Rooftop

Atmosphere: 3.5 out of 5
Service: 3 out of 5
Food: 3.5 out of 5

I had heard mixed reviews about the Rooftop restaurant - from really great to down right poor so I decided I would finally decide for myself. Downtown local again and parking was a bit of a challenge - lot is no longer free after 5:00 and does cost $2 - so remember change.

The restaurant is a renovated space of an older Western Pizza (I only went there 2x I think - both for my guilty pleasure of beef and mushroom pizza...mmh). It is very nicely laid out and decorated. A very different vibe than the old pizza place. Hardwood, laminate, slate, dark subdued colours and good lighting.

We did go on a Friday night without a reservation so we were forced into the bar/lounge. Not my first choice but the atmosphere was nice albeit a little loud - and again what is with the sports that is constantly on in every bar/lounge...a rant for another time.

The tables were bar height and I had to pause when the table was sort of sticky - but I think this had nothing to do with their cleaning techniques and much more on manufacture techniques.

For drinks they have a very nice menu with cocktails, wines etc - what I did miss was a list of beers on tap so had to ask. We are not big drinkers and usually go for pop, however the husband ordered pop first and it was off (usually due to lines not being cleaned on a regular basis - think 7-11 in the middle of summer), so I ordered a Rickard's Red - I believe I got a honey brown but I was okay with that - it had nice flavour.

Appy - First choice was the Bourbon bones but was informed that they no longer are on the menu - okay so we went for the dry ribs. I am a bit lazy and what with braces in middle age I usually don't like ribs with bones but these had such a great flavour and were tender off the bone that I readily enjoyed my share. They came with a sweet dip that went very well with the peppery flavour of the ribs - I think it was a appricot or apple sauce based.

Entre - As I said before, most places live or die in my heart by their burger so I always start off with a burger. I ordered the black & blue bison burger with sweet potato fries. The burger is served on a flat bread bun which I wasn't really expecting but was very tasty and complemented the meat very well. Nice big chunks of blue cheese could be found in almost every bite and the bourbon bbq sauce was tangy and added the right kick. The sweet potato fries were crisp and smooth and the aioli was more on the smooth than the hot side. Lots of veggies on the burger, made for a very filling entre. The husband had the berries and bison steak and he liked the berry sauce, however found the bison a bit tough/stringy even done medium/rare. Served with an overflowing baked potato and a skewer of seasonal veg grilled nicely with still some crunch.

Overall I think we will try this restaurant again and sit in the restaurant part. The menu is heavy on the steak so next time I am in the mood for beef I will definitely think of the rooftop as an option. Other items on the menu didn't wow me. I picked out a few items I will definitely try but with the prices as they are I will be selective in my ordering - I want to enjoy my meal for the price range - about $75 for 2 with only 1 drink and no desert.