Cole Farms Restaurant & Pub

It’s true that Cole Farms Restaurant and Pub has been around since the 50s but this past weekend was my first experience there. The food is decent and atmosphere pleasant. You’ve got the option to dine in the restaurant or bar (depending on your preference and whether or not there’s a ball game on). I had the pub burger with fries. While in ordered it medium-well, it was barely cooked to a medium temperature. Having said that, I didn’t bother sending it back because the flavor was phenomenal and the bacon cooked crisp, the way I like it. The fries weren’t anything extraordinary (typical frozen, crinkle fries) but they hit the spot. My wife ordered the open chicken sandwich, a favorite of hers since she first started visiting the place off and on in the 90s. While they were out of white meat, the dark cuts did not disappoint and that was a big concern of hers as she really doesn’t care for white meat. She had gravy-covered French fries, which I assume that she liked because they disappeared quickly from her plate. Although there was a bit of a wait to get a table there, the wait staff was courteous and we left full and with smiles on our faces.

I've been here twice once right after the renovation and then tonight. I thought that maybe they were having an off day the first time I went but that doesn't seem to be the case. They were out of half the things on the menu, and what they did serve was boiling hot in some places but cold in others. And while we were trying to eat the food we were served the cooks in the kitchen were blasting death metal music so loud we could hear it from the far end by the 'bar' of the restaurant. If you're thinking of going back before they close for good maybe think twice if you are looking for anything other than a nostalgic visit. This was what there fried mozzarella was presented as.

The best advice to anyone is to forget what Cole Farms used to be. Honestly, their food was mediocre at best but it had been a staple in the community. One of my favorites was the open faced sandwich; I was happy to see it on the new menu. I ordered it during a recent visit and was bummed when it came out. It is NOT the same as before, however, it was delicious. The bread, gravy and mashed potatoes were better quality and tasted excellent. The portion was smaller but honestly adequate for a meal. Good value at only $10... The waitresses are all really trying but being met with a lot of push back; its evident. We have been back three times since the re-open and will continue to visit. Each time service seems to be improving. My only "real" complaint is that the chicken salad sandwich is no longer offered. By far my favorite and most missed item on the menu.

I was not impressed by this new remodel. I tried going with my 5 year old and I would no longer qualify Cole's as a family friendly restaurant. The kids meals are just too pricey for the amount of food given, no more kids place mats or crayons and it took awhile to get my server's attention on multiple occasions. We ordered an appetizer and before we could even eat the 4 mozzarella pieces our dinner was being rushed out. They also served the blueberry crisp cold, from the fridge. I had to wait over 5 minutes to get my server's attention before asking if it was overlooked to be warmed and apparently, nope. They do not warm it up. Like others have said, the pizza was good and the beer was flowing over by the bar, but we already have a few pizza and beer/breweries in town and don't need another one. We won't be back as a family. It is definitely appealing to a different audience, no longer the place to go for family celebrations.