Village Squire of McHenry

So, I've been to the Squire off and on for the last 12 - 15 years. Never great, at times incredibly bad, ok for "in a pinch" because you can't think of where else to go. The boyfriend refused to go back after a really AWFUL fish fry experience last year. Then I got some coupons in March and we decided to give it one more try. Yes, the decor is weird, but I like that, and they have upped the wattage on the bulbs so you can see your food. I call that an upgrade! Does the folk singer entertain? OH YEAH! Even if you're not a fan of Neil Diamond you can have some fun with it. The highlight of the night - the thing that will keep us going back- our waiter, Burgen was FANTASTIC! No, I don't know him. No, this is not a plant review to further his career. He was just plain perfect. His manner, his attention to detail, his attitude - everything we could ask for, and I was in the restaurant business so I'm pickier than most.  When we stopped the manager to compliment his work, she almost seemed surprised to be getting a compliment and not a complaint! We will go back and ask for Burgen every time. Oh, the food? Major upgrade!! It was 100% better than our last visit. The stuffed mushroom apps were delicious, my Spinach Bleu Chicken was fabulous, and the Chicken P
arm was excellent. Portions big enough for even my super eater boyfriend (who always cleans his plate) to take half of it home! Yes, go to the Squire. It's changed; and all for the better!

Went in for dinner this past Saturday and left with mixed feelings. The renovations look very nice and the guitarist is always great. My wife had the Filet brochette and I had the Prime Rib grinder. Started out with Saganaki that is always great. Both of our entrees were overly salty and garlicky for our tastes and the Prime Rib grinder was a tad small. They are now getting $7.25 for a 24 oz. draft and that easily the most expensive draft beer in town however it was very cold and very good. Service was prompt but officious and nowhere near personal. We felt a bit like we were being rushed. Overall our visit was just OK.

I went here the other night for half price pizza.  It was delicious... except for the fact that there was a pea-sized piece of MOLD in the Parmesan cheese!

I decided that the cheese wasn't coming out fast enough so I opened the lid and sprinkled some on my slice. Then the most disgusting, almost black, piece of mold fell right onto my pizza.  I nicely told the waitress, and didn't think it was going to be a huge issue.  It was apparently the end of the world!  She argued with me and said that it was just a piece of bleu cheese. Thankfully I'm not an idiot and I know the difference between aged bleu cheese and a piece of COMPLETELY molded cheese. To top it off, there was more in the Parmesan container!!!  After a couple of minutes of her trying to prove to me that it wasn't mold, she finally offered to take the five dollar pizza off of the bill (I would have gladly paid for it anyway, but it was just her attitude at this point that rubbed me the wrong way).  After I thought everything was settled, she proceeded to complain about it within earshot the rest of our stay.  Very unprofessional.  

Guess I should have stuck with Saganaki!