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| - Stopped in for the first time since Draft House vacated in November.
The bar itself is exactly the same (right down to the "Draft House" logo under the epoxy bar top), which is a good thing, because the facility itself has always been outstanding. Large, open, approachable and very well done. Love the upstairs patio. They took out the shuffleboard table, which is a wash since Draft House could never figure out you need more than 6 granules of sand to play. I'm sure the new owners couldn't be bothered...
Each bar that has come and gone over the years have had a few things in common. Namely, lackluster service, inexperienced management and a lack of focus. Seems that ____ Diesel (guess the city had enough of the "Cock", since it's covered up with a black trash bag on the sign now) is following that same formula.
Walked in here on a Saturday at 615 after happy hour pizza and beers at the very busy, almost totally packed Humble Pie across the street. How is ____ Diesel capitalizing on the spring training crowds? Well, if the 11 other people at the bar were any indication, not at all. We ordered a $6.50 Greenflash and some sort of cider from their pathetic beer list, which was somehow a step down from Draft House. No afternoon food or drink specials like their competition up and down 83rd Ave. Instead, they charge full freight Yardhouse prices without the depth of brews or quality of menu to back it up. The amazing specials Draft House ran were the only reason I would ever put up with the dismal service, and it appears they aren't even willing to go that far nowadays.
However, the service was a notch better than Draft House generally averaged (I give that the 2nd star), but I doubt you'd see the same people behind the bar if you ever came back again. Still unenthusiastic and pretty slow behind the bar.
I love the upstairs patio, and the weather would be perfect to enjoy a few beers up top, if they still had tables and chairs up there, along with reasonably priced drinks...
It was oddly silent throughout the bar while we were there. I'm not sure how it is now at night there, but I have a feeling the scene isn't for me.
Will something ever stick here? Doubtful, and unfortunately ____ Diesel is likely to follow the same fate as Draft House, 3rd Place (?) and McDuffys.
I won't be back.
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