like I'd just had a snack before the real dinner. I'm well versed in how different price to portion is in a restaurant that values quality over quantity, as opposed to the gluttony of food you get in a chain restaurant. That being said, this stretched that way too much. I'm fine with not feeling "full"...a good meal should make you feel satisfied, not weighed down. But to still feel hungry is another story.
Long story short, I'd definitely go back for snacks and cocktails again in the future, but there are better restaurants in town at the same price point when it comes to the actual meal.
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