The Pub at Wegmans

I've mostly enjoyed my occasional lunch or dinner at the bar watching some soccer match between European teams I've never heard of.  Staff has almost always been stellar (except one). I give three stars (minus one half) for three reasons.

About two years ago, a line cook in the front of house was approached by a female coworker who complimented him on his new haircut. He appreciatively removed his white cap, ran his hand over his new buzz cut and, upon replacing his cap, used his unwashed hand to arrange a salad. I wrote a note to management without response.

My second fiasco was on a Monday night lobster fest when I ordered a 1-lb. lobster and salad. Noting a "temperature variation" upon being served, I asked my waiter if the lobsters were freshly steamed. He assured me so. I disagreed. With all "we-don't need-your-proletarian-kind-in-here" demeanor, he raised his nose to reiterate the freshness and cooked-to-order claim. Upon hearing this, I broke off the ICE cold claw and asked him to hold it and explain how this happened. Plate removed. No response.

This past Saturday, I had a quick lunch of an excellent shrimp and corn chowder but made the error of  ordering what I thought would be classic American strawberry shortcake. Upon arrival, Chef had taken poetic license to squirt an almost-bodacious amount of chocolate syrup all over the berries, whipped cream and (not-so-fresh) shortcakes. I asked why this was not stated on the menu. Cow-eyed apologetic waiter explained that it was "a decoration." Not so. Why not similarly "decorate" classic spaghetti in marinara with creamy horseradish sauce?

Caveat emptor. Wegmans MUST HAVE better supervision in the Pub to get my full endorsement. Written concerns about shopping needs have received very prompt response. Written concerns about the Pub - none.

I really love what the Wegmans Collegeville pub is doing with their chefs created features! This week a spicy tuna martini appetizer, salmon with Berkshire bacon and a American martini for the 4th of July! Thanks for a great meal!!!!

4 stars for the pub, even tho I complained about my meal!

First off, I've been to the pub several times and almost always get the burger, which I am indeed a fan of.  On my last visit the server told me they had a NY Strip Steak special for 16 bucks which included 2 sides.  I know they sell good steaks at Wegmans, and thought it sounded like a good deal.  I was wrong!  

I was initially put off because they serve the 2 sides(fries and a salad) on the same plate as the steak, basically burying it under the sides, or possibly...hiding it from view!  It was a sad little piece of meat.  Not quite half inch thich, lots of fat on the edges and plenty of gristle inside.  This steak would have to be marinated and tenderized before it was cooked, it was just a low quality cut of beef.  I had to saltpeppersteak sauce it heavily, and ended up leaving quite a bit of it on the plate. I can goto Outback or Longhorn and  spend 16 bucks on their house sirloin and get a quality piece of meat for my money.  I just expected more from Wegmans and thought I'd get a better cut...this steak belonged in a diner...I'd expect it at Denny's or IHOP...but I was really hoping for a nice cut of beef and was terribly disappointed.  

So why 4 stars?  Rob, the manager on duty, saw my plate was rather "full" and asked about my meal...I explained my disappointement and the expectations I had when I ordered and he immediately told me he would't take my money and wanted to know if there was something else I'd like to try...I did not, and he suggested I try the prime rib special they do Friday nights after 4:00, which he seems to think will be more to my liking.  I was very pleased by his attitude!  Exactly what you want from an ownermanager.  

I tried to leave a tip for the excellent service...Of course he wouldn't take it!  So, Rob, I'm leaving you a tip here on Yelp...Thank you for your great attitude and excellent service!  I will be back for sure to have more burgers, and will try the Prime Rib as you suggested!