Put the napkin in your lap and pull up to the table with Eau Claire's Hungry Italian as he provides the area's only true Restaurant Review. Don't have another family night ruined by poor service. Find the perfect spot to take that special online someone on the third date that has romance commingled with value.
PREVIOUS HUNGRY ITALIAN RESTAURANT REVIEWS
Milwaukee Burger Co
Azul Tequila
EATING ESTABLISHMENT Red Robin
DINING DATE Saturday June 20, 2020
MEAL TIME Dinner
ATTENDEES IN PARTY 2 adults, 2 children
TOTAL BILL - $50
Ordered Fried Pickles and a Smoke and Pepper Burger
ENTREE
The slow reawakening of the dining scene continues and so does the Hungry Italian’s reemergence from his sabbatical. With appetite in tow the Hungry Italian continued his tour of area establishments by re-visiting Red Robin to see how this national outfit is adjusting to the Covid-19 restrictions.
A previous review highlighted Red Robin is a reliable place, though the service can be shockingly slow for a burger joint. Even before COVID-19, a visit to Red Robin was likely to take an hour minimum but for whatever reason it hasn’t been seen as a drawback to the Hungry Italian yet.
On this latest visit, the focus was on seeing how this spot has done in not only adjusting but also maintaining it is typical feel.
Upon entry, to no surprise all the staff have face coverings on, and the usual waiting area is somewhat blocked off simply by them having moved the host stand at an angle. Capacity for the restaurant has been decreased to 50% but despite this the Hungry Italian’s family was seated immediately on this Saturday evening and given a booth located inside what is typically the bar area. The restaurant was probably 30-40% occupied with every other table “blocked off” by an inconspicuous table stand. The staff member who escorted the Hungry Italian to the table was hard to understand due to the face covering but that was the only awkward interaction due to the protective equipment.
After wiping down the table in front of guests (to again reassure guests), diners are seated like usual but given paper menus as opposed to the laminated ones that are usually handed out. There are also no condiments on the table. All of these don’t distract or add a sense of “different”. The same ambiance remains from TVs showing a variety of sports channels to music blaring over the speakers. If anything, the speakers could possibly be turned down a notch since there aren’t as many inside the restaurant as before.
On this visit an appetizer of Fried Pickle Nickels preceded a Smoke and Pepper Burger with bottomless fries. The young ones enjoyed chicken tenders while Mrs. Hungry Italian had the Burnin’ Love Burger (which the waitress agreed was her favorite to order).
Again, the only knock on this locale is it seems to be slow out of the kitchen when it comes to the entrees. Drinks, appetizers, and the such come out quick but there seems to be a disconnect between getting those and the entrees.
However, as stated before, for whatever reason it just doesn’t take away from the place. Note that on your visit. Service can be a little slow at times but that was an issue before COVID-19.
SECOND HELPING
This place is a steady value that doesn't dissapoint. Very reliable and good..