We are officially running out of new places to go. After scouring the map for what seemed like hours, I went back to this blog for ideas on places we liked but hadn’t been back to in a while – and landed on this one.

Which is, well, it’s out there. Remember the Meadery in Suffield we went to a bit ago that Ted picked and it felt like we traveled an eternity through darkness to find? Well let’s just say that I guess that would make this place essentially an eternity plus one. We didn’t think it was possible to get further in the middle of nowhere, but yet here we are.

Checked back and our last – and only visit – here was February of 2019. Yikes.

Ah 2019, when we were astonished that this little bar in the middle of nowhere had the latest and greatest brand in hard seltzers: Truly.

Wow. What a time.

Anyway.

What hasn’t changed: walking in the door directly into a tiny and very crowded room and not really being sure where to go since all (read: less than 10) of the tables were full. And then kind of awkwardly bopping around trying to figure out which direction we should go so as to not draw attention to ourselves while still looking friendly enough that someone might offer up their table or give us pointers on where exactly to stand to stay out of the way while we wait.

It’s a fun game, said no one ever. Like if you’ve ever thought to yourself “boy I’ve always wanted to draw attention to myself in the most awkward way possible in a room full of strangers,” well, this is probably a good place to practice this.

They do have a patio out behind the place, but given the chance of rain and 500% humidity outside we all vetoed that option pretty quickly. Luckily a small group of people left a table toward the back not too long into our fun game of trying to not look too desperate as we stared in jealousy at the people who had tables so we scooped it up.

They still only recognize Guinness as the exclusive dark beer, so that became Ted’s drink of choice. I went with a tequila and soda, and Shane opted for the old faithful: Bud Light.

For apps we each got an order of the fried banana pepper rings. Shane and I also got the fried mushrooms. Because as much as our arteries might think otherwise, you can never have too many fried things on one table, am I right?

Hey, bonus! In comparing photos from our last visit it seems like they’ve upped the amount of food that comes in the baskets. Although they’ve also upped the prices so there’s that trade off.

So you don’t think that they’re just targeting apps, don’t worry – they didn’t discriminate. That price hike is all across the menu, and is especially evident on burgers. 2019: $5.50. 2024: $10.50. Oof.

I mean we still ordered dinner, because quite honestly where else are we going to go now that we’re already out here in the middle of nowhere and still hungry? But still. Let’s hope this isn’t like a let’s add $5 every five years kind of thing.

I took the price hike challenge and got the build your own burger with Swiss cheese and mushrooms. And tater tots, because, well, me.

Shane read on the blog that the last time we were here he got a wing sauce the server made up herself which involved a ranch with a spicy dry rub sprinkled on it. It now exists on the menu and is called the Katie’s Special after that server. Noted.

Ted kept it simple and got the spicy garlic wings.

Everything arrived very hot. And we know this because the guys actually waited a minute before diving into their wings, something that doesn’t always happen.

But don’t worry, they did both eat all 12 of each of their wings – so they haven’t completely changed personalities. Although Shane wasn’t super crazy about them though. He commented that they seemed to be boiled or something since they had no crispiness to them. So clearly not quite the same as how they were done on our last visit, other than the sauce. Disappointment.

What wasn’t disappointing though was the service. Out server was amazing, and moved around the space with the efficiency of someone attempting to qualify for the Olympics. Like you can tell she’s used to it being busy and she manages it well. Good way to get tipped well, which we did.

Especially given that the bills were so cheap. Ted’s was $35 – for an app, meal and three drinks. Mine and Shane’s together was $66. Which sounds much more impressive when you remember I’m drinking top shelf tequila.

Also for the awkwardness we experienced at arrival at least we weren’t labeled as outcasts the entire time and shunned as if we didn’t belong there. The guys at the table next to us were especially kind as they were holding the spot for a group celebrating the upcoming holiday and some birthdays, and were at least apologetic about the clown car impression they seemed to be doing with the sheer size of the group that kept gathering around this tiny table. And at least they were welcoming and friendly to us and tried to keep us engaged in their activities (read: shots) instead of just glaring at us for taking up what could’ve been valuable extra real estate for their group. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure there was a collective sigh when the three of us finally left and the extras in their party hovering over those seated at the table could finally sit down like civilized adults, but at least they were kind enough to not do it in our presence.

Picked by: Steph