This was my first time at Lake Park Pub, and it’ll likely be my last.
We were invited there by my in-laws, who have frequented the place for some time. They mentioned they had a new owner recently, which accounted for a remodel of the establishment. With that said, the other reviews about wait times is very true, which was our experience also.
My in-laws were at a table when we got there. There is no traditional wait staff, and so going to the bar area to get ice water was needed. Not a problem. Many other bars are like this. When I asked for menus, the bartender asked if we had signed in at the hostess table. I wasn’t sure. My father-in-law said he thought he did, but no one was there to help when they arrived. When a server came by, we asked about this. She asked if we signed in at the hostess table. We again said we thought so but it didn’t seem like anyone knew we were here. I decided to go to the hostess table and ask bluntly if we needed to sign in. She said yes, didn’t you read the signs as we came in? I wasn’t aware of signs, but my in-laws had already gotten a table. I told her to put us down on the list to ensure we’re taken care of. She said ok, it shouldn’t take too long. This as she rolled over to a new sheet when the front was clearly several lines deep to be served.
The wait was already at 40 mins by the time a server finally came to take our order. After ordering, it took another 30 for food to be brought out for 5 people. The server was unsure of answering simple questions like if a side could be substituted, or if chicken could be grilled instead of fried, or what toppings came on a sandwich. None of her coworkers seemed to be interested in helping her.
One thing to note: if you go on Fridays, their menu is limited to half fish, no burgers, limited other options. Additionally, we learned that all fried items are fried in the same vats and oil as the fish. This includes chicken, tenders, fries, cheese curds, onion rings, etc. For my wife, who’s allergic to fish, this meant limiting her to a grilled chicken sandwich. They have other non-fried sides if you’re in the mood for potato salad, coleslaw, or cottage cheese. No difference in pricing, though.
The food was average. My prime rib sandwich had great flavor, but not much of substance. Two thinner slices of meat was on the verge of being stingy, especially for $18. The fries were delicious, however.
The ambiance was… odd. The bulk of their clientele were older folks (seniors and retirees), but there were multiple tvs with sports and game shows on, while the music was a mild electronic noise. It made the whole air of the place confusing.
My review boils down to three things: 1) Unless you already know their archaic check in system, you’ll likely not know how their system works. Even my in-laws who have been there many times seemed confused by it. Additionally, none of the staff seemed intent on helping you figure it out or wanting you to get in the queue. Simply put, no one was helpful. 2) Every server we encountered seemed disconnected to all the others. None seemed to know much about anything in the menu other than what was printed there. The gal who brought our food failed to bring sides which were mentioned on the menu. There is a lack of real knowledge about what they’re doing. 3) If you’re allergic to fish (even on a non-Friday) beware you’ll likely be getting food fried in the same oil. It has never made sense to me why some restaurants choose to use oil for fried fish to also fry their other items. Not only is this an allergy concern, but it also tends to make other foods fishy tasting, especially if they’re not changing oil regularly. Fortunately this wasn’t necessarily the case, but it is concerning.
The wait alone killed any desire to come back. The poor service and issue with their fried foods secured...
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