Table for Two 10-25
Baxter's Black Sheep Saloon
Rating: 
We were promptly greeted and allowed to choose between a table or booth on this midweek evening. We sat at a booth, from which the Carnivore could still keep an eye on the television tuned to a baseball game in the adjoining bar area.
Our friendly, professional server asked for our drink orders while glasses of water arrived.
From the small but interesting list of draft beers, we chose a pint of Victory Hop Devil ($5.75) and a glass of El Portillo Malbec ($7.50). She recited the evening’s specials and left us to our decision.
The wine was served in a small carafe, with an initial tasting poured into the glass at the table. We found the wine to be a mellow Malbec, but the crisp, citrus twist to the Victory beer served cool, not ice cold, was refreshing.
During our short wait for appetizers, a half loaf of warm, white bread on a wooden board with a knife arrived. A decanter of olive oil and a cold shaker of herb infused grated Parmesan cheese was also presented to us. We enjoyed the bread dipped in olive oil, as well as the richness added by the flavors of thyme, oregano and cheese. A beautifully presented square plate of buffalo wings ($8.99) with crisp celery sticks radiating to each corner was one of the best we’ve tasted.
Ten meaty wings with crispy skin in a slightly sweet, spicy sauce had none of the astringent vinegar or Tabasco bite commonly used. A dish of standard blue cheese dressing accompanied them.
The chicken quesadilla ($7.95) was a generous-sized, crispy flour tortilla filled with chunks of chicken, roasted red pepper, fresh tomato, melted cheese and a few too many onions. Small dishes of bottled salsa and sour cream completed the plate.
Our entrées arrived as we were about halfway through our appetizers, which was good timing for us due to the generous portions.
The Berwyn Station Burger ($8.95) was mild, tender meat cooked to order on a quality Kaiser bun. The juicy burger was topped with our choice of American cheese, iceberg lettuce and tomato. Steak fries without a batter coating were crispy. A small container of average mayonnaise-based coleslaw was also part of the platter.
Although the menu had many pub favorites like shepherd’s pie and fish ‘n chips, we chose roast duck ($20.95) from the entrées section.
Half of a duck with crispy skin was presented with a thick, savory gravy reminiscent of Thanksgiving herbs. The mild, tender meat came easily from the bone. A side plate of grilled zucchini, roasted potatoes with rosemary and sliced onions were perfectly cooked and not oily or salty.
We could only finish about half of the duck and its sides due to the portions of both courses.
Our server checked on us, and we asked to have the leftovers wrapped. She wisely asked if we’d like to hear the dessert choices.
We decided to take a slice of French-style cheesecake ($4.95) with us as well, although the brownie sundae, chocolate mousse and chocolate layer cake were also tempting.
The cheesecake was a standard rendition with a graham cracker crust, hint of lemon and some fresh ripe strawberries served on the side.
The attentive service, warm atmosphere, and reasonably priced, solid food choices rate 4 forks (out of 5).
The Dining Duo base their reviews on unannounced anonymous visits.
