Clarks Lodge — Restaurant in Clarksburg

Went here on Labor Day around 20-30 minutes after opening with my partner for an anniversary. Got seated pretty quickly in a booth by who would be our waiter. As soon as the menus were dished out she asked if we were ready to order. I told her not yet and she attempted to walk away. I asked her quickly since she was in a rush if we could drinks and we then ordered them. Waited around 10 minutes for those. When they came she asked if we were ready again. Very polite and well mannered and she conversed kindly. I said not yet. She asked us again minutes later and I said that we were almost. Then we waited. And waited. And waited. The other waiter asked if we were helped yet and I told him that our waitress hadn’t come by in a while so we couldn’t asked. Thankfully he went and fetched her so we could order. Got the Lemon Pepper wings which were good. It was more of a fried oiled taste and less lemon pepper but it’s nothing I could make better. Soon our food came. Once again quickly and the kitchen did a wonderful job. Fish and chips were good and the pizza as well. When we finished our food we conversed and was looking for our waiter to ask for a check. However we ended up waiting a very long time which ended up being around an hour just for the check. The manager was going around taking care of clean tables and I was tempted to ask him. However I second guessed that decision and trusted each time that she would come around. More than 4 other tables got seated after us and left before us. When she came around an hour later and checked if we were ok I asked the check and payed for the meal. Once we finished I informed the manager that the wait time was a bit long just for a check. He said that it was a three day weekend and scheduling was hard so it was more reactive. Which I completely understand working in and industry like that previously. He said that he had to “throw a wrench” in my complains though which I took as a tad hostile. However, throughout the entire talk he was overall kind and polite and very understanding. I have gone to this establishment many times before and the food and service has been quite consistent. But to see a different waiter handling many other tables with no problems while we sat there staring at a wall. It was...

Some think we were crazy to show up on the second night of a new restaurant - and I had to agree. However, Clarks Lodge Bar and Grill was a fun evening and they really did an incredible job in food, service and atmosphere.

As someone who was a frequent visitor to GrillMarx, I eagerly awaited this opening. We arrived, and as expected, the place was packed. We were given a time of 30-40 minutes to get a table, and they nailed that estimate. In the meantime we waited in the bar. Great atmosphere, and Meghan was an outstanding bartender. Friendly, professional and very busy, but we got our drinks quickly and found a space to wait.

Once seated in the restaurant, Morgan was our server. For someone who was there on her first night, just outstanding. Personable and really attentive and customer service oriented. Just fantastic. In addition, Carlos (Bar Manager) stopped by several times. What a great asset to the restaurant. Really knows his bar menu, and solicits feedback on the wine choices, liquor, etc. Just incredible.

Upon seating, we were given complimentary Vegetable Samosas. Very tasty. For food we had the Clarks Family Platter (appetizers of BBQ Wings, Southwest Eggrolls, Lodge Shrimp and Chicken Quesadillas), Caprese Salad and Ahi Tuna. All of it was really delicious, but especially loved the Quesadilla! In addition, big fan of the Caprese Salad. Really, really great. We also ordered the Smoked Brisket Sandwich. Very good. For dessert we had the Tiramisu. For those that know me, Caprese and Tiramisu are my favorites. Both were excellent. The Tiramisu was creamy and packed full of flavor. Yummy! Check out all the pictures below.

The decor is really nice. Very lodge-ish feeling. Antler chandeliers, stone wall, and taxidermy heads throughout. Plenty of parking.

So overall a great experience. Were there hiccups? Of course! Couple of TVs not working, but no big deal. It's to be expected on day two, and they nailed service and food. Bottom line is we will definitely be back. Probably often. Looking forward to sitting out on the patio in a month or two. I recommend you...

First, I'll say this: my guess would be they're having growing pains, having just opened, which I totally understand. It is truly awesome to have a place this beautiful on the inside, staffed by people who are truly warm and welcoming and helpful. I'm absolutely rooting for them. That's why I'm sharing this review, in the hopes of helping them improve and become the 5-star place I think they can absolutely be.

The service on the two occasions I've been there has been extraordinarily slow. Sat outside both times, 20 minutes before someone came to the table at all, or to ask for a drink order. And then another 15-20 minutes before a simple draft beer shows up at the table. The last time, the beer never showed up at all; had to ask the young man who brought our food out. With a packed house, that's understandable...that was not the case on either occasion.

Food is approaching very good, but not there yet...with the exception of the Lamb burger. Sorry folks, but this was so gamey it was almost inedible, to be completely honest. The regular burger, however, was near perfect, would definitely recommend.

Other interesting options like the Jerk chicken on ciabatta's promising flavor could be SO much better with a little crispness outside the bread, a lot more seasoning in the chicken and more than a few strands of coleslaw and two tiny pickle chips on top (be generous with toppings, folks). Fries, however, are most excellent.

The food did come out pretty quickly both times — but I'd be willing to wait longer for improved quality; I think most folks would as well.

All that said, every single person on staff we encountered was super friendly and helpful — so I attribute this to typical growing pains. All that said, I'll repeat that I'm pulling for them 100%; I will absolutely be giving Clarks Lodge more chances.

Update: 4 stars due to the owner obviously caring a great deal about...