Rating: 
We were quickly greeted by a friendly server who asked for our drink orders. Since we were still in the process of reading the beer lists posted on chalk boards, she patiently waited for us to decide on a Yard’s Philly Pale Ale ($4.50) on draft. We soon discovered a complete list of beer and wines by the glass in the center of our table. Descriptions and alcohol content for the numerous bottled and draft beers were listed for the impressive collection.
The Yard’s ale was a perfect summer beer, with hints of grapefruit. Our cup of gazpacho soup ($2.45), however, was not a perfect summer soup, since it was made with canned tomatoes while the best of the season are readily available. Fresh pieces of green pepper, celery and cucumber were added to the slightly spicy broth.
The chicken wings ($7.25) were a pile of the meatiest wings we’ve had. The disappointing sauce was flavored with Tabasco to give a rather flat flavor.
We were having trouble deciding on the main part of our meal, with offerings such as a Havana sandwich ($7.95), which was roasted pork loin, hot ham, peppers, onions, pickles and melted provolone on ciabatta bread. The Beach Club ($7.95) combined grilled shrimp with garlic aioli, lettuce, tomato and bacon on ciabatta. The Prime ($9.95) was hand-carved prime rib with caramelized onion and melted horseradish cheddar on ciabatta.
We finally decided to ask our server what she liked, and she told us that the lobster mac ‘n cheese ($6.25) made in-house was very popular. She also recommended cheesesteaks and pork sandwiches. She admitted that she was relatively new, but had tried a few things on the menu.
The lobster mac ‘n cheese was greasy and too heavy for us, with tiny bits of orange and white flesh that could be lobster. We took two bites and left the rest behind.
The cheesesteak with American cheese ($6.95) was a standout. The Dessert Hound didn’t want to give back the quality melted American cheese and chopped steak served on a thick roll when the Carnivore offered her a bite. She was impressed that it was not dripping with grease, as cheesesteaks often are. Fresh potato chips and a pickle spear were served alongside. A glass of Misterio malbec from Argentina ($6.50), one of our recently discovered favorite wines, was a perfect match for the steak.
We ordered the half-rack of ribs ($10.25) that were tender with a light coating of sweet sauce on the meat. A side of fries was our choice of potato, and we received a generous portion of coated fries that were still greasy from the fryer. Being french fry purists (no batter, thick cut potato), we left the mound mostly intact. The side of coleslaw was a large portion of mayonnaise-based shredded cabbage, which was also left mostly untouched.
Overall rating: 3 and one-half forks (out of 5).
The Dining Duo bases their reviews on unannounced, anonymous visits. To contact the pair, e-mail diningduo@comcast.net.
