Lake Street Tavern

A friend and I visited Lake Street Tavern on Wednesday, late afternoon, on the recommendation of a friend of his. We were one of a few people in the bar area which was nice.  

The decor is attractive and the music was loud but not obnoxious.  We could easily have a good conversation.  There are several TVs but they were not distracting.

The service was very good with a friendly waitress who was attentive.   Although I asked her if the Maurice Salad was similar to the original and she was unaware of an original Maurice Salad.  She was probably too young to remember Hudson's.

I loved the Maurice Salad and it is very close to the original and dare I say, a bit better?
My friend had the corned beef sandwich which he enjoyed.  

We both felt that the cost was a bit too much and will probably not have drinks with our entree next time to save on cost.

The Maurice Salad was so good, I have to give the rating 4 stars.  I will return to try out other items on the menu.

Great local pub.  The waitstaff is fun and friendly and the place is flexible: it can serve any need.  Nice dinner out, sure.  Take the kids, no problem.  Hang at the bar for a game, done.  The food is solid, much better than most pubs, with a couple of standouts (love the meatloaf).  They have a great, and constantly updated, beer list.  The place is a bit pricey, which is the only thing that keeps it from a five for me.  It's atmosphere and beers make it my preferred downtown location.

I've visited Lake Street too many times to count.  Living only a mile away, it's not unheard of for me to eat here twice a week...sometimes more if my pantry has me feeling uninspired (translation: too lazy to cook.)

The waitstaff is great.  Very friendly, the bartenders regularly say hello to my husband and I, and enlighten us on the new arrivals of their delicious array of beers on tap.

Here's my issue:  with an appetizer, drinks, entrees, and tip, you can easily rack up a $70 tab for 2 people.  Not outrageous, but a little steep for a frequently-visited local watering hole.  Especially since the quality of the food has become incredibly inconsistent.  

There's this jalapeno popper dip we order regularly.  Sometimes it comes out cheesy, gooey, spicy, and delicious.  Other times it's separated, crumbly, and greasy, like it sat on the warmer for 4 days straight.  Twice we've even had it served to us totally burnt.  Lake Street also makes a homemade white balsamic dressing. Sometimes it's served perfectly creamy and emulsified.  Other times it's a little more liquid and separated.  Then sometimes you just get a ramekin full of oil, maybe a few shreds of shallot if you're lucky.

Sure, we can send food back to the kitchen, and we have.  But considering the cost of the food, you really shouldn't have to.  And no one wants to be known as the picky-regulars-who-send-everything-back.  We've planted a few seeds with the waitstaff, they listen kindly but feel their hands are tied.  

One other thing...I've seen the owner in here multiple times.  It's a little discouraging that she's not once approached me or my husband to acknowledge our frequent visits.  Here's a sample script of my expectations of the conversation:  "Hi, my name's *blonde lady with short hair,* I notice you are in here a ridiculous number of times per week and just wanted to thank you for your patronage."  Additional bonus material might include any or all of the following:  "Won't you tell me about your overall experience here?",  "I'd love for you to complete a survey," or "Here's a free appetizer."

I've tried almost everything on the menu.  When the kitchen is on their game, the food is easily 4 stars.  But for now, it's a stretch with a rating of 3.  Until some changes are in place, we will keep our visits few and far between.