City Works Eatery and Pour House

Several weeks ago Ginger and I ate at a place where the food was okay but the service, atmosphere and noise were disappointing.  I left a private note on Open Table for management and I received a response.  They said that they would work on issues I brought up and to please give them another chance... 

We did this past Friday and we are glad we did.   All of the things I had mentioned were fixed... and I highly recommend City Works for just about any occasion... laid back and casual with a menu of comfort food we all recognize but served with the flair of fine dining food. 

Ginger and I arrive at 6:30 with only our past experience as a measure of what to expect and immediately our encounter with the host station was drastically different from the first time... tonight we are greeted cheerfully and I told them we had reservations for 6:30 and are escorted to our booth... ironically the very same booth we had the last time.  Menus are presented along with a impressive list of micro brews from seemingly all over the country along with many local breweries.  We are encouraged to enjoy our dinner as she leaves us to look over the selections.  We remark to each other how different it seems because of the host... the music is down a number of decibels and we can carry on a conversation.  When music is too loud people have to speak loudly to be heard which then ratchets the noise level up even more as people try to be heard above the din.  It makes for an extremely unpleasant environment.  Not so tonight.  It is an appropriate atmosphere and expectation for the restaurant.  

We are not there more than 60 seconds and our server (Kirsten) appeared and announced she would be happy to serve us this evening and "would we want a cocktail or other beverage?"  I could tell she was smiling even through her mask because I could hear it in her voice.  I ordered a Maduro Brown Ale from Tampa, Florida and explained to Ginger that Maduro is a dark cigar wrapper, and when I smoked cigars my preferred flavor of cigar. Ginger orders club soda and lemon.  Kirsten asked if we would like something to start us off and I told her we wanted the Smoked Chicken Wings.  We enjoyed them last time we were here and the only real bright spot of the experience so definitely wanted to have them again.  Kirsten promised to put the order in as soon as she retrieved our drinks.  She returned seconds later with Ginger's soda and lemon and left to get my beer from the bar... she returned and passed by our table with two beers in hand; deposited one on the table to her right and then spun to put the other in front of me.  The beer is dark but not a stout and has the rich notes of chocolate without bitterness and has a clean pleasant finish. Kirsten checked to see if we had any questions about the menu and asked if we were ready to order?  I chose the Fish and Chips again as I had that the last time (hoping for improvement) and Ginger selected the Ahi Tuna Tacos both dishes have City Works Olive Oil Parslied French Fries and my dish as coleslaw as well.  Kirsten proclaims these as excellent choices and leaves to put in our order.  Fifteen seconds later our smoked chicken wings arrive.  They are hot and just off the grill.  They are just as I remember, smoky and crispy with exactly the right amount of smoke and they leave me with a desire to try duplicating these at home.  Kirsten is working many tables... it must have much to do with staff shortages but she ignores no one and even anticipates needs when she sees them.  She brings packages of wipes to the table for our fingers as she sees us polishing off our wings.., brings another appetizer plate to the table to me when it is pointed out that the first one didn't get totally clean in the dishwasher.  She brings Ginger another club soda without asking simply because she saw an empty glass.

Our dinner arrives via a runner and we are happy with what we see.  Ginger digs into her tacos right away and Kirsten appears to ask how everything is going.  Notices my beer is about empty and asks if I would like another... Yes... and off she goes as I tastes my fish.  Two things I like about fish and chips... hot and not left under the lights of the pass too long and a crispy tasty batter that adheres to the fish... My fish had it just right on both accounts.  The beer is perfect accompaniment to the fish and chips... and just in time Kirsten arrives with my second beer and again inquires about our food and our satisfaction.  Ginger tells her about our last experience and she is glad we are enjoying this night with her and she leaves to take care of her other guests.  Kirsten is a gem... she could be training staff along with a hefty bump in salary.  We continue to enjoy our meal.  Ginger raves about the tacos and I about my fish... I liked it so much I decided to forgo my normal drenching of my fish and chips in malt vinegar.  We agree upon comparison that the night is different as can be from the last time.  We know that we will be back.  The food was consistent in preparation, presentation and taste.  The service was exemplary!  The atmosphere and environment conducive to an enjoyable overall experience.  In my mind service, food and atmosphere are all components of the overall dining experience.  City Works report card:  Service A+, Food A+, Environment A+.

If you are looking for delicious elevated comfort food, extraordinary beer selection, great service and ambience of a gathering spot filled with friends the City Works Eatery and Pour House is exactly what you are looking for.  Ginger and I will definitely add them to our rotation and place to bring friends for a good time and good food. 

https://www.cityworksrestaurant.com/