Friday Foodie: Repeal

I love birthday dinners. And trying new restaurants. So, when my delightful friend Sarah offered to take me out for a belated birthday dinner, I was stoked to try Fletcher Place’s Repeal. I have only just started to hear buzz about it, so I was surprised to learn that it opened last summer. Located in a restored bank building, it shares space with neighboring 12.05 Distillery. Antique furniture, a large chandelier, and vintage cocktails work to present a throw-back feel to the Prohibition Era.

I enjoyed the dim lighting, however, the open spaces were a bit drafty with limited warmth coming from anywhere else in the room. The restaurant was very quiet, which could be a combination of being a week night and being a newly discovered gem.

Even though the atmosphere could have been more inviting, the aspect that confused me most was the menu. I couldn’t quite figure it out: wings, nachos, cheese fries, Mexican cobb salad, Texas melt, lemon fried chicken? I read somewhere online that the food had some ’30’s and ’40’s inspiration, but this looked more like a Tex/Mex toss-up. I ordered the chili with a side of onion rings and Sarah ordered a grilled cheese sandwich. It tasted fine, but was a bit random. I missed the cohesiveness and consistency among the items and they felt out of place in the classical building. Items were pretty affordable, though, which was definitely a plus!

I think the owners are on to something, but could really make it great with warmer, closer seating and a few adjustments to the menu. It’s getting great reviews online, though, so maybe I’m the one missing something, not them. I’ll check back. 🙂

Has anyone else stopped by?