The Moonlighter — Restaurant in Jefferson Township

I was heading for home, but it’s a gorgeous afternoon I was mulling over stopping in at a place with outdoor seating for a drink.

Spoiler alert: I’ll never go to the The Moonlighter again. Everybody who’s worked in a bar/restaurant knows there’s almost always somebody surly who for some reason thinks customers are just a hassle…this is no exception.

I passed by The Moonlighter a couple of blocks later and the patio looked great, so I decided to stop in. I was in a good mood, and psyched to end the day outside with a cold beer.

When I walked up, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to sit inside or outside because, though it was just 6 pm, the outside are was in shadow already. Plus, there are really large openings from the outside to the inside bar area, so it had an outdoor feel to it as well.

The outside was largely empty, and there were plenty of open seats inside as well. I asked if it was ok if I just took a look inside before deciding, and the host said sure.

I walked slowly in and stood just inside for a moment, checking out the vibe and seeing what soccer game was on the screens. It was really loud inside, and I didn’t really like the music, so I stepped back outside thinking that would be nicer. Dangit, speakers out there right by the tables, and just as loud there.

At that point a guy came up to me and asked rudely “Where are going?” (or it might have been “What are you doing?”. I was so taken aback I don’t even remember exactly. He was obviously very annoyed for some reason.

I stood for a second, a bit stunned at how needlessly obnoxious he was, then said, “Trying to see if I want to sit inside or outside.”

He replied curtly “Well let them know!” and gestured to the host stand, and turned and stalked off as I said “I already talked to them”, but he kept on going.

Wow.

At that point I didn’t want to stay in either space, in or out. I let the hosts know what happened, and was frustrated when I said it. I did make clear that I wasn’t upset at them, b/c I’d was pretty animated when I walked out.

The reaction was basically…shrug. “Ok.”

There are TONS of great restaurants, bars, and breweries all over Logan/Palmer Square.

Scofflaw, Giant, GO Tavern (one of my favorites), Parsons, Solemn Oath, Bungalow, C&J’s Lounge, Weege’s…and I could go on and on, all within 4 blocks.

Pro: great outdoor space, and nice vibe, nice design/space, felt good inside and out.

Pro: there are so many other places within a 2-5 minute walk, many with outdoor spaces.

Con: the dude who decided to be an a$, and host who likely was intimidated by said a$, so pretended not to care.

Con: Loud music, and not good. I know, very subjective…but I have a pretty wide range, lean toward garage rock & punk, but also like a lot of many other genres, and usually either like the music or don’t notice, unless I really don’t like it. Or it’s very loud.

Conclusion: it’s not surprising that almost all the bars/restaurants have a much higher rating than this place. In the hospitality world, customers matter. Go somewhere else, where you can actually enjoy it and not have a...

Let me start by saying that the service was wonderful and definitely 5 stars. Our waitress was attentive and kind. It seemed like the bartenders were engaging with the bar customers. The host at the door was also very pleasant.

I would definitely consider this place a downgrade from the overall feel and quality of Scofflaw. The biggest disappointment was the glaring TV's coming from all directions. I am a baseball fan, So I don’t often mind a TV or two in some places, but to have that many was a distraction and it took away from the potential ambience this place could have. The fireplace in the little nook was wonderful and warm, yet, a big screen TV took away from a calm and chill experience in there as well.

Not to mention, I am not sure this type of atmosphere belongs in this neighborhood. I grew up here in Logan Square, and this particular area of the neighborhood has a very nice low-key energy to it, while still maintaining an enjoyable vibrancy and nightlife. I feel this type of place is going to make this stretch of Armitage into the new Milwaukee Ave. That is a bummer.

We got two different burgers and they we so-so. I would order one again if I am stuck in the neighborhood, but there are many other burgers I would rather spend 10-12 bucks on.

This place is advertised as having a low price point, but I don’t see that either. I would say 10-12 bucks for a burger that does not come with a side, is an average price. The beer and cocktail prices were also average (maybe a buck cheaper on some beers). We were also unimpressed with the beer selection, as there were way too many sour/Gose/sweet beers, though I am aware that is part of their focus, they just don’t quite feel like the right beers for this...

We thought we would try a little dive bar for some easy to grab bar food. While we weren't expecting an amazing experience knowing it was a dive bar, we did expect more than we got.

Upon arriving we waited 18 minutes before anyone came to take an order - even just for drinks - from us. One guy dropped 2 empty glasses, stacked, and a pitcher of water at our table and walked away. No hello. No your server will be right with you.

When a server did come, he was pleasant. Food and drinks were delivered quickly after we ordered. The cheese fries were not good. Chicken tenders and Mac and cheese weren't bad for a sports bar.

While I was eating, something fell on my arm from the ceiling and after looking at my arm, it was a small worm/maggot of some sort. This ended any desire to eat the food. I am sure it was just a freak coincidence, but that coupled with the lack of attention despite being walked by and looked at dozens of times did not leave a good taste in our mouths.

Probably a decent place to come watch a game, sit at the bar, and drink a beer - but not the place to sit down at a table and...