Tap & Mallet/Comments

This page is for archiving older comments from Tap & Mallet.

2007-10-31 11:43:16   nice pic, looks like it came from my site : ) —AlexTong

2007-11-06 20:25:25   Drove by tonight, didn't have time to stop in, but it was open. —DavidPausch

2007-11-07 11:05:37   So far reviews look good, will be checking this place out this week and will post a review. —DarrenKemp

2007-11-08 11:29:16   As promised, my friends and I checked out the tap and mallet last night. First of all, the beer selection is incredible, and the beer is poured perfectly (temperature was perfect as well, you can feel the cold emanating from the taps!). I had the house beer (McBanes Bitter, made by [Rohrbachs]) and it was excellent. We tried a tart appetizer and it was tasty as well (pretty small portionwise). The crowd is very mixed, definitely more "South Ave" then "East Ave" (at least on a Wednesday night). The decor left a lot to be desired, the booths in the seperate seating area looked like they were taken from Tahous, and the front bar area, outside of the bar itself (which is nicely done) is very stale and undecorated. Beer prices were a bit high, but tolerable considering the *excellent* selection and quality. The rest of the food menu looked tasty and relatively reasonable for upscale bar fare. Note that they currently have no liquor and a very limited wine selection. I assume this is a temporary situation as the place just opened (the decor as well). I'll definitely be back. —DarrenKemp

2007-11-08 12:34:59   We went here last night also! It does look half decorated, but I'm assuming that will change once they get up and running. I saw artwork on the floor waiting to be hung. I'm not much of a beer person myself, but my boyfriend was really impressed with the selection. (I had the hard cider on tap, which was delicious.) I liked how friendly the service was and that they let him try a few to see which he wanted to order. Good thing, cause it was expensive and it would have sucked to order a beer that you didn't end up liking. The menu looked like it had decent prices, but we didn't eat. The bartender mentioned that in the future, they plan to have beer tasting events and possibly specials, which would really make the trip worthwhile. All in all, it's really nice, but a little on the expensive side for a normal trip out. Definitly a place for a "special treat" though! —SaraChristine

2007-11-08 18:33:55   I was in on Tuesday and had a ball! A few tips for the owners: Install lots of hooks around the bar (important for jackets, scarfs and purses), add foot rests around the tall bar tables, open up areas in between taps so your bartenders don't have to reach over them, add tea candles or recessed lighting on the wall behind the bar (a hidden rope light works wonders for ambient lighting), and remind the bartenders to offer food menus to people sitting at the bar. —MariahBetz

2007-11-08 18:43:47   And some positive comments: The beer selection was stellar and the barkeeps served each beer in the proper style of glass. I had a gorgeous tripel, a smooth chocolate stout, and interesting sample of the banana bread beer. I was also impressed by the musical selections; I heard Neutral Milk Hotel while I was there and was mightily pleased. The mellow, loungey color scheme and the portraits of ennui certainly suited the mood and created an atmosphere I could have enjoyed for many hours. It reminded me of both Mex and Lux, two of my favored spots in town. —MariahBetz

2007-11-09 09:49:17   Good stuff. Ample beer variety, tasty food, and a quality atmosphere. No televisions to be found. This is the sort of place that could really use a Beer Flight. :-) -rt —RyanTucker

2007-11-09 10:43:31   Went here Thursday night after work. This place is awesome. I like the look of the inside, it feels classy. The beer selection was pretty incredible. And the fact that its gonna rotate makes it even better. Had the corned beef sandwich which they make with thick cut beef brisket. That thing was outstanding. The Mcbanes Bitter is also an excellent suprise. I wasnt expecting much from it but ordered a second I liked it so much. Best beer bar in Rochester, hands down. —GeorgeBluth

2007-11-11 20:32:26   I was there last night. Clientele seems to be Old Toad meets the South Wedge. Bar tenders were great, my friend hated her beer so they gave her a new one and I noticed they were allowing people to taste new beers. The space has potential but it is pretty bare right now. There are some really weird art pieces hanging up across from the bar but they did make for some good conversation points. I will definitely be back. —FattyFatFat

2007-11-12 22:08:34   Great beer selection, friendly service, each beer served in its own glass... Booths are definitely not the style of Nick Tahous (as a previous commenter mentioned)... The manager from the Old Toad was behind the bar, and I think he has something to do with this new venture. I will be back multiple times. —BenMargolis

2007-11-13 10:34:33   Note that the "nick tahous" style booths I had mentioned earlier have been replaced with something much nicer. As I said I expected it was a temporary situation given that they had just opened. Given the beer selection this place has I would probably come back if there was a dirt floor and a leaky ceiling. —DarrenKemp

2007-11-14 11:19:12   When I arrived at 7:30pm on Tuesday the place was full - only a couple tables were available and only a few stools left at the bar. It looked like many patrons were eating dinner, though we stuck to an appetizer (mussels) and drinks. The service was very friendly and knowledgeable though they did not have enough servers on. I hope Tap and Mallet does not end up going the way of the Old Toad which is know for its poor service because it has a lot going for it. —EllenKelsey

2007-11-14 11:35:26   Went last night around 6pm. What a great looking place! They have 1 cask ale tap and 30 draft taps. Excellent selection of both draft and bottled beer. Hung out at the bar for about half an hour and then moved into the dining room for food. Beer and food were both excellent. I’ve been waiting in great anticipation for this place to open and can definitely see myself going there regularly. My only complaint is about the bar stools. They could do with some padding. After 15 minutes of sitting on the wood-slat seat my butt was sore. Regardless I wish Joe and Casey great success! —ZedOmega

2007-11-15 09:39:19   A very nice joint. Beer selection is amazing. Oh, and that "guy from the Old Toad" — that's Joe McBane. This is his new place. —RocLover

2007-11-15 10:31:05   As many people have already said, the beer selection was excellent—I had a Doc's Hard Cider and a Unibroue Fin du Monde, and both were very good and served in appropriate glasses. We had a table of probably 12 or more people that kept growing as the night went on, and the server managed us as best as he could. There were some mix-ups with food orders, but they were corrected and/or comped, so everything worked out. The food was decent—better than typical bar food. I was happy with my fish and chips. The decor was pretty nice. I'll definitely be back. —RachelBlumenthal

2007-11-17 08:24:03   I love the rotating selection of beer. I went on Wednesday for the first time and came back yesterday and found they had five beers replaced with new ones. You have to try the Bangers and Mash. The sausage is the bar's own recipe custom made by Skip's consisting of veal and pork with a few other herbs blended in. It is very tasty and the freshest tasting sausage I have had in a long time. The mash potatoes and the awesome gravy is just like your mum made it!!! —DabeernFooddude

2007-11-18 11:50:54   Great sandwiches! We stopped in for a beer last night and stayed for the food. They had a Brooklyn Brewing ale on hand pump along with their array of drafts and bottled beers. Decor is still a bit sparse. Service was good, despite it being a packed house, but you could tell they're still working out the kinks. This could be a regular stop for us in the future. —TomMaszerowski

2007-11-18 12:26:13   Stopped in last night, and sat up at the bar. The place has an impressive selection of draft and bottled beers, although I do think Old Toad still has them beat for selection. I had the hummus with tortilla chips, which was great, tasty and smooth. The staff seemed green, but attentive and friendly. I definitely plan to comeback. —AlAbonado

2007-11-18 23:30:04   Guess we should have had a wiki meetup there last night, since we were there, too. Had a couple of good beers and a great crabcake appetizer. This place has real potential. —RottenChester

2007-11-19 23:36:38   Nice selection of beers. Our server knew the brews, and was able to discuss their character like a true beer-guy. He even used the term "session beer", which amused me (in a positive way). I liked the simple, hip-yet-unpretentious decor. Nice menu of classed-up pub food. My corned beef sandwich was a treat with nice thick chunks of corned beef. My only complaint is that now I will have to choose between here and The Toad. —EastSideStephen

2007-11-26 10:29:50   Visited on Sunday night. Driving by, we almost didn't stop because it looked closed. The lights are very dim, and there isn't any sort of lit "open" sign. I'm glad we double checked! The beer selection there is great, and our bartender said that 5-10 of the taps get changed every single day. If you're worried about running out of different brews to try, I don't think that will be an issue here.
The staff was very knowledgeable about the selection, and had actually offered samples of three different beers to us before we finally made up our minds. The pricing is about on par for what you'd expect from a specialty bar - not your $2 pints, but it's also a far cry better than a Bud Light any day. I got to talk to the owner for a little bit, and he struck me as a very nice, knowledgeable, and sincere guy. Good luck to them! —ChrisLeas

2007-12-01 00:13:50   One thing to keep in mind with this place: the beers will change *frequently*. The beer menu appears to be printed daily, and it's usually out of date within hours. Being the optimist I am, this means "carpe bibere" — seize the beer! Drink now, for tomorrow, there'll be even more weird and wonderful beer on tap. That's why my wife is the designated driver. —RyanTucker

2007-12-01 19:31:55   We had dinner Thursday for the first time. My husband was happy with the great beer selection. I like beer, but not when I'm eating-get too filled up. I had wine; not much of a selection but am waiting for more choices which I heard are coming. Had some soup- good- and a Cuban sandwich- excellent. My husband had a burger; he's a chef and he was happy. Agree that foot rests are needed for the chairs/table around the bar. I'm 5 feet and my legs dangled! Will definitely return. —CathyYorio

2007-12-07 15:58:32   I live a few blocks away and I have been there several times with friends. The service is always good and so is the food. This could be our new hang-out. —QuincyCat

2007-12-08 11:10:34   Was there last night. Impressive selection of beers on tap and in bottles. The atmosphere inside was very conducive to good company and conversation. The bartender recommended the house ale. It was a very good recommendation. I have not had a meal yet at this tavern ,but from reading the prior posts, the reviews appear favorable. I spoke to one of the waiters. He anticipates the bar will open for lunch in next few months. —MrPhil

2007-12-08 21:51:32   Tap and Mallet scores high on many points: Great beer list, great decor, plenty of parking in the neighborhood, great atmosphere. However, they
seem severely understaffed at times. The couple of times that I've been
there have been large gaps in the service while seated in the dining area. —AlixHamilton

2007-12-11 17:33:50   This bar is amazing. The bartenders are friendly and the service is ten-times better than the Toad. Beer is great-especially the McBane's bitter, specifically brewed for them. The pics creep me out but the seats are soooo comfortable; its like being cradled while drinkig beer. Ahh.... —TexasTransplant

2007-12-14 07:51:51   Fourth time visiting yesterday (12/13/07). Had a light meal, goat cheese tarts & frites, one pint of a pale ale (forgot the maker - Damn!). Anyway, everything was great from the service on down. Five dollar pints are a little hard on the pocketbook, but, oh well.

Earlier visits were equally delicious with only one disappointing meal, a fish and chips (didn't come out hot), but it was at the end of the first week, so I cut 'em some slack on that account.

Tap line is great, with a nice variety of beers, though my favorite, the Middle Ages IPA came and went too quickly. Hope they get it back. I'll be back to see... —MichaelBrisson

2007-12-21 13:50:34   I went last Friday for the first time. Great place! Sadly, too pricy to stick around for more than one drink, but worth the visit. I had Doc's Cider, which was great, and my boyfriend went with the bartender's beer recommendation and loved it. I'm going back tonight to try the food.

They definitely need footstools, like others have suggested, and could also use a couple more tables to fill in the large, awkward space when you first walk in. Also, there was a seating shortage, even though it was only 8pm! —ChelseaAllinger

2007-12-22 10:38:26   Went to Tap and M last night again, as always the beer was fantastic and the bartenders friendly and knowledgable. What they REALLY need to work on is service at the tables on the bar side. It's next to impossible to get a server to pay attention to you even if you have a tab with them. Could be a issue of not enough help but I'd recommend going to the bar to order things until they fix the wait issues. —DarrenKemp