2 /5 Steven: I have long enjoyed Bells beer and the lore around Eccentric Cafe. This was my second attempt to visit, after coming years ago on a Monday when they are closed. This time, we came on a Friday at about 7pm, and they had a concert starting at 8pm. Understandably it was packed, but there were several factors that lead me to rate my experience as much less than expected. Here are some:
1. Getting a table: We were told by event staff seated near the door that the restaurant seating was "first come service". We had already called earlier and knew they dont take reservations, but there is no way to get a table other than to wander and hover and hope someone gets up. We ordered drinks and lurked around until a table opened up.
2. Ordering: Once a table was obtained, one person had to hold the table while another went up to wait in line again and order food. I was given a beacon and told it could take 45-60 minutes.
3. Getting food: The beacon went off around 35 minutes, but when I went up it had stopped buzzing. I was told sometimes there is a false alarm and to wait until it didnt stop buzzing. It started buzzing a couple more times until it didnt seem to be stopping. I went up and found the four meals I ordered on a huge tray and told I could take the tray and bring it back. I felt like they were short staffed so I had been co-opted to work there, and I already wanted to quit. I thought about how I was asked to tip every time I ordered a drink and food. People working there were treading water, and so were the customers. Every surface seemed to be sticky. The poor experience will stick with me even longer.
2. The food: I hoped for redemption with the food, but alas. I ordered "The Noli", a smash burger, which costs $15, that has "bacon jam, orange hot honey, goat cheese, chipotle mayo, brioche bun". It fit neatly on the tips of my fingers (see photo) and the toppings looked like they were scooped out of a dish and squished on top. The brioche bun looked old and I could see where someone pinched it to plop it on top. It tasted good, with some gristle on the smash patty and the blending of flavors, but at $15, it was underwhelming. In combination with the service, it was a dismal outcome.
Will I continue to drink Bells beer? No doubt. The Cherry Oberon was excellent, and I even allowed myself to have an Oktoberfest in August. Would I come here for a concert? Probably. Will I eat elsewhere before any concert I might see here? Definitely. Would I come here for dinner on a night when theres no event to see if its a better experience? Not a chance. There are too many better restaurants in the area to bother.
