January 21, 2008...5:22 pm
South Park Tavern < Cornerstone Bar & Grille
I went on down to South Park Tavern, where the 2nd Pizza Factory location used to be, Friday night with a few friends. Immediately you notice the warm feel inside that matches the bright orange exterior. It was a nice scene—locals laughing, walking around, chatting and making new friends. We realized we needed to seat ourselves after about 20 seconds and made our way for a booth near the bar. After about 5 minutes of no one approaching us to see if we needed anything Drew and I went up to the bar to get drinks. The barman almost intentionally asked everyone else if they needed anything before coming to us. Regulars favoritism? I tried to get a Blue Moon and gin and tonic but apparently their liquor license doesn’t cover hard stuff. I’ve never heard of that but no big deal though. We waited about 10–15 minutes, drank our beer and left. No one once asked if we wanted to order anything. Am I totally in the dark as to the process they use for getting a bite to eat or is the service really that horrendous? People were eating dinner right and left so I feel really confused about the whole thing. I really want to go back. I feel like it has potential and could be a great spot to hang out. Some places just have the right feel and I’m willing to give them another chance after a total bomb. I think I may have seen David Esrati there but I’m not totally sure it was him. Was it you? And more importantly how did you manage to catch the attention of the wait staff?!
We felt a little dejected as we left but were still willing to try our luck at another place we hadn’t been before. We drove a few blocks west to (Jimmie’s) Cornerstone Bar & Grille on Brown Street. We had a much better experience. Our waiter (his name was either Nick or Tony) was attentive and had a killer attitude. Drew made history and actually bought an appetizer. Believe me, this sort of thing just doesn’t happen. He’d heard that the Paisano Pasta Chips were the house specialty, the stuff legends were made of, and figured what the heck, he wasn’t driving. They had an asiago cream sauce and were awesome! I’m not big on sausage but that was easy enough to move aside. I got the Philly as it is only fitting for someone with my name to do so. It was quite nice. Nothing will ever compare to Penn Station so don’t set yourself up for a let down. It was definitely a decent bit better than one I had at McGillicutty’s (what kind of crazy name is that) the week before. There’s still a few independents left on Brown Street and Cornerstone is definitely one that’s worth making a trip to. Next up: Wafu! You may have to double-dog dare me though.
3 Comments
January 21, 2008 at 7:57 pm
I was there. It was a madhouse- Friday nights are the South Park Nights out- and there was a birthday party. No excuse for lack of service- there wasn’t any. They were unprepared. I get my food, because, well, I walk back into the kitchen and talk to Bill. I’m sorry that they couldn’t keep up with things.
They only have a D-5 license- beer and wine. No hard stuff. The pizza is the same as the Pizza Factory- which means it rocks.
January 23, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Ha, so it was you. Next time I’ll have to come say hi to Congressman Esrati. Yeah, I’m definitely willing to have another go with the place.
To follow the conversation over at Dayton Most Metro:
http://daytonblogs.mostmetro.com/the_scene_in_dayton/2008/01/south-park-tave.html
March 24, 2008 at 1:43 pm
I have been South Park a couple times. You have to do all your ordering at the bar. There is really no wait staff. at least the couple times i have been there. They also had 2 dollar half yard beers when I was there once.
Give it another try and just to remember to order drinks and food from the bartender.
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