S.W. Clyborne Co. Provision & Spirits — Restaurant in Mason

Food: Warm at best. Bisuits dry, butter wasn't even melted in supposedly "hot" skillet, tomato BASIL flatbread has no basil and was undercooked. (Maybe the miniscule barely-there drizzle of basil pesto on the top is what they were referring to in the title of the dish?). Also grape tomatoes left whole, and since undercooked the cheese couldn't hold them and they kept rolling off onto table. I think there is also a lemon something or other on this, because whatever it was, it clashed with the rest of the pizza - can't put my finger on it, but a weird taste. This was a birthday dinner for me and I didn't want to ruin it for anyone in my party by complaining about our mediocre meal. Also, they didn't even offer me my birthday donuts. :( I chose THEM to celebrate. The whole dinner was meh. I left feedback and manager got back to me - apologized, told me if I had said something they would have comped the meal. Asked me to give them another try, but provided no incentive (free entree or SOMEthing!) Probably would go back, because they do have pretty good food overall, but will be much more vocal if things not good (although shouldn't have to be if done right the first time, every time. Which should be the mission and the goal. No one strives for excellence anymore, except our server! She was very good!)

Service: EXCELLENT, no complaints!

Atmosphere: We went early (5:00 p.m.) and it was fine. But we have been there other times when it's prime time -after 5:30-and it is LOUD in there. Pretty typical of most restaurants these days though. Have to shout to have a conversation since the acoustics are so poory designed pretty much anywhere you go, which makes it hard to hear anything. Tables are very close together, I guess to maximize capacity but feels like you're on top of the next table. Also, we were seated right next to kitchen and servers were always standing around there waiting for their food to come up. Was a bit awkward as I felt everytime I looked up someone was looking right back at me. Felt myself trying to look away from them, anywhere but at them. It was a little uncomfortable. We were just in very close proximity I guess.

One last thing: Parking lot is absolutely ridiculous and extremely poorly designed! Blocked off everywhere you logically turn - one way in, one way out. Even if you park on side near outdoor dining you still have to walk all the way around to get to front entrance - no cut through on patio to front door. Can't even loop around where you think you could within the lot, and if you do, not even any parking there on the right! Right turn only to get out, so have to turn right, go up and turn around in some other parking lot just up on left to come back out. Not the most intelligent design.

We've been here maybe 2 other times, and not really any issues, so 2 out of 3 isn't bad. Maybe it was just too early and the kitchen and staff hadn't yet gotten into their groove. Either way, it's worth trying to see for yourself at least once. We would probably go back again as well, as I'm all for second chances. Third, et al...

Josh and Debra make this place special!

Overall: 9.6/10. Excellent service makes this city gastropub a hit! Offering superb food, drinks, and service to match, I highly recommend this place to anyone - especially those who need a gluten free option.

1. Atmosphere: 10/10 - city gastropub feel with iron and woodworking throughout. Comfortable chairs whether you sit at the bar or a table.

2. Allergies: 10/10 - Gluten free haven for those who need it. Their breading is all gluten free, as is the bun if you need, making their fried chicken sandwich an excellent choice for those who are gluten and lactose free.

3. Happy Hour: 10/10 - M-F between 4-6 PM If you don't make happy hour, you're missing out! The pricing is great and the qualifying items are great! The apps and cocktails on happy hour make it totally worthwhile to get there earlier and enjoy discounted deliciousness. I highly recommend the loaded tots. They're phenomenal and worth making a trip for.

4. Drinks: 7.8/10 for selection. 10/10 for execution. While they don't have an exhaustive list compared to other places, they do execute their list well. Beer selection is acceptable and par for the course, as is their wine list. I go here for their cocktails. The cocktails are inspiring and different, which is what I'm looking for. Finally, a restaurant that has unique and VERY delicious cocktails for everyone. While you can get "normal" cocktails, I'd spring for their happy hour or crafted ones. The whiskey sour is especially awesome, as is the tahona. Heck, you really can't go wrong. The whiskey list was interesting, albeit nothing rare or exciting. This can be improved.

5. Appetizers: 9.3/10 - the appetizer list was on the small/medium sized and all were very good. The loaded tots are likely my new favorite, although the chicken chunks and sliders are just so good! Extremely well done and my new favorite place for appetizers.

6. Food: 9.6/10 - the selection is just right; not too little, not overwhelming like cheesecake factory. Offering something for everyone, Clyborne knocks every item out of the park, every time. Their steak is exceptional, as is the chicken sandwich. The corn side dish elote is likely the best side dish on the menu; even giving their insane Mac n Cheese a run for its money. The spiciness level is just right and it's loaded with flavor. I can likely write a book about every dish, so to make this succinct, just know I have never had a bad dish. Quite the opposite - they consistently outperform and exceed my expectations every time. They're just. That. Good.

7. Dessert: delicious options that don't miss. Something for everyone, though I'm not one to normally order dessert at a restaurant.

8. Reservations: not required, but highly recommended. This place books up quickly on popular nights.

9. Cleanliness: 10/10 - bathrooms are clean, floors, tables, plates, silverware, and employees are all neat and clean.

10. Bathrooms: exceptionally clean and well thought out. They offer a handful of gender neutral single-bathrooms that are very clean...

Friend one had the spring chicken. It was pan seared chicken w/ Israeli couscous and an avocado sauce. I assume it was good, because before I knew it, friend one was wiping the plate clean w/ the fork. Friend two went with a fan favorite of theirs, the Clyborne burger. Its two 5 oz. patties, with American cheese, a signature sauce, and the usual fixins of lettuce, tomato, and onion. Friend two considers this to be one of the best burgers they have ever had. There were quite a few things that sounded good on the menu. I decided to begin w/ the strawberry goat cheese salad. It was pretty good. Its Mixed greens, micro arugula, whipped goat cheese, fresh strawberries, white balsamic vinaigrette, toasted sunflower seeds. I could have used a little more dressing, but otherwise, I enjoyed it. I then had the shrimp and grits. (Side note: I still feel Ele at Austin Landing has the best shrimp and grits I have had thus far.) Whenever I hear shrimp and grits, I automatically think of Cajun spices on the shrimp. I admit, I was a little thrown when the plate was set in front of me, as the shrimp were plain. Its not like the description said anything about it being Cajun, my mind just went there. It was stone ground cheese grits, topped with sautéed Oishii shrimp, andouille sausage, peppers, and scallions. Despite the lack of seasoning on the shrimp, it was a very flavorful dish. Could have used more of a kick from the sausage, but again, that's because I was thinking Cajun. It was quite a large dish. I started getting full half way through. Despite that, I finished. I'm of the mindset that if you order seafood, even if you can't finish whatever else is in the dish, at least dig out all the seafood and finish it. I was not going to let any of my shrimp go to waste. I cannot sign off w/o mentioning the wonderful drink I had-a bourbon sour. It was fresh, no mix, and by my standards, packed a punch from the Bulleit bourbon. It was quite tasty. Good thing I waited until my food came or else, I would have ordered another. I usually like to get the full experience, but I passed on the dessert because nothing really stood out to me. Side note for the "others": there are many items on the menu that can be vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly. So, the bottom line is Clyborne is...