The Mixer — Restaurant in Hopkinsville

So glad to see a nice place opening in Hopkinsville. The ambiance is wonderful. Nice music and fairly approachable and knowledgeable staff. Amazing cocktail menu. Great selection of wines. I started out my service with a young man that seemed to be doing great, but then another lady came and he shadowed. She really was not modeling behavior I hope other staff imitates. She was very pushy and was really just up selling everything. I really don't like feeling like I am at a used car dealership when I eat anywhere but especially in the type of establishment The Mixer is trying to cultivate. I am very hopeful the food improves because the prices are definitely more than one would see in other places. I had the kimchee pickles. I was really looking forward to something different, however the pickles were heavily battered, greasy, and with absolutely no discernible taste. The green tomato soup was unique, light, and a very nice taste. I ordered sides because I expected the soup and appetizers would have been enough. The asparagus was burned, not grilled, and so full of pepper I couldn't eat it. The coconut Brussels Sprouts were cooked to death, limp, without any coconut flavor, and so salty I couldn't eat them. The twice baked potato was nice because it was not covered in cheese, sour cream, and bacon. In fact, I was only able to eat the potato and soup. The wine was Prayer for Sinners. I was really looking forward to something different, but the wine was not very flavorful and tasted of a lower quality.

Based on my dinner experience, I didn't dare try a dessert, although I was still pretty hungry. I did see coffee and tea, so maybe it might be worth a try sometimes for a coffee or tea with something light before a show at the Al Hambra. It's a shame because the location is fantastic and the ambiance is comfortable, but with the service I would not be at all comfortable. Thankfully, I was comped on the food I didn't eat. I would have been livid if not. I noticed the prices on the menu and the selection was not great. I would not pay the price of the salads for something that one could really get anywhere.

Restaurant business is tough, and in this area, palates lean toward wanting heavy salt, fat, and batter. Thankfully, The Mixer is trying something different, but they must improve the quality of the food to stay around. Ambiance alone won't cut it, and I doubt they can survive on coffee, tea, and pastries. I didn't see other appetizers I would have cared for. It would have been nice to see more vegan and vegetarian options. I am glad the food seemed to be fresh. I would try to come here once more to try some cocktails and look for a little munchies or maybe a dessert. I want this place to succeed, but there's some changes to be...

My girlfriend and I are enjoyed our first experience at this restaurant; it was very pleasant, warm, and enjoyable, which was shocking due to the amount of hard surfaces. Every single one of the employees were friendly and welcoming, and even though we waited almost an hour for a bar top it felt like only a handful of minutes; very cozy and enjoyable 🙂

With that being said, atmosphere is only a part of the restaurant experience, and unfortunately the food did not live up to our expectations. Let’s get this out of the way first: they are WAYYYYYY overpriced. I’m sorry, but they are. $20 for a French dip for example…In Hopkinsville nonetheless…and it’s not just one item on the menu; it’s everything. I don’t have a problem with expensive food, but only if it wows you to the point of justification, and we were more or less disappointed with the execution of each dish. Tail-on for shrimp and grits? Using a different lettuce for a wedge salad? We just weren’t wowed by anything (except the bill), and it’s not like we’re snobby food critics who have unreasonable expectations. I’m not trying to be harsh…I promise…but I also just have to be truthful.

Would we go back? I’m not sure really. The atmosphere was perfect, but at some point you have to eat, and I’m not sure I’m ready to play menu roulette on my dime. The food was not bad…it just wasn’t as good as the menu price demanded.

3.5/5 but I’ll give them a four because of the...

Last Friday evening I met my former classmates for early dinner. I’m visiting from Arizona. My friend had made a reservation for 10. She arrived early, told the hostess she had reservations for 10. Hostess asked where everyone was. She told her they were on the way. Hostess then said I’ll seat you when more of you arrive. That’s fine but she had attitude. We all arrived shortly thereafter. Our waitress was fake friendly, could tell she was not happy to have this table. We placed our drink orders. I was so surprised to see Sonoran Sunset on the menu, that’s so Arizona so I ordered just to try. I must say it was better than some served here in Phoenix. Groups are tough to deal with I know, but also know your spot has to be accustomed to groups. My steak with goat cheese and beets salad was delicious. Everyone was satisfied with drinks and meal. The service was off-putting. We were a group of African Americans and we all got the feeling, we weren’t really welcome there. The look of surprise from other patrons as if we were intruding their spot. I say all that to say this, if your establishment is “Whites Only” post that. Trust and believe we prefer to know that and can certainly dine elsewhere. This is 2025, your staff reflects the owners and service is your industry. Hopkinsville is long overdue for an elevated dining option, but your service needs to match your food and drinks if longevity is...