I don't normally take the time to write a novel on yelp- but this one really wow'd me-It's a diamond!
The first thing I need to say about this joint is that WOW-what a beautiful space!!!
Being a native Ashlander, I know how much beef there was that someone would have the AUDACITY to makeover the space & reopen as anything but the classic bar we were all used to...
But seriously: (I hate to say it but-) Alex's WHO.
It's CLEAN, tastefully decorated AND the brand new bathrooms don't induce vomit-which is fantastic.(They're actually BEAUTIFUl bathrooms that are rather enjoyable LOL!) Unless I'm mistaken, everything is brand new other than the brick walls & flooring perhaps, but the floor has obviously been refinished several times over as well. There are one of a kind art pieces & chandeliers decorating the walls & complimenting the soothing wall colors. The tables are well spread apart so you don't feel like you're on a date with the whole restaurant, they have high tables, low tables, bench seating & even a couch /two cozy armchairs around the fireplace! On top of that, the bar is about a mile long, so you don't have to get there right at opening to make sure you can get a bar seat :) There are well placed TVs and extremely taseteful music playing. Additionally, the back patio has been redone so that you can enjoy the view & serenity out there as well. AND! They have been booking some major live touring bands & have a DJ on the weekends.
Enough about decor; lets talk about product!
The menu is extremely well prepared & it's apparent that a lot of thought went into carefully selecting & developing every single item on the menu.
**No microwaved snacks from costco or soggy tacos here-so if you're a sloppy drunk looking for slop-don't eat here.
That said, I'll continue. I've been here several times now so I have tried most things-& I won't put you through a review of EVERY item, I'll just scroll through some of my usuals.
The chicken tenders: These were an excellent little treat! If you aren't starving but need some substance, this is a great choice. The quality chicken strips are friend in a handmade rice-flour batter which means (yes!) they are GLUTEN FREE. But they don't TASTE gluten-free, they taste bomb.com!! They come accompanied with delicious and perfectly salted french fries that are shoe-string style...LOVE that! Speaking of the fries, they also have a variation available called "dirty fries" and these are loaded up with all of the best things in life (such as bacon & cheese!)
They also offer a variety of smaller plates that are great for snacking and don't compromise quality in the least. These include the avocade toast, pretzel bread fondue, baked olives & many more! ALL delicious.
The Brickroom Burger: Holy Sh!t. You honestly don't see it coming...You order a burger, it;s just a regular night, you're out with friends, and then all of a sudden- BOOM you just fell head over heels out of your mind seeing hearts in the sky LOVE. This burger is to die for! You'll eat it so quickly that you almost wonder if it really happened or you just imagined the whole thing!?
Another favorite is the Cubano, which also kinda sneaks up outta nowhere and takes your mouth for the ride of it's life. GIDDY-UP! A must have!
The salads: I change my mind everytime I'm there about which one is my favorite. They are all so wonderfully different and so pleasantly surprising. I don't normally CRAVE a salad, but I think Brickroom has changed that for me. The ingredients are always fresh & innovatively mixed/matched to make the perfect salad that you haven't tasted before.
A couple underdogs that I love:pulled pork sandwich & the polish rope. Both are variations of classics, but SO FAR SUPERIOR over what you'd normally get. Try these & you'll realize what every other place has been doing wrong all these years.
Drink menu: SO tasteful & unique! They are all innovative and delicious, but you MUST try the kumquat mojito (holy shi!t) Jaberwocky & the Sacotch.
(+ about 20 craft micro-brews on tap & a large carefully picked wine selection!!)
The staff: Yes, this place can get pretty busy-but the staff holds it together instead of displacing their stress on you!! Jonathon's been my server multiple times, & I have to say I nominate him for best server in Ashland-period!
The owner has been there every single time I have, I think. He runs food, works behind the bar & makes sure things are running smoothly & promptly. He is not your typical bar owner that is "working" at the end of the bar getting drunk, hitting on girls & watching the Blazers game LOL-he is very proffesional & you can tell he cares wholeheartedly.
Zack, one the bartenders, is one of Ashland's best kept secrets. He gives great service & is pleasant, knowledgeable & prompt! He's seriously the man.
The rest of the staff is smiley, pleasant & always working hard to provide great service!!
I have SO much more to say but have reached my word limit :( Bottom line: read more