209 Pub & Grill — Restaurant in New Ulm

Our group of 7 arrived at 5pm. We had a show to attend at 7pm and assumed 1.5 hours would be plenty of time to allow at a restaurant. We ordered and received our appetizers promptly and put in our entree order. 45 minutes later we were told the cook was way behind and they just called in more help for him. Another 20 minutes later we were told it would be 20 minutes. By this time, we needed to have them box up our nearly $200 worth of food so we could make it to our show. The waitress was communicative and apologetic, but needless to say, this was disappointing. We were not able to eat our food until after the show so we can't speak to the quality of the food. Suggest having more cooks on staff on a Saturday night instead of calling one in to help after orders are already behind. Also, the manager appeared to be standing around, could he not communicate with all the tables waiting for food or even thrown on a chef hat and...

I suggested trying out the 209 on Minnesota St. At 7:30 p.m., Saturday. I was surprised that it was only 60% full. We were seated at the last booth infront of the kitchen. It was quite cramped and uncomfortable. Our waiter from Atlanta is what made this a worthwhile "test drive". He was honest, funny and a great conversationalist. I was dreaming of a Lamplighter Black and Blue burger. What arrived was frankly not what I hoped for. My friend ordered the ribs which were quite tough and gristly. I did kind of think they would kindly offer him a different entree but did not. I'm not sure if they were just having an off day or what. I am told this establishment is frequented and well liked in the community and by visitors alike. The atmosphere is kinda cool. It's reminiscent of a NYC bodega or Greenwich Village neighborhood bar. Was hoping to find a "Gem" here but frankly next time I'd go to Searle's Bar...

First time to this local establishment of Lamplighter fame. Got to sit wherever I wanted, which when going solo is either a small table or booth....no booths here so small table it is. Unfortunately it had quite the wobble. Ordered a locally made beer, Schells Premium Light at apparently $5.50 a glass...for tap beer.. ?? Ordered an appetizer since they were half off from 2-5. Jalapeño poppers are my usual go to and had a pleasant surprise of some heat in these and a nice sweet sauce to dip them in. The El Nino burger was very disappointing as the bun to meat ratio bordered 3 to 1 so really there was much taste to the burger itself. The side of potato salad was terrific. Some of the best I've had. Service was okay except for not clearing the table as I finished my items. Overall the value of the food is about normal as long as you go half price apps. The beer is what got me. Keep that in...