Moon Cricket Grille

I've been to Moon Cricket a handful of times over the past year and although I want to support it since its a local business I just can't seem to have consistent good experiences.

If i had to rate the place on its beer menu I'd give it a strong 4 because the list of beers is huge although not a huge draft selection.

Food-meh, its fine its just bar food so expect lots of fried stuff.  They've got sandwiches and burgers too but this is not the spot to go if you are watching your calories...or fat intake...or sodium...or the biggest loser...

Service- not good.  they always seem to be understaffed because the waitresses are always rushing around and remembering half of the stuff they were asked for

Live music- really enjoyable, the only downside is that it's indoors so it gets really loud inside and you can't hear it outside

Outside seating- its always enjoyable to be outside but they allow smoking so it tends to be overpowering

Overall I can't say I'd never return but its not a favorite. I think a rating of a 3 is generous at that so its really the good beer menu that keeps me from a 2 rating.

We dropped in during the Spring Festival for a few drinks after running into friends. What a great day! Our drinks were delivered promptly but oddly in small Solo plastic cups. That's OK - I'm no snob it was just strange - especially when the waitress apologized. I wondered if I had been sized up as a dropper & they didn't want to risk the stemware!

Our friends ordered fried green tomatoes. At least one was very undercooked with the breading still soaking wet. Yuck. Otherwise they were very flavorful. The remoulade was thick and bland but it really wasn't needed because the breading had a great flavor.

We got there at just the right time as it got packed about 10 minutes later. Service remained pretty good for the influx & I only had to waive down a waitress once.

They do a 99-beers thing if you're into that. I think you get your name on the wall and perhaps your own mug or similar. (Don't hold me to that). Nothing about it is cozy or inviting. Very uncomfortable benches and chairs, harsh lighting, that kind of thing. It's a solid super casual spot that serves well for appetizers and drinks before a meal.

I tried this spot out recently while I was in the neighborhood. I met a friend for drinks and a quick dinner. I can't say I would hurry back.

The bartender was awesome. There was live music.

They have woodchuck so that is a plus as well. However, the food... maybe I ordered the wrong thing but it just wasn't good. I went with the Grilled Chicken and Avocado Club Herbed Chicken Breast with Hickory Smoked Bacon, Melted Swiss, Watercress, Ripe Tomato, and Mustard Aioli on Toasted Multi Grain Bread. I can't say I tasted any avocado and the bacon was really minimal. It was a very underwhelming sammie. My friend ordered a pizza and that looked very tasty so like I mentioned, maybe I ordered the wrong thing but it wasn't good in the least.

The ambiance is cool, a tavern feel with seating at the bar, inside and outside. Next time I would grab a seat outside and enjoy the Winter Garden area. Maybe a good spot to bring your pup and grab a drink outside.