Stubborn Mule Saloon & Steak — Restaurant in Joseph

Prior to choosing to go to this establishment we read the reviews so were aware that there could be a wait involved. Well...they did not disappoint. We tried the place two nights since I, in particular, wanted the prime rib which was not available the first night we went. They are understaffed!! No two ways about it. The first night we were placed at a table with another couple. Now...they were pleasant folks and we actually had a great conversation but as other reviews have pointed out, this restaurant is not covid friendly. The waiters and waitresses do not bother to wear masks, which was interesting. With that, the food was great the first night. I highly suggest that when you are seated have a drink and perhaps an idea of food you want and order right then. Could be awhile before you see your waiter again. The lady who waited on us the first night could multitask, which made the experience bearable, though was still very slow to get service.

Second night (prime rib night), a whole other story. We purposely got there early...before 5pm. Got a seat right away and menus. We were feeling pretty good. Then it happened. Within 15 minutes the whole dining room was at capacity and it was apparent that the young gentleman waiting on us was overwhelmed. My girlfriend received the wrong order and was told thats what she ordered. She doesn't eat fish so we looked at him puzzled. He later admitted he types it in wrong. Meanwhile I got my primerib. I slowly ate while she waited on her meal. When she finally got it I asked the waiter why I hadn't got a baked potato. He said I ordered a salad and you only get 2 sides (vegetables being the other). I explained to him that he asked me for soup or salad, I chose soup but wanted a side salad as well. That did not mean no potato. After navigating the meal we wanted to pay our check. After sending messages to our waiter and getting no service I got up and went to the other side of the restaurant and found my waiter acting as the bartender. I was beside myself. I highly suggest this owner hire some part time help. Waiters should wait, not bartend. That is why you hire a bartender, especially on weekend nights. I return in a month and will not be returning unless reviews suggest the issue of understaffing has...

I will start by saying I have heard nothing but good things about the food from this location.

With that being said, I have never had a worse, overpriced meal in my entire life. We ordered the sampler platter to start for $17. This was a pile of fries and awful deep fried mushrooms topped with a sprinkle of onion rings, two chicken strips, two mozzarella sticks, and two jalapeno poppers. It was pathetic.

I ordered the fish and chips basket, which by the way does not actually state how many pieces of fish you actually get. The fish was cold and incredibly soggy. Like you take a bite and the rest just disintegrated back into the basket. It is the only time I did not have a lemon and malt vinegar served with my fish in the 20 odd years I've eaten this meal at various locations. The tarter sauce tasted like a cross between being homemade with too much lemon, and being spoiled. It is also the first time in my 20 odd years I could not finish my meal. I made it through one and a quarter fish before I had to give up.

My wife ordered the sirloin steak. Always the cheapest meat option at any restaurant, but you should still try while making it. Again, worst steak I have ever tasted served from a restaurant. You ever get one of those cheap steaks from Walmart, let it get burnt in your freezer, and pan fry it till all the pink is gone with no seasoning? That is what we were served. A dry, flavorless, cheap tasting poor excuse for a steak.

Seating was uncomfortable. The actual restaurant side is ridiculously small, but because of popularity they crammed in way too many tables. Makes you feel like you are dining with the table next to you and moving feels like trying to get out of a row in the movie theater.

For all of this, we spent $90. We tried having a nice time out since this is probably the only trip we will have the chance to get this summer and we absolutely wasted $90 eating at the wrong establishment. I know good food exists here, but I am not willing to gamble on it in any...

A lesson in amazing customer service: My mom and I visited for dinner. It didnt look crazy busy as the large table next to us was enjoying their meal and the bar didnt look full. Note: they gave an outdoor dining area as well. We ordered buffalo chicken wings as an appetizer and splitting the 8oz steak dinner, I got a soda and my mom ordered the white zin. When the wings arrived they looked good, however we were disappointed to discover they weren't fully cooked (bloody around the bone). The wine was extremely sweet so she asked for something different, deciding not to drink the original beverage. We were also offering new wings but declined thinking the dinner would be done shortly. About 30 more mins go by and no dinner. I asked the waitress for the other section to check our meal as our waitress was waiting on aomeone in the bar the see. I want to state we are generally not complainers at a restaurant, it just felt like a long time for a medium rare steak some broccoli and fries. It was at this time we found out about the outdoor dining. About 3 minutes later our waitress brings our food over and apologizes for the wait. We of course accept and eat our meal. At bill time she compt us the wine and the wings as well as giving $10 off our bill. While the wings i was expecting as we only attempted eating 2, we were amazed when she said the wine and $10 off as well. We decided to pay the 20% tip for the cost of the meal with the discounted total as well as leaving $10 for the discount. I dont often see customer service recovery in action unless I am the one doing it, so it was a very pleasant surprise. We would happily try this restaurant...