McMenamins Thompson Brewery & Public House

I've been to several McMenamin's locations. I've never been disappointed in the food. The only time I've had less than good service was not at either Salem location. Each meal is prepared to order here. If you want lightning fast turn-around time, may I suggest the golden arches.

Today I got right in and requested and got a window seat. Like most  McMenamins, it takes advantage of the existing charm of the venue. In this case it's an old Victorian (and according to legend, haunted) domicile. I like the captain's chairs which are the most comfortable of the non-cushioned designs. I have several in my home.

Julie, my proficient, pretty and helpful server, conveyed my instructions to the kitchen and they were followed well. (An occurrence which, most places, is iffy at best.) I ordered a Classic Reuben ($9.95); Corned Beef, Swiss Cheese, Sauerkraut and Russian Dressing on very good quality grilled Rye Bread. Many, if not most, places use Thousand Island Dressing. I'm fine with this practice, but Russian is traditional and correct. The hand-cut, skins-on Russet Fries at Thompson Brewery have always been about as good as Fries get. Today's were no exception. Julie provided Malt Vinegar, a much appreciated courtesy. They use Portland Ketchup Company Ketchup which is premium stuff, but a bit sweeter than I prefer. Always a pet peeve with me is Corned Beef sliced with the Meat's grain rather than across it. This minor complaint shall be forgiven today, as it was sliced so thinly that it did not pull out of the Sandwich.

Good Reuben Sandwiches are one of my many weaknesses. The one I had today certainly qualifies. I'm putting Thompson Brewery on my "Reubens, Reubens, who's got the Reubens" list.

I stopped going to this nasty place years ago due to worst service I ever had. Sounds like it hasn't changed much.

After a pretty awesome (albeit dry-ish) wedding, a group of us decided to get our drink on at the local McMenamin's in Salem. We were able to get a room to ourselves on a Saturday night, which was pretty impressive. Sadly, it was all pretty much downhill from then on.

Tater tots and chicken fingers = good, as expected for any fried foods
Pumpkin ale = bad, so so bad
Service = ugly (30 minutes wait times between ordering/getting drinks/getting food/getting our check, really?)

I'm glad my company was good, it definitely compensated for the miserable experience of waiting for anything at this place. Stay away unless you're desperate and have a lot of time on your hand.