My First Friday diner group (of 10) were here on a Friday evening in Oct:.
RATINGS
Food: 4.5
Service: 5
Decor: 4
Overall: 4.5
SUMMARY REVIEW -- First Friday diners LOOOOOOVE Ward 8. "IIt is definitely firing on all cylinders." Service was patient" with our large group and latecomers were "quickly caught up to speed" with drinks and apps. The maple chili duck wings were "sweet, meaty and falling-off-the-bone tender." The fried cheese steak "won-lings(Wontons/Dumplings)" were full of "crispy texture and cheesy goodness". The sliced steak chopped salad was not the "[healthy] compromise that was expected," but a "delicious blend of fresh veggies" and " perfectly cooked"/seasoned steak. The Chicken and Polenta Fry Poutine " definitely [needed] some additional gravy for the fries. The "dollhouse-sized chairs" rubber tips made it impossible "to slide in and out without the fear of toppling over." There was also some "interesting" grammar [errant qoutes] on menu. The decor is "industrial and a little NYC-hipster", but at the same time, "warm".. "A comfortable, delicious" plaec which is "great for groups, dates, drinks with friends" make it a First Friday Favorite!
DINER COMMENTS
Ward 8 is definitely firing on all cylinders. Fantastic food, killer cocktails, and superb service combine to make this place a total knockout. I took one point off the food for the lackluster cheesesteak wonton/dumplings as I found them to be a little too close to a Hot Pocket for my liking. Otherwise, Ward 8 was pretty much perfect.
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The steak tacos were awesome and overflowing. The chicken was dry, however, and they skimped on the poutine gravy. I enjoyed my beer and there were lots to choose from. The service was especially nice and they were very accommodating of my early arrival.
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Our waiter was amazing. A large group with people coming at different times was accommodated early and expertly. Then there's the food - the beet salad I had was not at all what I was expecting but was great! It was light, with citrus dressing, and had a great crunch. I definitely didn't think that that was the salad I was getting, but was very pleasantly surprised. I had the mac and cheese for my entree and it was very good, too, but I admit I was looking longingly at some of the other entrees. Both the chicken and steak frites entrees looked awesome - I'm definitely looking forward to going back and sampling other parts of the menu. Finally - the decor was pleasant. Dark and warm with a bit of an industrial vibe. I'm looking forward to my next visit.
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Southside gin and mint cocktail was excellent. I enjoyed the tuna tartar it was served with perfectly crisped and lightly salted taro chips. The steak frites had a great char on the exterior and was cooked to perfection on the inside, the blue cheese butter topping did not disappoint. The staff checked in frequently and the service was very good. I liked the massive industrial light fixtures and wood floors, . I am eager to head back and try other entrees
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I LOVE WARD 8. Food was excellent and creative and the cocktails stood out on top of the [great] food. My moscow mule was icy cold and minty and the barware was enviable. You can't go wrong with the restaurant's namesake which was perfectly balanced and light despite its rye roots. Maple chili duck wings were sweet, meaty and falling-off-the-bone tender. The roast chicken boasted a fragile and crispy skin and the polento-poutine-concoction it was served with was interesting and addictive (though could have benefited from a little extra splash of gravy for moisture). Latecomers were quickly "caught up to speed" with drinks and apps. The decor is industrial and, let's face it....a little NYC-hipster, but also warm and romantic. Dollhouse-sized chairs too small for grown asses prevented a 5 star decor rating, but overall a comfortable, delicious visit which would be great for groups, dates, drinks with friends .
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I started off with a Moscow Mule, which came out in the traditional cup, and was delicious - I could have had 3 of them and called it a night. I had the fried cheese steak won-lings, i enjoyed the crispy texture, cheesy goodness,
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MUCH better food, service and decor than expected from a place near Dah Gahden. The waiter was on his toes and friendly and the food was uniformly excellent. My fried cheese steak appetizer dumplings were decadent, fun. My make-up-for-the-appetizer sliced steak chopped salad was not the compromise i expected, but a delicious blend of fresh veggies and a perfectly cooked and seasoned steak in just the right proportions.
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I was a lush and had two drinks and a main. The Lion's Tail and Prescription Julep were spot on. Great tasting and packed a punch. The Chicken and Polenta Poutine was super comforting but needed more gravy. Service was quick, knowledgeable and accommodating.Waiter was outstanding. A chic joint with a pretty high noise level, but not so loud that you can't hear tablemates. read more