Brewligans Public House — Restaurant in Trenton

I probably come to Brewligans way more than I should, but honestly, I don’t even feel bad about it at this point. Half the time I tell myself I’m just going to swing by for a quick drink or bite, and next thing you know I’m posted up like I live there. A big part of that has to do with Lily. She’s the kind of person that just makes being there better.

Every time I roll in, she’s quick with service and somehow already seems to know what I’m about to order. I don’t know if she’s just good at reading people or if I’m that predictable, but either way, it works. She’s always attentive, and not in a fake “hover over your table” kind of way. It’s the chill, “I’ve got you covered but I’m not gonna bug you” kind of attentive. That’s rare, and it makes the difference between just grabbing a drink and actually wanting to stay.

What I appreciate most is how consistent she is. Doesn’t matter if the place is slammed or dead quiet, she’s still quick, still on point, and never misses a beat. A lot of places you can feel the difference when the staff gets busy, but Lily somehow keeps it smooth the whole time. I’ve sat at the bar on busy nights thinking, “How the hell is she keeping track of all this?” but she just does.

Another thing is, she’s actually personable. Like, she remembers people, cracks jokes, and doesn’t just do the bare minimum. It makes Brewligans feel less like some random bar and more like a place where you actually want to hang out. That’s probably why I keep finding excuses to show up, even when I tell myself I should be saving money and staying home. Lily makes the environment feel welcoming without trying too hard.

It sounds simple, but little stuff like that is what keeps people coming back. Drinks are drinks, food is food, but service is what makes or breaks a place. And Brewligans has Lily, which honestly gives them the edge. I’ve been to plenty of spots where the service feels like you’re bothering them by existing. Here, it’s the opposite, it’s smooth, it’s quick, and it feels like they’re glad you came through.

So yeah, I’ll admit I come here way too often, but I’m not mad about it. Lily’s service is always top tier, and it honestly makes Brewligans stand out. If you’re thinking about stopping by, just do it, and if Lily’s working, you’re...

Why 2 stars you ask? Went here with my wife and son for brunch on Sunday... when we walked in the bartender yelled from a cross the bar "Have a seat where ever you like" then it took 10 minutes for our server to come to the table. Food looked amazing, and it came in a timely manner and after I had to chase my server down for silverware I could actually taste it. My wife got the "Bottomless mimosas" but was only offered two refills, she mostly sat with an empty glass as did we all. My coffee was never refilled. They seemed to be understaffed and my server seemed overwhelmed. I know staffing is an iissue but maybe hold the door? 5 minutes at the front door isn't that bad but 10 minutes at a table being ignored by the server is a long time. Great food, great selection of drinks. Just the service was so awful for my 1st visit there I don't believe I will come back again........

Edit to my original post. I decided to give this place another try last night (2/12/22). The food was again top notch. The service was OUTSTANDING! Melissa didn't even know this was a redemption visit and she nailed it. Can't wait to to come and give brunch another try. It was nice to see a manager this time helping running food. You can tell they have been improving the staff. My old fashioned was the best I've...

First time trying this place last night for the first time. Wasn't really sure what to do when we first walked in stood for 2 to 3 minutes no Hostess greeted us. so we began to seat ourselves. A waitress came over and told me that 'she will show me where she wants us to seat' kinda rude how she said it. After being seated we sat there for anywhere between 5 to 8 minutes waiting on a waitress. Then I realized the waitress was the girl who seated us and was kind of rude from the beginning. So I really didn't have a good feeling after that. So I'm not sure if she did it on purpose or she just didn't like us. That's how it was coming across. After taking our drink orders we sat there for another 20 to 25 minutes. All we order was a bucket of beer and two waters. I feel the waitress didn't want to service because I was watching her serve everybody else but us and walk by our table multiple times without analoging us. Which became extremely awkward. After sitting there for close to 25 minutes and being ignored we just got up and walked out. I'm not sure if this is normal service there but I'm really disappointed being our first time trying this place. Arived around 6pm walked out at 6:42pm 9/30/23. Just couldn't believe we got treated poorly for our first time ever...