Z-Bar

I've been going to Z-Bar for lunch once a month for years now and have remained a loyal patron throughout some of the ups and downs and quality changes of their cuisine. The consistently friendly staff (in particular the bartender/manager, Fatima and Liz before her) and the pleasant ambiance for afternoon luncheon has kept me coming back.

For several years, I considered the Z-Bar food to be one of the best kept secrets among Providence restaurants. (That was in the days when their mussel bisque was on my seven-best-soups-ever-made list). After some personnel changes, the quality of the meals suffered for a time. In the last year or so there has been a significant improvement in the dining experience. Yesterday, for example, I had a fried egg, ham and cheese sandwich. What can you do with a fried egg sandwich, you ask. It was hands down the best fried egg sandwich I have ever eaten. It's success enhanced by the bread, sort of a cross between a garlic English muffin and a cheese infused pita bread. It was fabulous. On another recent visit I had an Italian style egg drop soup called stracciatella, which was also an excellent taste treat.

As for beverages, I can't comment on their mixed drinks or wine options, but they always have a choice of a few decent IPAs, and one pint is all I require to compliment a good lunch.

We had been to Z-Bar before for lunch and had nice meals both inside and outside on their sweet patio. So we tried it for Mother's Day brunch and were very disappointed. This is going to be long because there was just a lot wrong.

They look like they have a nice stocked bar, and we ordered bloody/virgin Mary's. Wouldn't you think there would be at least a stalk of celery or olive or something? Just the drink which wasn't bad. Spicy, but definitely canned. We ordered from the brunch menu and were hopeful because the Yukon potatoes were, according to Noah our friendly and quirky waiter, apparently roasted, not fried. I ordered the mushroom omelet. My mother ordered decaf coffee and Noah informed us that there was no more decaf (we got there 1/2 hour after opening) and the owner, according to Noah had no interest in getting more. So she was offered decaf "Americana" which is watered down espresso. For someone who wanted a cup of decaf coffee, this wasn't really an adequate substitute.

The food came and my omelet was thin and completely brown on the outside and uncooked on the inside with chunks of un-melted cheese. So I sent it back and the second time it looked like a new omelet but  thinner, and even browner on the outside with every little egg on the inside. It appears it got a dose of the microwave. The potatoes would have been delicious except for the fact that they were made with way too much seasoned salt. So my 2nd plate was pretty much untouched. They make their own Portuguese bread and it was thick and good, but dry, so we asked for butter. Noah explained  that the butter would be really cold (which it was) and brought a steak knife along with the dish of un-spreadable butter.  I ordered coffee which, even with the entire pitcher of lowfat milk (no cream or half  and half or even whole milk?) didn't get much lighter than black, was way too strong. My husband got the crab Benedict which was good, but no one touched their potatoes for the reason I stated above.

Lastly, we noticed on the check that scrambled eggs with potatoes and toast was $11, and the mushroom omelet with potatoes and toast was $8.00. Both were made with 3 eggs. When we brought the price discrepancy to Noah's attention. He couldn't explain except to say, that that's the price on the menu.

The one redeeming factor was the fact that Noah didn't charge us for any of the drinks because of the coffee situation and the fact that I wasn't happy with my meal. We felt bad for him, because he was really trying to please us and had to apologize so much.

Decided to try Z Bar for date night with the hubby last Saturday. When we arrived we were greeted by a very friendly waiter who seated us in a great spot, the booth at the front by the window. It was a relaxing where we could people watch folks as they walked down Wickenden Street. There was a good vibe in the place, there was some light jazz music playing, a good crowd of folks at the bar that seemed to be entertained by the comedic bartender. Most of the tables were filled on the level near the bar and a few couples were seated in the upper area that has beautiful exposed brick, bright red leather seating along the wall and great artwork including a beautiful watercolor painting of Waterfire.

My husband had a draft beer and I had a refershing mojito with just the right amount of muddled lime and mint. We split the calamari to start, it was the BEST calamari Ive had in all of New England. It was lightly breaded and pan sauteed instead of deep fried and cooked perfectly. Had delicious bit of banana peppers and garlic. My husband a delicious filet of beef cooked to perfection and so tender that was served with a side of roasted potatoes and I had a wedge salad with homemade blue cheese dressing onions and tomatoes with thin sliced filet. Food was delicious made by Executive Chef Joseph Magno and atmosphere was great. Would recommend and return again.