The Anchor — Restaurant in Celina

Welcome to the Anchor. Don't let the name fool you. Its not a seafood joint. (UNLESS the Wicked Lobstah is being hosted, them boys know their lobstah rolls!) But their name I believe is a play on the local lake. The Anchor is an up and coming newer restaurant that I personally think is struggling to identify itself. Is it a pub? Bar? Restaurant? Hipster hangout for drinks? Not sure because it features and gives off vibes of a little bit of everything. Its in the early stages which means fresh new ideas for food and drinks. Love their signature drink, The Anchor. It is topped with the bourbon soaked cherries which was pretty darn GOOD! The Chester is a sandwich but drink a few of them Anchors and the you'll want a few Chesters! Burger served with nacho cheese and flaming hot Cheatoh puffs. Appetizers are also very enjoyable. Sampled the pickle chips and street corn style dip. Very very delicious and unique. Bad points? Well they're new. Give em a shot, they're learning. A 50 min food wait and slow service made some of them stars fall off. Busy street front made communication loud but again love the openness of the place. This is my first review for the Anchor but ill keep...

I drove from Lima on a recommendation so let me start by saying I benchmark all restaurants in this price point and style to Beer Barrel who seems to do everything pretty well. First, nice ambiance. I like to support small local places. Our waitress was very nice and attentive. My wife's wrap was good, no complaints. On the other hand my chicken tenders were most likely premade frozen with a side and Texas toast for 15$. As I eluded before, BB serves fresh and lightly breaded and not frozen tenders, hot and juicy with fries and a good size house salad for 12$. I did see some others with burgers that look good but at this level and price I expect fresh made tenders, they aren't that difficult if you are using fresh not frozen meat. Not sure if I will be back. Also, would be nice to eat on their patio,...

Finally, we got right in and sat down at a table, for our first time going in.

Their Southwestern Salad is the best l've ever tasted. It's mouthwatering flavor isn't shy nor spicy hot. I'm a food-heat wimp. But, I love love love this salad. Also, due to a Sodium Level of 2000mgs daily, I took half of my salad home to eat later. It didn't last the night.

My hubby tried their signature burger and had an expensive beer 'Dragon's Milk' which is a dark brew. He liked it.

My Iced Tea wasn't refilled at the table, but was topped off in a ToGo cup when I went to the bar for a salad box. The $40 bill just wasn't so kosher for the service in a bar restaurant, and where their service lacked. We probably won't be back unless to meet family...