New In Town, Updated

I usually like to visit a place a couple of times during the review process, and I recently had a chance to go back to the Brick House Tavern.  The update follows the original posting.

A couple new places have opened on Howe Road in Cuyahoga Falls.  Of course, they tear down old restaurants and open new ones in the Plaza area so fast, I think they are using us as guinea pigs to test concepts.  Nevertheless, the first place I had a chance to check out is the Brick House Tavern & Tap.

This is a national chain moving into our area for the first time.  I believe the concept works pretty well...think toned down Hooters or a Winking Lizard with less beer taps.  The menu has all the usual pub grub and a few things you might not expect like deviled eggs or trailer park sloppy joes.  I think the average check is going to be around $20 a head if you like to drink, half that if all you drink is water.

I really like the interior.  It features a number of homey touches such as couches for some of the seating, an area called a "Man Cave", a great bar, an unusually big outdoor patio, and a huge gas fired fireplace just inside the front entrance.

Here's a link to their web site so you can check out the menu:

http://brickhousetavernandtap.com/en/info.html

Give me a day or two, and I'll also visit and report on Five Guys Burgers & Fries, another new chain that has just moved in on Howe Road.

THE UPDATE

Things I learned on a second visit to the Brick House:

They make a mean macaroni and cheese.  In fact, it's darn good, even if I am pretty sure the sauce itself, and maybe even the pasta, are supplied to each location from a central commissary.  That's the way it works with a lot these chains, but it insures consistency.  Anyway, this cheese is strongly flavored with bacon and jalapenos, the macaroni is tender, the cheese is mild, and the dish is good.  It is also priced right at under $4.00!

The trailer park sloppy joe (they call it a "double wide") is one of the more unusual pub food offerings you'll find at a chain.  They serve you a skillet of seasoned beef in a slightly sweet tomato sauce, a bit on the runny side.  On another plate, they give you four pieces of white bread (that may very well be made in their own commissary) over a nice portion of crisp double-fried fries.  On the side, there shredded cheese, chopped onions, and diced jalapenos.  You make the sandwich(s) up the way you want, and eat with a knife and fork.  I thought it was not only unique, but tasty.

I also learned that Brick House girls think it is the ultimate insult to be compared to Hooter's girls, and that Hooter's is a VERY bad word, in their opinion.  Gotta love it.