DC Oakes Brewhouse And Eatery — Restaurant in Fort Collins

Beer: 4/5 Robust larger, fruity Pilsner, standard Belgian Food: 4/5 Fresh ingredients, good flavors, needs consistency in putting the ingredients together. Service: 5/5 Friendly and attentive staff Value: 4/5 Hearty portions Ambiance: 5/5 Bar seating, high tables and regular tables downstairs, additional tables on the 2nd floor.

Sat at a very interestingly shaped bar area, whoever designed the bar might have been a big fan of Tetris or was looking to optimize the number of seating spaces in the given area allocated for the bar.

Ordered a small flight of 3 beers along with the House Made Breaded Dill Pickle Chips and a DCO Burger without cheese and with bacon.

The flight consisted of the following beers: Recreational Use Lager Belgian Wit Dry Hop Slovenian Pilsner

The Lager had robust flavors The Belgian Wit felt a bit flat The Pilsner had a distinctive fruity note

The beers were good as a whole.

The breaded dill chips were generous in portion size, probably could easily serve a party of 4 as an appetizer. The batter flavor was good by itself or when paired with the dipping sauce. I do wonder how the dill chips would turn out with a similar tasting but lighter batter instead.

The DCO burger was made of a high quality beef patty (seemed to be made in-house) with good seasoning, juicy and perfectly cooked. The arugula as well as the heirloom grape tomatoes were fresh. The tomatoes that were cut in half added sweetness as well as acidity in an interesting way due to the variance of flavors from each individual tomato. The DCO burger would probably be considered a gourmet burger at many other establishments based on the quality of the ingredients and how well it was prepared. Next time I would probably order the DCO burger with the garlic aioli on the side to be able to control how much aioli to spread on the bun.

The seasoned fries were a bit inconsistent, properly fried but the distribution of the salt was not uniform. The first french fry that I tried lacked salt, the second french fry that I selected randomly from the pile had too much salt, as such I had to rely on the sweetness of the ketchup to tame the salty french fries. A more even distribution of salt would have produced the perfect DCO Burger plate IMHO. Visti #2 Pork Tenderloin Cuban Sandwich: fried pork tenderloin, sliced ham, swiss, yellow mustard, chipotle aioli on a brioche bun

I ordered the Pork Tenderloin Cuban Sandwich without the cheese and a side of slaw.

As far as the Cuban goes, the fried pork tenderloin was fresh, seasoned and cooked perfectly with a hearty batter, somehow there were some deep fried dill chips also included in the sandwich. The slices of ham on top of the fried pork tenderloin were fine. The amount of chipotle aioli that was spread on the sandwich was excessive. After taking a single bite the only taste that came through was just the aioli and nothing else. Taking a couple of bites of the included dill chips (not the ones on the sandwich) helped a little bit but wasn't sufficient.

The slaw was a bit tasteless and watery as well.

It seems that there might be several cooks/chefs working in the kitchen, whoever is doing the grunt of the work in cooking the ingredients does an excellent job, whoever is responsible for the finishing touches of assembling the ingredients and putting the different spreads seems to be a bit lost IMHO. Had a similar issue with the amount of aioli on the DCO burger that I had ordered a few days ago. You can always add aioli, but it is hard to take off once applied.

BTW: I have had many real Cuban Sandwiches in CA, FL, NV, NY, PR. And I have also had my fair share of sandwiches that are inspired by the traditional Sandwich Cubano, sadly the way that the sandwich was served today doesn't fall in...

Title: DC Oaks: Where Jodie's Old Fashioned Steals the Spotlight!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Review:

Step into DC Oaks, and you'll discover a haven for food and drink enthusiasts that is simply unparalleled. Nestled in the heart of the city, this establishment has quickly become my go-to spot for an extraordinary culinary experience. However, it is Jodie, the talented bartender, who truly steals the show with their masterful mixology skills, particularly when it comes to their remarkable rendition of the classic Old Fashioned cocktail.

From the moment you take your first sip, you know you're in for a treat. DC Oaks' Old Fashioned is a symphony of flavors, expertly balanced and meticulously crafted by Jodie. Each ingredient is thoughtfully selected and seamlessly blended to create a drink that transcends expectations. The rich, smoky notes of bourbon dance harmoniously with the subtle sweetness of the muddled sugar and aromatic bitters. And let's not forget the crown jewel—an impeccably crafted orange peel garnish that releases an enticing aroma with every sip.

What sets Jodie and DC Oaks apart from the rest is not only their technical expertise but also the passion and love that goes into every cocktail. The attention to detail is remarkable, and it truly shines through in the finished product. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a casual drinker, Jodie's Old Fashioned at DC Oaks is an experience that will leave an indelible mark on your palate.

Beyond the exceptional libations, DC Oaks' ambiance and service add an extra layer of perfection to the overall experience. The staff, including Jodie, is knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly, always ready to provide recommendations tailored to your preferences. The cozy, yet sophisticated atmosphere sets the stage for an evening of refined indulgence.

DC Oaks' commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of their establishment. The bar itself is a testament to craftsmanship and creativity, featuring an impressive selection of spirits and an array of meticulously curated ingredients. This dedication to quality extends beyond Jodie's Old Fashioned, as their menu boasts an assortment of equally impressive cocktails that showcase the remarkable mixology prowess of Jodie and their team.

Whether you're seeking a romantic evening, a gathering with friends, or simply a place to unwind after a long day, DC Oaks is the epitome of hospitality and fine craftsmanship. With Jodie's unrivaled Old Fashioned taking center stage, this establishment has quickly earned its rightful place among the city's premier food and drink destinations.

In conclusion, DC Oaks is a sanctuary for those who appreciate the art of mixology, and Jodie's Old Fashioned steals the spotlight with its exceptional flavor profile and impeccable presentation. If you find yourself in search of an extraordinary cocktail experience, don't hesitate to pay a visit to DC Oaks. Your taste buds will thank you for it!

Disclaimer: The review is based on the author's personal experience and reflects their honest opinion of DC Oaks food and drink...

Summary: After calling ahead, we waited an hour before the hostess realized our spot on the wait list was "canceled". No apology offered, just given a shrug and blamed it on the system.

Full story: On 1/12, I called ahead and put our name on the list. Hostess told us our wait would be 5-15 minutes. When we arrived, I checked in and we were told we would be seated shortly. After waiting 30 minutes (with a 4-year old...in front of the hostess stand), I checked in to see where we were on the list. Hostess told me we were second on the list. I realize the time you are quoted to wait is a total guess, and I was understanding that it was longer than the 5-15 minutes quoted originally. After waiting an additional 30 minutes, my wife checked in with the host stand as we saw numerous groups seated in front of us, while we patiently waited with a 4-year old (again, within eyesight of the host stand). It was at this point, the hostess realized we were not on the list anymore and told my wife our spot had been "canceled". The hostess blamed the system, did not apologize and then told us they would seat us as soon as they could. After waiting for 60 minutes, we just walked out. No plans to return...