The Bridge Wine Bar and Restaurant

Cute location, loved the railroad nearby.  Good effort overall.  But there was a smoke fire and I had to leave my salmon and they did not say sorry or offer anything.  Poor move.  Also, how many cooks do you need in the kitchen?

Probably the most fancy place to eat in Pocatello, however the menu hasn't changed in a LONG time! The bartenders are very good and personable, and they have drink specials and a happy hour! Entres are a little expensive on the menu, but the horderves are filling at a better price point.

Show me the service!

It's very hard to find a restaurant in Pocatello that can cook you a fresh (non-frozen) chef inspired meal.  When combined with good service, dinner can be a very enjoyable experience, and one that is worth paying for!  I like to ask myself, "how could I could create the same plate at home?," after enjoying a great meal.  In this case, I don't think I would try to re-create what I ate there.  In addition, I do not enjoy paying full price for food that was prepared days earlier and re-heated.  (Chillis or Applebees doesn't even do that)  That is the impression I was left with when I left the Bridge last night.  Let me explain...I have visited The Bridge two times in the last 10 days.  I left the first time I left content but unsure if what I had just experienced was an accident or the standard.  The food was above average for Pocatello, however the service did not match the cost or environment.  Sometimes, I have to wonder if the waiters take less care of customers who are not drinking alcohol.  Maybe, maybe not, but last night (my return visit) the thought did cross my mind.   After waiting an hour for our dinner (without so much as a comment from our waiter) the food had arrived!  That is good, because I do have an hour limit before moving on.  What was interesting was they were not busy.  A Tuesday evening, after 8:00p.m. should not be a problem to prepare three plates.  The plating was excellent for both visits.  However, last night I ordered the pork tenderloin and it was dry.  Bone dry as in sandy desert dry!  There is no way it could have been that dry had it been made that day.  I should have known better and asked when it had been prepared.  Lesson learned!  My wife ordered a dinner salad and she was never asked what dressing.  We assumed it would be caught and we would be asked prior to plating.  Nope, it came out fully covered with a vinaigrette.  I noticed as we were just about to leave a couple sat down and before we had paid, they had their meal in front of them!  I couldn't believe it!  And yes....they were drinking.  (I'm sure just a coincidence).  Regardless, after reading the reviews I did notice a fairly common theme.  Some reviews are really good and then others are complaining of the same service I'm referring to.  My advice, don't go unless you have time and lots of money!