Bricktop’s at Frontenac Plaza
Yogi Berra once described a restaurant by saying, “No one goes there anymore, because they’re too crowded.” A friend recently recommended a place with a similar caveat, “The food’s great,” she said, “just don’t go there at meal time.”
I thought of those comments as I sat 10 minutes at Bricktop’s waiting for a table at lunch time. Apparently, there were plenty of tables, just too few servers.
Don’t Get Me Wrong
Now I’m not complaining as much as it might sound. The spiffy Southern-based chain has a lot going for it. Especially among my demographic. When it comes to eating out, number one on my list is parking and Bricktop’s has plenty of that near the door.
From the dining room, a view of black-vested servers and the open-style kitchen.
What’s more, there are no steps anywhere to be found. The spacious entry even has a bench and the waiting area is large and includes more benches. Comfy, cloth-covered tables provide for both small and large groups either inside or on the covered patio. The U-shaped bar is spacious and attractive and separated from the dining area. Check, check, check.
Lunch specials come written on a menu rather than being recited by a server.
The Double Meal Deal
Fish and Chips. (More food photos from my previous visits and the fascinating story behind the restaurant’s name here.)
Also you get what I call the “Double Meal Deal.” That is, the portions are so ample you have enough to take home for the next meal, which is what I did with half my fish platter.
If you like a mini loaf of bread with your meal, you’re in for a treat. The free baguette is, at least, 8 inches long (8 slices) and comes nicely warmed and with a spread that’s not rock solid. My iced tea was refreshed three times and my leftovers and sauces put into individual containers and given to me in a sturdy shopping bag. Too often I leave my boxed up remains on the table, but this was hard to overlook.
The mini baguette
Sometimes I take exception to the cranked up AC and the loud background noise, that comes from an over-crowded room. Still, I have to admit a lot of thought has gone into making the eating experience easy and pleasant. Kudos to designers for thinking about the interests of so many of their customers, especially seniors. Yes, there’s something for everybody at Bricktop’s, especially on the menu.
Bricktop’s. 10342 Clayton Rd. Open: Mon-Thu 11a-10p; Fri-Sat 11a-11p; Sun 10a-9p. Other nationwide locations: Charlotte, Naples, Nashville (2), Palm Beach (2); Birmingham. Menu.
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