A spur of the moment decision led us to 523 Tap & Grill. I was a little worried that it would be spectacularly busy on a Saturday night, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant fairly quiet! We were seated instantly, which was also a pleasant surprise! I started with the Peachy Keen, a whiskey cocktail with ginger beer and Crown Peach, which was absolutely delicious. We ordered the Grilled Brie as an appetizer and I think it maybe have been the best appetizer I've ever had. Not only did it come out quick and thoroughly warmed through, but the crostinis were nice and crispy with the perfect amount of chewy middle. The savory Brie with the sweet blackberry and pickled currants was insanely good; the almond crumble on top made it definitely the best bite I've had in the last year. Even my partner, who is notoriously picky, loved it. The only thing I would change is a couple more crostinis; maybe next time I won't share at all! A quick note about the service: it was very fast. We had only just finished up our appetizer when our main courses came out. Our waitress, Elizabeth, was very polite and stopped by our table enough to keep our drinks filled and orders taken, but not at all overbearing. For entrees, I got the 523 Signature Salad with chicken and my partner got the Plum Tasty burger (plum sauce on the side). Whoever's idea it was to put the spiced pumpkin seeds in the salad is truly a genius. I could've eaten them by the handful. The chicken was nicely seasoned and a perfectly savory compliment to the sweet and tangy vinaigrette. My only complaint was that I would've loved more of those pumpkin seeds!!! My partner's burger was very nicely cooked, just on the pink side of medium. His only complaint was the amount of cheese, saying that it sometimes over powered the burger.
Going forward, I will recommend this restaurant to literally every one I know in Michiana. I think we've definitely found our new special occasion...
Read moreShout out to the staff tonight for an out of the ordinary experience. Special thank you to Tammy for her service, as well as taking the time to let my daughter order when she had 2 10-12 tops, and Jordan with her intuition on our needs before we arrived. This is the 2nd time in the last few weeks we've had the pleasure of Jordan's attention to detail.
Every few months we try to have a date night with our young girls. During these dates, we make it a nicer affair and expose them to different culinary entrees, venues and social cues. To the the establishment staff however, it's not every day a 6 year old trots in for a Friday night dinner on the town in an upscale establishment. While I understand where it is coming from, the usual vibe from establishments is slightly put-off, with the a general lack of attention because I have a small child in tow, and not the normal attention to detail my husband and I would receive. Tonight, that air dissipated shortly into our seating and made for a most enjoyable experience!
I do not want to take away from the kitchen, who was spot on tonight as well. Bruschetta was well seasoned, crostini was crispy with a slight give when not over cooked. The swordfish over lemon couscous was lightly cooked, and the sweet and sour pepper compote...yum! (My 6 year old gave it all a 2 thumbs up, 10/10)
Point being, the fantastic upscale venues my husband a I love so much are preemptively judgmental on how the experience will go when small children walk -in. That usually severely impacts the level of service received. I'm overjoyed that tonight the staff was able to course correct as they saw it would not be a night full of a screaming child and were able to maintain the service and experience they would give any other...
Read moreCraving a satisfying lunch spot in Elkhart? Look no further than 523 Tap & Grill! I recently had the pleasure of dining there, and let me tell you, it was an experience that deserves a full 5-star review. Flavorful Wraps & Satisfying Burgers: My taste buds did a happy dance with the Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap. The grilled chicken was juicy and perfectly seasoned, with crispy bacon adding a delightful crunch. The cheddar cheese melted beautifully, blending seamlessly with the fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy ranch dressing. The choice of spinach or sun-dried tomato tortilla was a nice touch, and I opted for the spinach, which provided a healthy and flavorful base. My dining companion opted for the Main Street Burger, and it was a sight to behold. This burger wasn't messing around! It boasted a perfectly cooked patty topped with delicious cheddar cheese, savory mushrooms, and crispy fried onion strings. The lettuce and tomato added a refreshing touch, while the BBQ-ranch sauce tied everything together with a sweet and tangy kick. Each bite was a delicious explosion of textures and flavors. Beyond the Food: The atmosphere at 523 Tap & Grill was both polished and inviting. The service was friendly and attentive, ensuring our lunch experience was smooth and enjoyable. We particularly appreciated the helpful recommendations from our server, who guided us towards the perfect lunch choices. Overall Impression: Whether you're craving a flavorful wrap or a hearty burger, 523 Tap & Grill has something for everyone. The quality of the food, coupled with the attentive service and inviting atmosphere, makes this a top contender for your next lunchtime outing in Elkhart. I highly recommend it and can't wait to return to explore their...
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