Elgin Public House
Overall Rating: 2/10
I suggest not going here and going to Grand Victoria instead. The EPH owner is just terrible. He and she can’t take criticism or change based on it. Food is overpriced for its quality. Has the characteristics of frozen meat. Makes sure the soft drinks aren’t refilled. He will cut off anyone after two beers. He cut off the birthday guy after two tall boys at the table next to us. Why cut him off? He’s not driving. His whole family is there. Also, the family said they’ll pay for it.
Elgin Public House is a restaurant and pub that opened in the early 2000s. Self-proclaimed to be “upscale,” however, the place looks like any other pub, which is not a bad thing. The prices would be considered “upscale.”
Here’s a breakdown of my review:
Rating outside/inside, atmosphere, food selection, service, washrooms, price point (out of 5), and finally, a detailed chronological experience (written in ye olde English). If you want plain English, find my reviews in Google Reviews.
Outside: 4/5
Inside: 4/5
Atmosphere: 4.5/5
Food Selection: 3
Service: 3/5
Washroom: 5/5
Price Point: 3/5 (The higher the number means more expensive)
Elgin Public House (EPH) is situated in downtown Elgin, at the junction of South Chicago Street and Center Street. On our arrival, we discovered that street parking was full, and we opted for the free weekend parking in a garage across the street. On a cold, wet, and dreary day, I had hoped the restaurant would provide a warm and welcoming experience. Unfortunately, the visit did not entirely alleviate the day's gloom.
The exterior of EPH features a minimalist design with black and white pinstripe awnings, a yellow EPH logo and name, and unadorned storefront windows. Surprisingly, the most striking aspect was the two-toned brick color, half reddish and half pinkish.
Upon entering, we found an array of decorations and items adorning the walls, tables, and shelves, typical of a pub setting. It was an inviting scene, and we were promptly seated. Three groups were already present, and after a brief wait, our server arrived to take our drink orders. The jukebox provided some entertainment as we waited for our food to be ordered and prepared.
Having enjoyed a Meatloaf Dinner on a previous visit, I attempted to order it again. However, our server informed me it was only available on Wednesdays, so I chose the Meatloaf Melt instead. Our error resulted in a longer wait for our food, during which our conversation waned, and we resorted to our phones for distraction.
It was apparent that our server was responsible for attending to all the tables, despite the presence of other servers and the owner. I mention this to provide a comprehensive account of our experience and to inform potential diners about the restaurant's operations.
Our party of six, comprising three adults and three children, ordered several items, including a "Bucket o'Bones," a steak with mashed potatoes, and the Meatloaf Melt. My assessment will focus on the dishes I tasted.
The ribs were covered in a well-balanced barbecue sauce, neither too sweet nor too overpowering. However, the meat seemed to lack seasoning, its flavor masked by the sauce. The steak was adequate but not worth the price, and the mashed potatoes were enveloped in a sweet, creamy mixture that could have benefited from additional seasoning.
The Meatloaf Melt was enjoyable, especially when enhanced with table salt, black pepper, and a side of barbecue sauce. My drink, however, remained untouched, and I was not offered a refill. Before leaving, I overheard a man at a nearby table being denied further alcoholic beverages, despite it being his birthday.
Lastly, the restrooms were clean and private, allowing for a comfortable and hygienic experience. Overall, while the visit to Elgin Public House was not entirely unpleasant, it did not fully dispel the day's dreariness.
