The Front Room Wine Bar — Restaurant in Smithville

We really wanted to like this place, but just about everything went wrong... I gave them three stars only because the service was said to be due to them being short staffed up front (though that does not explain the kitchen).

There was only one person working on drinks, one server, and one bar-back out front. So the slow drinks are acceptable.

We ordered and did not received out appetizer until a full hour later. We ordered the Baked Boursin Cheese, which was very tasty, and the highlight of our meal.

Additionally we ordered a pizza (mediocre at best) and a medium filet. About 20-30 minutes after we received our appetizer, the filet came out extremely rare. We sent it back, and it returned about 20 minutes later. It was not cooked more, but was just hotter (like they microwaved it or something?). Set it back a second time, and it returned almost medium, so my wife went ahead and ate it.

We just did not understand why it would take so long to send out food, especially when it was not being cooked al the way. If the kitchen was also short staffed, they really should have limited their seating, or something similar.

We've always heard good things, so hopefully we can give them another try and this will turn out to just be a one-time fluke. We...

I absolutely love the Front Room, but I’m getting so tired of not getting to eat.

The past few months they have routinely been out of what I want… some days anything.

So, problem solved when they told us we could call in and reserve not only a table, but our food! Yay!

So, after working 41 hours so far in the past couple of days, I was looking forward to stepping away for an hour to have a steak and celebrate my step son’s 21st birthday. At least they called to tell us our reserved steaks are no more. So, not enough time to drive somewhere further. I guess it’s ANOTHER night I don’t eat dinner.

Normally, I just sit and drink and watch my husband eat whatever they have left, but I have to get back to work, so I couldn’t do that.

I love Smithville, but I’m getting tired of the dining options with either their service issues, children’s play areas inside the bar, or lack of… food. I mean, we don’t have many options as it is.

The staff know it’s a problem. I’m sure they’re tired of telling everyone they’re out of everything but (usually) pizza. And I just don’t like their thin crust pizza.

The steaks and prime rib are delicious, one of the best filets ever… if you...

Amazing! I don't often review, unless something is egregiously bad or amazingly good. This is definitely the latter. My husband and I have been here 25+ times and we have never had a bad experience. Everyone from Danielle behind the bar, Morgan waiting tables, or TaraChez managing the establishment, is very friendly, highly responsive, and competent. The refined and sophisticated ambiance belies the casual and welcoming experiences you will have with everyone there (staff and patrons, alike). Their monthly (smoked) prime rib dinners are excellent - my husband said he thought it was the finest prime rib he had enjoyed in 20+ years. Their regular menu is excellent as well and we especially enjoy the crab cakes, wagyu beef sliders, pot stickers, and caesar salad. Although they are called a Wine Bar, they have a full bar and make a great Hendrick's martini as well! Go...