Dempsey's

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  I have just eaten at Dempsey's and was favorably impressed by the friendliness and generally warm atmosphere.  I ordered at around 5pm, when food ingredients should be freshly prepped.  There were  only a few bar clients, no other diners when I arrived. I was greeted by a cheerful barkeep and felt immediately welcome.
  
  I ordered the 12 oz ribeye steak (which is glazed with bourbon), a side salad and a baked potato.  The price of the meal was very reasonable.  The service is impeccable... prompt and friendly.
  
  The salad, I'm sad to say, was slightly wilted iceburg lettuce (that barely covered the small plate) with a slice of cucumber and two small wedges of a cherry tomato.  This surprised me, since the menu stated that they were now making their salads with fresh spinach!  The Mediterranean Feta salad dressing was delish (and I was starving), so I ate it!  
  
  The steak was divine..... cooked medium rare, as ordered, tender and juicy with just the right amount of seasoning.  I would say that Dempsey's has their steak selections just right!  The baked potato was likely reheated from the day before.  The REAL cheddar cheese that was melted into it was delicious, though.  The stick of foccacia that was served with the meal was inedible and completely unnecessary, as it took up valuable real estate on the small oval plate .  
  
  They are in dire need of some sturdier flatware and heavy steak knives.  The caliber of restaurant they appear to be demands it!
  
  Overall, dining here was pleasant. My server was sweet, cheerful and always smiling.   I would be happy to return to Dempsey's to try something else on the menu.

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  Posted on 09.06.13 Rhonda T.

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  Ok food, didn't try beer.
  Ate there 4 times in a week for lunch.
  3 of 4 were acceptable.
  Chicken wings- stated choose sauce- I ordered garlic Parmesan, received very very burnt dry wings with Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
  GROSS

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  Posted on 08.18.13 Mean Eyed C.

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  I should have taken advice from the other reviews. Food was okay. The pale ale was probably the worst beer I've ever had. Exchanged it for the red and that was quite a bit better.

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  Posted on 11.16.12 Chad K.

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  I've been a working traveller for 12 years, and in that time few places have made as lasting an impression as Dempsey's.
  
  For starters, the beer.  Their glorious, delicious beer...crafted right in the restaurant.  Long Ship Lager, Valkyrie Red, Battleaxe Blond, you can't miss with any of the lot.  Rich, full flavors, deep colors, frothy tops.  It is absolutely some of the best beer I've had anywhere.
  
  Then the food.  Wonderful, freshly prepared fare including the best weinerschnizel you'll find anywhere outside of Germany.  Great handmade burgers, spicy chili, and on and on.
  
  The service is always friendly, inviting, and prompt.
  
  Finally...the room.  Wooden walls and floors give the place a rustic, old world feel.  You'll think you've stepped into an Irish Pub.
  
  I can't recommend Dempsey's highly enough.  I just wish I could visit a little more often.

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  Posted on 09.24.12 Joseph K.

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  I went here a while ago, and I had such high hopes.  How can you go wrong with a local brewpub?  With bad beer, that's how.  It had no taste.  The "pale ale" looked like Bud Light and tasted like watered down Bud Light.  The stout was a little better, but still not great.
  
  It wasn't all bad.  I do have to say the food is good and the atmosphere is great.  I had a black and bleu burger, and it was cooked perfectly with a good amount of seasoning and bleu cheese.  I also sat on the front patio on a quiet evening listening to the great music they were playing over the loudspeakers.
  
  My conclusion:  if you don't want beer, go here.  If you want a good beer, you'll have to go somewhere else.

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  Posted on 08.19.12 Zack S.

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  Great bar food, but really bad beer.
  
  OK I think something may have been off with the beer.  I ordered two different kinds of beer and they both basically tasted like carbonated water.  I assume its not like this all the time.  
  
  But, the service was friendly and the food was good.  I would be willing to try again if I'm in Watertown again.

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  Posted on 08.18.12 Paul G.

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  I was blown away by everything at Dempsey's: excellent food, friendly and prompt service, great atmosphere, and a great value.  
  
  We brought 6 hungry men in after 54 holes of golf at Cattail Crossings.  We left with full stomachs and happy hearts.  You will absolutely enjoy your experience at Dempsey's.  Some quick comments on items I tried:
  
  Chislic - cubes of seasoned steak.  Tender meat, 10 out of 10.  Great appetizer.
  
  Onion Rings - another 10 out of 10.  Bravo.
  
  Dempsey's Smoked Ribs - so worth the investment.  Plenty of meat on these ribs, and the meat slides ride off the bone.
  
  Burgers - go for the Brimstone Burger.  All the burgers are 1/2 pound, so you won't walk away hungry.  A few of the other guys had burgers, and they were all rated 5 out of 5.
  
  I'll see YOU in Watertown, South Dakota!  Hoo-ah

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  Posted on 07.16.12 Mike E.

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  I've had the pleasure of eating here the last two nights while in Watertown  for a work trip.  The mouse rolled over the three and four stars several times before settling on four stars - allow me to explain why.
  
  If I were to rate the restaurant strictly on the food, it would earn 2-4 stars depending on if I which item I was rating.  Last night I had the "wienerschnitzel and spaetzle" and it definitely earned 4 stars.  The pork was tender, fried well and was well accompanied with the spaetzle (lovingly mixed with some bacon bits).
  
  The bbq, on the other hand, could have been better.  They boast having their own smoker, yet be careful what night you come to the restaurant as it's not smoked every day.  I realize that smoking meat is a time-consuming process and a labor of love...but if you're going to have bbq and boast of smoking your own meat, then for our sake please keep it fresh.
  
  The beer is top notch - I had the stout last night and was very impressed.  My only criticism would be to pour it in a room temp. glass, not a frosty glass.  A good stout needs to be only slightly chilled to enjoy the flavor.  The root beer is excellent and worth trying.
  
  In all it's a great restaurant - friendly service, good prices and some gems on the menu.

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  Posted on 11.15.11 Peter S.

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  They brew beer here.  Food OK, nice atmosphere

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  Posted on 07.23.11 SP N.

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  I lived in Watertown for many years, and this is my favorite place in town.  It's everything an Irish pub should be.  The food is delicious and the staff is always friendly.  Its family owned and operated, the Dempsey's are kind people and good humored people.  Once a month they have a comedy night that starts off with an open mic followed by a feature and headliner.  Then on top of all that, they are a brewery and brew some of the best root beer and beers around.

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  Posted on 07.03.11 Daniel B.

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  I absolutely love coming here!  Every time I come here I have a great experience. It doesn't matter what I order, it is always prepared so deliciously! They brew their own root beer and beer too and it is so good! The service has always been great and the bartenders are fantastic at what they do. Go here if you ever get a chance! I also know that once a month they hold open mic comedy nights, followed by a feature and headliner! Great entertainment at a cheap price! I will definitely be returning here on my visits back to South Dakota!!

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  Posted on 07.03.11 Jimmie F.

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