Houlihan's

C'mon, Houlihan's.  With a little more effort, you can do it.  

Maybe five or six visits in the past ten years, and again---just like before---I've left dissatisfied.  For me, the food has never been what I'd expect from a restaurant in their affordable TGI Friday's / Applebee's price range.  Basic...uninspired.  Something that your friend---who can't cook, but gives it a try---might serve if you were invited over for dinner.  

This last time was a $10 luncheon special.  The price was right---but it's what I got for the money.  Fried Perch, love that.  But not when it's overdone dry.  Bun was okay, fries, too.  Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices were fresh, but their woeful tartar sauce was nothing but mayo and a few small specks of pickle, mixed together.  Not tartar sauce.  This is probably one of the easiest condiments to make---and have wonderful results every time.  I like a little tartar with fried, but not other fish preparations, so---for a moment---I thought of asking the waitress for the few ingredients I'd need to make my own right there in our cozy booth.  Quickly decided against that---too extreme and too weird.  I could live without it.  Impressive flourishing dining room displays should be reserved for Crepes Suzette or Banana's Foster.  I wouldn't have been as theatrical, but tableside tartar sauce?  Not so much.

A really good thing that Houlihan's is here, though.  I'm sure that the scores of office workers in this same building---and others near-by---appreciate having a welcome diversion from Kentucky Fried Chicken down the block, and McDonald's across the street.  And we can't forget the alcohol---which might be the main attraction for many patrons. Three star food choices just might taste 4 or 5 stars with a side or two of booze.  Could these liquid refreshments be what Houlihan's counts on for repeat business?

I want to give Houlihan's 3.5 stars but that isn't an option.

My movie-star handsome beau and I stopped by here to enjoy the patio for our post-errand-running Sunday.  I do love this patio.  It might be one of the better in the city with plenty of seating and an outdoor bar and an outdoor grille.  

I loved my Bloody Mary.  It was perfect; a garden in my glass, just the way I asked for!  My beau ordered the Frito Burger (Frito on the side) and it was a really good burger!  I'm not a big meat eater, but this thing was yummy!  I opted for the frittata which I was disappointed with.  It was more omelet-esq and I wasn't thrilled with the flavors.  This however, is not Houlihan's fault.  We split the white bean salad which was O-SO-GOOD!!!!  I would order that again and again.

I'd go back again.  There were several items that looked good on this menu.  And the patio is a great place to kick back with some friends.

Think of this place like it's a fancy TGI Friday's, or Applebee's.

Standard American fare like burger's, steaks, and a decent selection of seafood.