Dog Disappointing

Reviewer: Chris

Original Review Date: 08/31/2007

Rating: 0/+3(Ho hum)

Wow, based on the reviews I had read elsewhere (or maybe I imagined them, I'll have to track them down*), I was really disappointed when I finally figured out how to get into this place. It's kind of a weird location, inside the Burnet Road farmer's market "quadrangle", sort of behind Brentwood Tavern.

First impression was not favorable--the "ambiance" is far from inviting. Kind of a grungy smallish (though with a tall ceiling) single-open-room interior, with a few mismatched tables and chairs, and unpleasant music playing. The type of music often heard at Thundercloud Subs--annoying grating alternative fare. It was too loud, and was not conducive to a pleasant dining experience. So we opted to eat on one of the bare picnic tables out front.

The food was not bad, but was nothing special. The burger was dry. Chili dog was ok. Fries were ok. I liked the onion rings best. They are the beer batter variety and had a good flavor, but were too greasy (could have used a swabbing). But overall, nothing special in the whole offering. One odd practice that was not well received by my dining partner who had the chili dog is that they apply the mustard and ketchup to your dogs for you. So the chili dog came out with mustard on it. They do have a little condiment bar where you can add your own, but for some reason they feel a need to dress the dogs for you, which may not always be to your liking.

The grunge factor kind of hung over the whole experience. My plastic burger basket had some dried mustard and ketchup on the edge, from a previous diner. The interior of the place just felt kind of filthy, in a Hill-Bert's kind of way. The flies that joined us for lunch did not help the overall impression. The space was not at all inviting to me, either inside or out.

Then there was the service issue. The order-taking-gal was nice and did her job well, but there was only one of her at the counter. I don't know if this is the norm, but it led to an extended wait when I went inside to get a side of mayo to moisten up my too-dry burger. There were two people in front of me ordering, and I had to wait until the order-taking-gal freed up just to get my mayo, which she did in a prompt and professional manner once I was able to have my turn. But I did not enjoy standing and waiting.

The other issue, which is not really of concern to the working person looking for lunch (the focus of this site), is that they do not have any specific kid-friendly meals, nor any milk, two things that are helpful when dining with children, which was the case for me today. You can of course just order stuff off the menu for the kiddos, which we did, but it seems more accommodating when there are specific kid meals listed.

I sadly saw no reason to return. I really had high hopes for this place.

* Praise here