Wow.
This is quite a review. I love the Waterboy yet I agree with almost every word. The only thing I would say I disagree with is that the prices don't make is special occasion. That depends on your budget, of course. I also don't think the servers are too serious. But everything else I think is spot-on. I love it there and it's a great place for family celebrations, but I get a little frustrated by the sameness of the menu. I also think their wine list needs work. And no one could argue that it's not like being inside a Cosby sweater, but I actually like that. BAR is getting reamed in the comments and does not deserve it.
I've never gotten out of the Waterboy without spending at least $100 for two people.... and often quite a bit more. That screams 'special occasion' even if the ambiance doesn't.
ReplyDelete-omf
yeah, in theory you could just get a pizza and a beer, but I've never done it.
ReplyDeleteHim thinking carnaroli is pasta is a pretty big gaffe, though.
ReplyDeleteJD
Having been there periodically since it opened for various occasions and never seeing the big deal and thinking it very overrated ( and overpriced?) despite Rick's abilities, I had an excellent meal there a month or so ago. But I agree the menu is dull and somehow run o' the mill. However, it is all in the execution and I can't say they don't know what they are doing. During my last visit, I was taken aback by the dated, almost 1980s decor that I seemed to notice for the first time.
ReplyDeleteEd C.
I always assume, probably erroneously, that you need a reservation - which adds to me thinking of it as a special occasion place.
ReplyDelete-miller
You're probably thinking of Iron Steak, Millz
ReplyDeleteis anyone thinking of iron steak?
ReplyDeleteEd C.
People waiting in line at Willy's are thinking of Iron Steak
ReplyDeleteThe Willie's guy is thinking of Willie's Chili Fries. So it's not him.
ReplyDelete-miller
And I'm thinking of the Willie's guy's magnificent pony tail, so it's not me.
ReplyDeleteword verification: tators
I mentally called "the willies guy" "the gentle giant" for years because I thought Jay refered to him as such once, but then when I recently talked to Jay about it, he said that never happened. So for a decade Ive been wrongly thinking a guys nickname was the gentle giant. The dude isn't that tall but he gentle with those Slammers
ReplyDeletePerhaps a giant among men?
ReplyDeleteAnd no, no one is thinking of iron steaks.
-Natalie.