ALE's Kitchen — Restaurant in Midlothian

Compared to Caroline's in town, I would prefer this place. But if I had a choice, I'd go to Our Place in Mansfield everytime. I have been here twice. The first time was when they first opened. Ths hostess was frazzled and asked if we could wait outside for 40ish min because the kitchen was backed up. I figured no problem because it was packed. When we were seated our table was dirty. I cant tell you how much this irritates me. I dont like sitting at a dirty table or in a dirty chair. I ordered coffee and a water. Both tasted terrible. I suggest they invest in a filter and a softener. Coffee came out in a tiny coffee cup on a saucer. Clearly the cup isn't meant to go on the saucer. On both visits, the waitress and waiter spilled the coffee because the cup slides around on the saucer too much. (not that big of a deal but just something I noticed) I got a meat lovers omelet my first visit Not terrible but it came out cold. I had to ask them to heat it up. The second time, I decided to go a different direction and got the banana foster french toast. It was much better then the omelet. My husband enjoyed his meals. He got the chicken and waffles the 2nd visit and when he cut into the chicken....it was all breading! Only a quarter of the patty was chicken. He said it was good but very little flavor. When we got our check....ouch. A little pricey for mediocre food. Small things need to be fixed for this place to be my go to. I probably won't refer or go here if I...

Sooo… I am open-minded.... but it clamped shut when we waited about 2 minutes for a table!! It was really bad… It was our first time there and the sign says “wait here to be seated” which we did. There obviously wasn’t a hostess so we figured the wait staff would seat us. As we stood there, we were observed, not acknowledged, but observed by 3 waitresses and the bar tender. Despite them seeing us, they continued serving their tables, getting drinks, napkins etc. I was counting down from 10 before I was headed for the exit until a kind young lady, who was cleaning tables, must’ve taken pity on us. She grabbed two menus and asked one of the waiters where to seat us. At this point, I was done, even if it was a Michelin starred restaurant it would not be good enough … I hold a grudge and I’m petty. Needless to say we stayed and I had the French toast with scrambled eggs and sausage. The French toast tasted like fried bread, which, I must say, seems to be pretty common in this neck of the woods. The eggs and sausage were as expected. My wife had the monte cristo which she must’ve loved because she ate the entire thing. Would we go back for the food? No, it was just ok. But more importantly would we go back because we felt welcomed and comfortable in the space?? Absolutely not!!!

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Something different. This hometown family owned breakfast and brunch spot offers typical breakfast but includes menu items that are not at a typical breakfast location.

I had the Monte Cristo which was unique as it's a sandwich that is deep fried. It was decent but lacked a little punch of flavor. Many will love it and it was something different. Which was very refreshing as opposed to just eggs and pancakes like most breakfast places. There is also an assortment of Benedicts with multiple flavors.

This might not be worth the drive to go WAY out of your way, but if you are in the area and it's before 3pm(current closing time) it's worth the stop. A lot of the menu is elevated as well . The French toast and the pancakes both have specialty options like banana rum flavors.

Some will enjoy that they serve drinks. Although that's not what we are into. But many tables around us had specialty drinks or cocktails.

ps server Barrett needs praise and a raise. He was very friendly. I over heard other tables say how good he was. And he even recognized a couple that hadn't come into the restaurant for a long time and the couple was shocked he remembered them. This is the kind of employee businesses need in an economy like this. Do what it takes to...