Long Timber Brewing — Local services in Monroe

First time coming here, after passing by it numerous times over the years on my way to and from EUG. This time, took two of my out-of-state friends there for a quick meal before they caught a flight. Glad I did. And I think the 4.5 average rating is deserved.

The outside always struck me as impressive, especially in Monroe. The inside is no different. A very welcoming space with lots of ‘timber’ related bric-a-brac adorning the wood-forward interior. While I found the placement of the bar odd (then again, I didn’t build the place), they had lots of space for seating, clean restrooms, a cozy looking side room, and an outdoor area that I bet is especially wonderful in the summer.

The host, who was also our server, was gracious and attentive. I suffer from the affliction of having friends who are vegetarians for some reason. But he was quick to explain modifications to items for them. He was also quick to come back and refill our water glasses and/or check on how we were doing . He was, basically, a great guy doing double-duty on a not-so-busy Friday afternoon. LTB is lucky to have him.

The menu is interesting. It is limited, which is a good thing (given that trying to do too much usually leads to problems in the kitchen). It is also very much meat focused. Everything we ordered was good or even great. Portions were more than acceptable for the prices they charge, which I know gave some other reviewers pause initially. The beer options tasted good, even if the wine selection was limited. Can’t speak to mixed drinks.

I only have a few suggestions. First, work on that batter for the calamari. It had next to no taste (even if the portion was generous enough). Some more salt, or perhaps other spices. Second, work on that tartar sauce too, as it just tasted like mayo with a hint of something else. Third, consider one or two additional veggie items for guests (even if my two friends were able to find things to order given how gracious you were with making substitutions/deletions to menu items). Four, work on your pacing of the meal. We ordered an appetizer, two side salads, and three mains. The appetizer and the salads arrived and, not more than five minutes later, the mains arrived. That’s bad form, as even the host/server apologized. My suggestion? If the kitchen is going crazy with orders (and this was not a particularly busy afternoon), give your servers the authority to ask them to refire those orders. Or train your kitchen staff to pace orders accordingly. Again, all of the items we ordered were good or great. But, to be barely into eating your salad or appetizer, and then receive your main, makes for a problematic experience.

So glad that I took this opportunity to go to LTB. My friends enjoyed it (save for the pile-up of food on our table). Plan to take more guests here when they visit. And I will update my review the next time I visit. Want this place to succeed. Nice to have it tucked midway between...

I really have a hard time giving stars on this place - as I can see this will eventually be a wonderful place, and I love what they are trying to accomplish in the Monroe area. That being said - they have ALOT to work out -

You can't eat outside even though they have a beautiful patio w/table and chairs, which it was an amazing day, and we love to sit outside even on cold days.

We had to wait for a table, which was fine - but after sitting it took a while for the waitress to come and take our order - which it was only her second day so...- but she did not get our order in before a HUGE group that showed up after us. Needless to say, we were there for over 2 1/2 hours. We had ridden our Harley to go for a nice ride, but ended up being at the restaurant for most of the day -

With that being said, we thought it was a 'bar' - but it is family friendly, which is great for some people - but our daughter who was w/us is 24 - they ended up putting a family w/6 small children beside us at the 'bar' while they were waiting for a table....needless to say they were children - yelling and climbing all over the bar stools - there was plenty of room outside for them - so that was lovely....

We ordered drinks at the bar while we were waiting for our table, and had to pay for them as they could not add them to our food bill.

And then the food....Mine was great - I had the salmon, and the veggies were outstanding - the Salmon was very dry though - My husband and friend had the cutting board - brisket and turkey - and it was basically jerky - and they were not fond of the side - Our other friend had the Fish & Chips - there was so much grease on them that it literally spilled thru the paper and onto the table - I thought the tuna appetizer was amazing as well - but ONLY if you like it raw - which I do - hubby does not. So out of 5 people - I was the only one who thought the food was good.

So w/that being said, we will try it again after it has been open for a few more months. The concept is great, and the establishment itself is beautiful! They did an amazing job w/the craftsmanship and the details.

I think it would be lovely to take guests out there for a drink first - then hit the falls and parks in the area - and maybe AFTER you had spent the day exploring, then stop for dinner....otherwise your day will be will be...

Quick Synopsis

Atmosphere/Ambiance: 5 stars

Service: Excellent in this case 5 stars

Food: 1 star (details to follow)

This building is gorgeous! From the massive wood beams to the unique glassware and dishes, every element is aesthetically pleasing. The beers and cocktails were also good.

The food, however, was downright bad. Ordered brisket and smoked pork as an entree and the Ahi Skewers off the appetizer menu.

The pork was inedible: dry, tough, and flavorless. It literally tasted like it was cooked in a Crock pot. I sent it back to have it replaced with ham, which was actually good.

The brisket tasted more like a smoky pot roast: not terrible, but definitely NOT bbq. Their "bbq sauce" must have been 90% ketchup, with a bit of smoke flavor and vinegar added. Not good at all.

The Ahi skewer plate was a mess: kind of nice to look at, but there were so many issues. First the Ahi itself wasn't seasoned, and the "sear" was poorly executed. There were two pickled elements on the plate which were fine individually, but had no business being together on the same plate.

There were rice noodles in the center of the plate that had no flavor, and were a huge miss texture-wise. Finally, scattered all over the plate were bits of caramel with sesame seeds. Again, tasted fine on their own, but had no business being anywhere near this dish.

Overall, the execution and flavors of the food were bad. I will absolutely never order food there again unless the kitchen undergoes a major change.

Great place to have...