Fork & Ale — Restaurant in Union Township

I posted this review before and I am not sure how it got removed. This place is horrible. I came here once within a week of opening and then again about 5 months ago (extremely reluctantly but to give it a second chance). The first time, the place was empty. I mean literally not one single table except us. It STILL took the server at least 10 minutes to come over and ask for our drink order...when we could see her standing by the bar texting- unacceptable. We ordered a burger and something else I don't remember, when the delivered our order (about 40 minutes after we placed it- which, mind you, NOTHING on their menu takes 40 minutes to make), we cut it in half to share it since we were splitting both meals and the burger was literally almost RAW. I'm talking pink, bloody, and squishy in the center just like raw ground beef is before you cook it. And this is coming from someone who eats rare steaks....burger meat is NOT steak meat, and should NEVER be served raw. Not to mention, we asked for it MEDIUM WELL. This is not only disgusting, but it is also a really good way to make someone sick (and get yourself some lawsuits). We showed the server and she LITERALLY shrugged it off- again, unacceptable.

Everything here is insanely priced (for Birdsboro). A burger should not be $13 in the city of Birdsboro. I grew up in Birdsboro but I live in Philly now and that's what burgers are here. The drinks are absolutely disgusting. I don't know what happens behind the bar but the ingredients look great on the menu and then when the drink comes out it tastes like garbage water. Again, the drinks are all $10-12 and they won't let you order anything you want, ONLY the drinks on the menu (no gin & tonics, rum & coke, etc) which are disgusting at best.

The second time we came, I ordered the salmon. I have literally never seen a smaller or more over-cooked piece of salmon in my life. I kid you not, this dish was like $22??? And the salmon was smaller than my fist. Absolutely ridiculous. Salmon is NOT that expensive for the FRESH seafood, and this piece was obviously frozen prior to cooking it. If you can't serve fresh seafood, just don't serve seafood at all. Or, don't charge $20 for it!! Everything about this place is highway robbery. If the food was good, fine. But it's not only not good, it's not acceptable.

The only people who will be impressed by this place are (maybe) the people who have grown up under a rock, or lived in Birdsboro their entire lives. Save your money and go to an ACTUAL nice restaurant in the city if you want to spend this...

Just left dinner from here. Very disappointing. I am not naturally a complainer, in fact I am a people pleaser. But this was not an enjoyable meal. First of all, there was only one other couple here. The entire place was empty which made for a very uncomfortable environment because we felt we had to whisper due to being surrounded by staff and no other noise. We chose to sit outside so we wouldn’t be alone in an small cold empty dining room. That isn’t the restaurant’s fault though. Just strange ambiance. The food however was incredibly overpriced for what you get. We ordered “bread and butter” which was described as fresh homemade bread. It was $4 but we wanted bread with our other items. We were served a 3” wide piece of overcooked focaccia that was hard and bitter. No butter but a small pot of vegetable oil and vinegar. The server took it back without as much as a nod. We also ordered the deviled eggs which were just ok- way too much mayo in my opinion. I also ordered the Butternut Squash Bisque which was not much more than watered cream added to pumpkin purée with cinnamon and nutmeg. No one asked how I liked that so I didn’t say anything. When my entree salad arrived it looked beautiful but I realized the shrimp ($6 extra) were raw. Translucent. At this point everything had been disappointing so when asked by the server how everything was, I explained about the shrimp and she took it back after I answered that I didn’t want to order anything else. The staff, while they did take the bread and salad off my check, were lackluster at best. They went through the motions without any warmth or kindness whatsoever. Our server was the bartender at the outside bar and she did her job, but never smiled once. Never apologized (although the food issues are not her fault at all). The manager even came over and asked if I wanted anything else when I politely declined he just said “ok” and walked away.

All in all- I do not recommend. I saw the positive reviews and was looking forward to trying a new place. That was not a good...

24 Feb 2019 **

Nice Place. My wife and I went hear for brunch. My wife had one of the specials, a confit of duck cassoulet which was of proper size, portion and presented well. She said it was nicely seasoned. Overall an excellent meal.

I had a Cuban sandwich. It was well balanced, presented well and was a delight to eat. The toasted/grilled sourdough was perfect and enhanced both the chew and presentation. The sandwich was satisfying enough and then to find french fries on the plate. The fries where properly seasoned, temperature and presented well. Portion size was bit on the large size. Combined the pair was a bit to much by way of portion, but tasty none the less.

We also shared some in house donuts. Nicely prepared, presented well and flavorful. They were accompanied with an orange marsclpon. This was a good choice by the chef in paring with the donuts.

Service.

Heather F. was prompt, spoke clearly and with a good cadence. She was knowledgeable both with the regular food items as well as the specials (the duck confit we ordered). She was quick with the water refills and the check when we asked. Heather’s service made for an above average total experience.

Restrooms

The mens bathroom was clean, well lit and across the board nicely kept. The only item worth mentioning is that there was not a sign directing patrons to the bathroom locations.

We did not try any of their drinks other than water.

In all a good price to value establishment. The wine would be an exception, it was pricy for similar restaurants and limited in number of options. Though a bit out of the way, we will come here again if we are...