Combine Brothers — Restaurant in Ohio

My husband and I decided to try Combine Brothers 4/27/2024. There were only two tables there when we arrived. The atmosphere was black and gray could've been overlooked if the food was great. Bread and salad came in a timely manner but the entree took almost 40 minutes, it would of been okay if it was crowded but we were the only two there. My husband ordered the Parmesan Crusted Cod Vermicelli and I had the Chicken Parmesan. The cod along with his pasta was cold, my Chicken Parm wasn't much above room temperature. I called our server Nicole over and told her that the fish was cold, her reply to me was "OH REALLY!! no apology and she took the plate and said she'll have them make a new order. I asked her to put the new order in a take out box and thanked her. Within 5 minutes she came back with my husband's meal I asked Nicole, "Was the same piece of fish microwaved and put in the container? Of course she took offense to what I said which was not my intention and she said we never use a microwave. The only reason I asked about the microwave was because the first order of the fish took 40 minutes and the new fish took only 5-6 minutes. That was the only reason I questioned her about the microwave. She never apologized for the long wait and the cold food. I've worked in many restaurant's in my lifetime and I always strived to make sure my customers were pleased with their meal. I wanted to make sure they always came back and it was even nicer when they asked for me by my name. Last time for...

Three stars to start.

We got the basil pesto dish with vermicelli, and the chicken and greens dish with bowties.

The complimentary bread is good. Butter could have been softer but that seems to be a common trend for restaurants in the area.

The basil pesto leaned into spinach more than it did basil, but overall, solid dish. But the chicken and greens was rather disappointing. The bowties we're completely naked (no oil or anything) other than the greens and chicken on top. I think the way it was prepared, is they put plain bowties on the plate and then put the greens and chicken on top. The oil from the greens went through the noodles to the bottom. But even then, not enough oil to cover the bowties. Also, then chicken was a little dry, tasted ok though. I'm no chef/cook, but personally, I would have tossed the pasta and greens in a skillet, add a little fresh cracked pepper and salt, place on a dish and then place the chicken on top.

There's always some growing pains with a newer restaurant, however, I wouldn't call it a Bar & Grille, when there is no bar (for drinking anyways as of March 2022, could be different now) and the menu is 90% pasta dishes. I was expecting there to be more "Grille" items. But I'll give them the benefit of the doubt since things could change down the road.

But anyways, will definitely try again.

I'm hoping my review will be used for constructive criticism. Not trying to be rude, just...

Last night we went and checked out somewhere new to us.

APPETIZERS: Italian egg rolls were excellent, stuffed full and bursting with flavor and a BIG plus is that they're made in house daily!

Italian greens are good with a nice spice from the red pepper flakes but not overpowering.

Salad: Pink champagne vinnegarette, very delicious

Meals: Fettuccine carbonara an absolute must! Creamy and not watered down.

Meatballs are delicious they're tender and have a great flavor and are also made in house!

Pierogi are made in house and lightly fried, crisp but not crunchy and also not soaked in oil.

Halushki made in house with spatzle rather than flat noodles. Absolutely delicious!

Bread is made in house daily and it's soft with a great crust without being overly dry.

Lemon drop martini is delightful and the smoked old fashioned is excellent.

DESSERT Cheesecake made in house delectable without being too rich. The perfect touch of sweetness to round out the night!

All in all it was a great experience. Our server was friendly and the bar tender was on point...