More on NRs (neighborhood restaurants)
Bloggers have sent in the names of some wonderful nabes but there's a further question that follows. What makes certain neighborhood places so beloved? You're going to say the food, of course, but the truth is, in many spots (not necessarily the ones blogged below) the food isn't all that stand-up-and-cheer fabulous. Is it the ambience, the welcome, the other customers? What?
It's the personal experience that you won't often get at a chain restaurant. I met the owner of Simme's in Lancaster (he also owns Kennedy's in Clarence) and he bought me a shot and a drink while we waited for a table! He acted as if we were good friends and he treated my girl with class. At dinner, he personally seated us and made sure everything was perfect thoughout the night. My steak was slightly overcooked and to compensate I was given a new steak and a free desert! Needless to say I will be back there again!
I also recently was impressed by the customer service at Russell's. Again, I was personally seated by Big Russ himself. The bus boys were on the job. The waiter was the only drawback. He was a clown, and I'm sure he'll be weeded out. Great ambiance though!
Posted by: chris | January 09, 2009 at 09:58 PM
And to further complicate this thread...a question: Which NR had the biggest roast beef sandwich of ALL TIME?
Was it Bailo's, Bonds or Schwabels? (sp?)
Or another?
Maybe it's deserves its own blog.
Posted by: BobbyCat | January 10, 2009 at 05:47 PM
Your question got me thinking: what constitutes a great NR. We all have a favorite in our neighborhood but, as you said, the food isn't necessarily any better then chain restaurants. Why do we go?
A lot of it (for me at least) has to do of where we were "brought up." If we were taken to a specific NR for birthdays, anniversaries, weeknight meals, etc. I would think that we'd continue to patronize these places as time progresses. Most NRs hire people who live in or near that specific neighborhood. People tend to congregate with those whom they are familiar. The "close to home" factor helps too. Additionally, most NRs are unassuming and feel "home cooked" in more ways than one. The word of mouth advertising they receive is worth more than money can buy.
I think the most important attribute would be the attitude/welcoming nature of the staff/owners. If we as patrons feel comfortable and don't have a bad experience, we're likely to return. We may not want to eat at Grandma's every night of the week but we certainly feel invited and warm each time we do...I think NRs (good NRs) hold the same to be true.
Posted by: Joe | January 11, 2009 at 02:47 PM
Food quality is always the most important. And for that, none could beat Schwabels for fresh-cooked roast beef sliced near the bar. And, their liver soup was extraordinary. As for Bobby Cat's question, I think Bailo's had the biggest roast beef sandwhich, but it was thin presliced product that could not compete in quality and taste with Schwabel's.
Posted by: Don H | January 12, 2009 at 11:15 AM
The post by Joe almost perfectly describes the experience of dining at the Viking. Other than the occasional apprearance of an area icon most of the customers are repeats and the newbe's are always there by word of mouth. The most overheard comment is, "what a find" or I'm so glad we've finally made the visit.
Posted by: zohan | January 16, 2009 at 05:49 AM