3 Stars -- Great Staff, Lots of Potential, But Four Visits and Four Food Disappointments
This was my fourth time dining at 2020 Scratch Kitchen in Georgetown, Texas, and unfortunately, I still haven't walked away impressed with the food. I'm giving this restaurant three stars because the staff deserves recognition, but after four visits and four different dishes, I have to be honest about my experience.
Let me start with the positives. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, a nice vibe, and plenty of potential. The staff working on the floor was phenomenal, and I had some great conversations with the employees.
A huge shout-out to Emma! Management, if you're reading this, keep this young lady, invest in her, and promote her. She is an absolute workhorse. I watched her pass by at least eight or nine times, and every time she was doing something productive--cleaning, helping customers, moving things, or making sure the restaurant was running smoothly. She told me they were taught to be a "swivel" when they started working there, meaning always looking around and finding the next thing that needs to be done. She absolutely lives up to that philosophy. Her work ethic and dedication are exceptional.
My waiter was also phenomenal. I unfortunately didn't get his name, but he was a gentleman from North Carolina, and we had a great conversation. He was personable, attentive, and offered recommendations. In hindsight, I probably should have taken his first recommendation!
Now, let's talk about the food.
I have eaten here four times and tried four different dishes, and not once have I been overly satisfied. I don't say that lightly because I genuinely believe this restaurant has all the potential in the world to be great.
When I hear scratch kitchen, I expect food prepared with care, attention to detail, and ingredients and techniques that justify the experience and the price. Classic dishes like meatloaf and macaroni and cheese can become signature items that bring customers back again and again. You don't always need to reinvent a classic. Sometimes, you simply need to execute it exceptionally well.
On my most recent visit, I ordered the mac and cheese skillet with chicken. The food arrived surprisingly quickly for a dish I expected to be thoughtfully prepared from scratch. The macaroni and cheese was reasonably creamy, but the combination of cheeses didn't seem to work particularly well, and the pasta was overcooked and mushy.
The chicken was another disappointment. The breading wasn't particularly crispy, the coating fell off into the mac and cheese, and the chicken itself was chewy. Overall, the dish didn't deliver the quality or execution I expected.
My bigger concern is the value. For me, the food is overpriced for what is being delivered. I'm happy to pay for a great meal, especially when a restaurant takes pride in preparing food from scratch. But paying a premium for dishes that don't deliver on flavor, texture, or execution isn't how I want to spend my evening.
I also want to explain why I've continued coming back despite these experiences. I stay at the Sheraton in Georgetown for work, and there are only about four restaurants within comfortable walking distance that offer convenient dining options. After a long day at work, sometimes you just want to walk somewhere, sit down, and enjoy a good meal without getting back in your car.
Last night, I walked into another restaurant nearby, only to find that the only available seating was at the bar. After a long workday, sitting at a bar wasn't what I wanted, so I went elsewhere. I returned to 2020 Scratch Kitchen for the fourth time because it was a convenient option. Unfortunately, convenience still didn't translate into a satisfying meal.
That is the frustrating part. I keep giving this restaurant another chance because of its location and potential, but the food continues to disappoint.
My recommendation to management: You have a great atmosphere and some genuinely outstanding employees. Now, bring the kitchen up to that same standard. Focus on consistency, proper preparation, flavor combinations that work, and delivering food that justifies the price. A creative twist on a classic dish is wonderful when it's done well, but creativity alone doesn't make a dish better.
If you're visiting Georgetown and staying at the Sheraton, here's my advice: Do yourself a favor, get in your car, and drive a little farther down the road to explore some other dining options. There are better choices worth considering if you're looking for a meal that feels worth the money.
I wanted to love this place. Four visits later, I'm still waiting for a meal that makes me want to come back for the food rather than the convenience.
The staff deserves the praise. The kitchen needs to step up. read more