Agate Alley's Laboratory

I liked the food, I liked the happy hour prices, I loved the drinks, but I prefer the setting of Agate Alley Bistro. A great place to go on Sunday's though. It's happy hour all day and they have some grood small bites on the happy hour menu.

So yeah,,,,   Thought I would take my wife out on our romantic Valentines Day date to a place we had never been.  About that,,  I made reservations for 745.   We got there at 7 and mentioned to the hostess we would just sit at the bar until table was ready. She said, " I think I can get u a table now".  Then she disappeared , returned and said, " it will be a few minutes". We went  to the bar and had a drink. The bartender was awesome.  

Other customers came in and were seated before us as 745 came and went. Yes, we were finally seated!  We were escorted into a banquet room that was cold in temp. As well as atmosphere.   I ordered the steak special, medium rare. I am still chewing that first bite! Ugh !  Very dry and tough, more jerky than a prime cut of meat! My wife ordered the ravioli, the waitress informed her that they were huge pieces of ravioli, so the half order would be plenty. When it came out, it was regular sized and burnt!

So,,,  good thing I got my wife a nice gift and lots of roses, otherwise night would have been really ugly. I guess I now know why I haven't heard of this place, which is right i down the street.  If u just want a good drink , head on down. Just steer clear of the gymnasium / cafeteria ambiance! The lunch line lady is into over cooked food and  sexy hair nets!

I think the best parts of the 'Lab include their location and their bar area. Case in point: I went here for my birthday a year ago, and they forgot about our party of TWELVE (upstairs) multiple times--so be forewarned.

On my last trip, though, we sat at a booth in the bar and had top-notch service. Pints and wells are $3 for three whole hours (3 - 6). The bar snacks are sort of 'fusion gone wild,' but there is a commitment to source organically and sustainably when possible. I've been eyeing up their brunch menu recently, too. Ever since Three Square left, Southtown(e) just ain't been the same. Will update this review accordingly if I do get there for morning eating anytime soon.