Sobelman's Pub & Grill

I enjoy Sobelman's. I'm a big fan of their Loser burger (the one they lost with to AJ Bombers on Food Wars). It's pretty delicious, and relatively cheap, to boot.

That said, I always forget how disappointed I am with their beverage options (as in beer choices). While not terrible, and they have my default staple (Spotted Cow), as far as I know, they don't have anything particularly unique, which is sad, since a tasty burger is, in my humble opinion, best paired with a tasty beverage - and I'm a big fan of experimenting with new ones.

My most recent visit had me sitting outside at a table in front, which was nice, though the metal chairs were less than comfortable, I do quite favor the outdoors over the main bar area which is really quite dark and stuffy.

I'm sure I'll be back at Sobelman's, as I certainly don't hate them or anything - but I'm fairly certain the wealth of my visits have been with friends who've never been, it's yet to do anything to become a "destination" for me - part of that may be due to the fact that they feel a bit "out of the way". Which is maybe being a bit overzealous, since everything in Milwaukee is 10 minutes away, but the Menomonee Valley does feel like another world.

Amazing service and food!!! Our waiter Brian was so courteous and kind. He made us laugh a lot! Will certainly be back!!

I cannot honestly comment on the food here, which may seem unfair.  The perimeters of my comments can only be limited to the experience of the servers.  I have stopped into Sobelman's on St. Paul only twice.

The first time was 3+ years ago, with a friend.  I had heard many excellent comments (or "buzz") about the place and its great burgers, etc.  I was with a buddy and had a few bucks in my pocket and wanted to treat him to a drink and a burger.

We arrived later (but not late) into the evening, stood in the doorway (no greeting) and I wandered up to the bar.  It took a long time for the female bartender to come over and I asked for a menu.  She replied curtly and loudly (the joint was not full, but jumping, so to speak) that the kitchen was closed.  I asked when they closed and she replied that I had missed it by a few minutes.  That was it.  No "sorry, but better luck next time" or "let me see what I can do," etc.  We had one round of drinks (pricey at the time, I thought) and went our way.  (And we had to wait quite a while for those drinks, too).

Well, Milwaukee has so many restaurants to choose from that I never went back.  

Until this past week, when I was in a "low level" emergency situation and found myself on foot on St. Paul street (don't ask).  It was a hot day and one of the rare days last week it wasn't raining!  I was late for an important appointment.  I really needed to make a phone call (nope, no cell phone on me) and approached (politely) one of the five servers standing outside talking to each other.  The server (female), when I asked if there was a phone inside I could use (and I mentioned I would PAY for the call, as this was an important meeting) said "No.  No phone inside.").

I got nothing else from her. No "sorry" -- no "use my cell phone" --- no "there's a pay phone located blah blah blah."  Just a cold, stony look (just like my first experience there--maybe the same person!) and that was it, despite my frazzled appearance.  Oh yes, she gave me the "hairy eyeball" like I was some panhandler.

I went inside to ask the manager or bartender about a phone (and again, mentioned several times I would PAY for the use of any phone) and the younger man said there was no phone.  I asked him " there is NO phone on these premises?"  He said he could not let me use a phone.  He, at least, was polite in his response and suggested trying a neighboring business.

I had to pass the half-dozen employees standing around outside (not waiting on customers) talking to each other.  I went across the street to a lighting business (I really can't remember the name, because by then I was so frazzled and angry).  The guy across the street let me use his phone so I get a message to my business contact and explain what happened to my transportation, etc.

This was the second time I set foot in Sobelman's (which may or may not have great food).

I will never set foot in there again, because both times the contact with the employees was of a unfriendly nature.  Sure, the food may actually "manna from heaven" but if it is served by the devil, of what pleasure is there in it?

I am sure that other people really enjoy this establishment.  Many people enjoy riding a bucking bronco and get off on being thrown.  Others appear to enjoy forms of sadomasochism within their relationships.  

As I am older now, whereas I once gave a "three-swings" rule to establishments, with so many businesses who actually greet you or work with on issues or requests (and do so with a level of courtesy -- which isn't the same thing as always getting what you want, either), there is no reason to give a third time at bat for Sobelman's.  I am sure that I will raise the ire of its dedicated fans or that some will take issue with my never truly dining there.  Again, for clarity, the food might be great.  But I am not willing to forgo basic levels of courtesy for some supposed ambrosia on a bun.

Over and "out!"