Red Fox English Pub

I came here with a group of friends on a lazy afternoon for drinks.

Kind of weird start to the afternoon... we asked to be seated outside on the patio.  Our host started to lead us to a bright, sunny table, so we asked to be seated in the shade.  There were two tables in the shade - one was next to an occupied table, and the other table didn't have any other people nearby, but there was an industrial-sized fan blowing air around.  Oddly enough, the host led us to the table with the fan, where the fan was completely blocking two of the seats.  He then attempted to move the fan without any success.  We asked to sit at the other table, and then all was good.

Our server was nice and really patient with us.  One of my friends is gluten intolerant, so she was asking a million questions about the menu items.  The server asked the kitchen about the various dishes and was really helpful.  I was surprised to learn that the brussels sprouts were fried (in the fryer along with other items containing gluten)!  She also checked in with us fairly often and made sure we got refills in a timely manner.  She even read my mind and brought me a glass of water after I was done with my beer.

I had some of the "proper chips" (steak fries) with ranch.  They were pretty good, your usual steak fries with a good amount of salt on them and piping hot.  I also had the buffalo chicken crispy bites from the happy hour menu.  These were not great... they weren't kidding when they called them "bites" because they were tiny, random pieces of chicken with breading on them.  On the plus side, the buffalo sauce had quite a kick to it that was spicier than most buffalo sauces.  The ranch dressing on the side was a great neutralizer for this.

My gluten intolerant friend ended up getting a shrimp cobb salad that looked really tasty.  I didn't eat any of it, but I kept eyeing her giant platter of grilled shrimp, avocado, tomato, bleu cheese, bacon, and greens.  (I think she asked for no onion.)

The atmosphere was nice and chill, as was my delicious pint of Founders.

Only been here twice. First time I went in by myself they forgot me and waited 25 minutes for dinner. Meanwhile people who were sat down 10 minutes after I came in got their food first. That was when they first opened in the winter.
Second time sat on the patio, seemed like I got the hostess because no one else was serving my table. So follow up attention wasn't as great as the groups sitting around me. Who had two waitresses checking tables regualry She (my server) was nice though.
Food was ok. Had the braised beef sandwich. It was tender and had good flavor but was on the dry side like it was preapred hours ago and reheated. Good thing it came with au jus. Please do away with the shoe string fries. To me they are as satisfying as cheap potato chips.
All in all... average food and experience that costs just a tad too much. Not disappointed but not overblown by the place. the outdoor rooftop patio is great place to enjoy a cool summer's evening over Royal Oak. 2 and a half stars.

The food: 2 stars
Drinks/atmoshere 4 stars

There was quit a wait for a table (it is busy on Friday and Saturday nights which is typical of the downtown Royal Oak location). We ordered drinks and sat around one of the fire pits. Since the pub is located on the second floor over Diablos we had a nice view of the street to people watch. The waiter was excellent, despite the number of people he was quick with drink orders and remembered previous orders. Inside is styled as an English pub/sports bar. The patio though is the place to go to sit, relax and have a drink.

We found the food, with the exception of the appetizer pretzels and the brussel sprout side, disappointing. We kept wanting the meal to be better. The mashed potatoes tasted boxed, so if they were not, they were very poorly prepared. The best thing on the plate was the brussel sprouts. They were cooked to be crispy and had a very good balsamic glaze. The owners are the same One Eyed Bettys and they prepare the brussel sprouts the same way here, however the rest of their menu is superior.

My friend and I agreed we would definitely go back for drinks, but will forgo the food.