Washington Platform Saloon & Restaurant

Homeless hanging around outside. The usual reservations? BS w/lots of tables available and they put us at most likely the worst table available. We've eaten there a few times. This time because we were stuck and in a hurry. We've been disappointed w/the quality of food everytime we've visited. Honestly we're surprised that have an on-going business.  The waiter was fine.  This is the place that had a death from raw oysters:  
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Washington Platform originated in 1860 as a saloon that catered to the folks working on the Erie Canal just one block away. It served Cincinnatians until Prohibition, then became a variety of other establishments such as a produce shop and a Chinese laundry. In 1986, Washington Platform returned to its roots as a restaurant and bar.

My first visit was for a group luncheon in May. We loved the decor: exposed brick with old pictures of Cincinnati and the Erie Canal, hardwood, white tablecloths and bright natural lighting. Our table ordered a variety of dishes from soup to salad to sandwiches. I had the Dixie Chicken sandwich and a side of pasta salad. Everyone ate in enjoyment and I made a mental note to return here for future meals.

Fast forward to August, where I can best describe my experience as hearing Gordon Ramsay shout, "What the bloody hell is this?!"

My friend and I were handed menus that were in English, Japanese, and another Asian language. Washington Platform serves Americanized seafood. Not only was the menu baffling, but the multiple languages made it difficult to understand the options. Also, the menu was missing half of the options that were available in May, mainly sandwiches and salads.

We ordered our entrees. My main came with a salad, so my friend asked if her side of french fries could be brought out with my appetizer. My salad appeared a while later looking rather sad. The lettuce was dark green, wilted, and getting soggy spots. You know the kind: what you see appear on bagged salads when it's time to throw them out. I took two bites and pushed it aside. No sign of the french fries; my friend was told they would just be another minute.

Sure enough, the fries showed up with our mains. My friend ordered the Salmon Salad which arrived covered in random garnishings. The menu description read: "...on a bed of fresh spinach with croutons, bleu cheese, walnuts, and Raspberry Vinaigrette." What arrived was this and more: tomato, cucumber, mushrooms, sprouts, black olives, and cantaloupe. My friend just wanted a simple salad and wasn't pleased with all the uncomplimentary extras. Of course, the garnishings were likely there to disguise the miniscule piece of fish that topped of the salad: a third of a normal portion. Not good for a $10.00 price tag.

My main was the Blue Crab Bleu, a pasta dish with crab in a bleu cheese and creole sauce. I could barely see or taste the crab, as this dish was smothered in cream. It came with a side of garlic bread, which was odd, seeing as it was a creole dish. At least it was better than my friend's bread, which was a warmed bun that had gone stale on the outside.

Our checks arrived and I noticed an error on my bill. My entree was listed as $13.00 on the menu and I was charged $15.00. The waitress explained that the menu was printed wrong, and after some discussion, she refunded the difference. Be sure to watch your check.

Other notable nuisances:
- While the atmosphere appears business casual with table cloths and live cello music, I noticed signage for Wing Night and "Roadkill Cafe" which features menu items like rabbit and pigeon...and I thought this place was trying to be a classy seafood restaurant.
- Random decorations that don't fit in with the exposed brick and old Cincinnati photo theme, such as displays of peacock feathers.
- A note that said the restaurant reserves the right to add a 15% gratuity to any table who splits checks.

What happened to Washington Platform? My first impression was wonderful, but now it seems to be struggling for an identity. It would be great as a simple seafood and sandwich pub with old, classy Cincinnati decor. Instead, it's ruining itself with subpar food, a lack of consistency, and promotions for Roadkill.

Price per person: $17.00

I recently went to Washington Platform for lunch and was not impressed. Due to the World Choir Games, the menu was modified to accommodate the participants. However, many of the items our group was excited about was not on the menu. The food we ordered was ok, nothing impressive. Service was slow. Not worth the walk from the business district.