I call to make a reservation. Ben answers the phone and says to ask for him.
Shakespeare’s restaurant is located on Main since 1969, galvanized by an Elizabethan epoch layout; dark stained glass windows, wooden timbers, and white exterior walls.
As you enter the restaurant you are greeted by Ben an outstanding server. Ben seats us and pulls the table for us. I feel like I am in a classic tavern in England. The tables are set with white table clothes, napkins folded with cutlery shining. The wooden ceiling beams, dark wood trim, and railings get me ready for a Shakespeare feast.
As we are seated, the bus boy offers us water. Another bus boy brings us hot garlic bread. Werner the German Maitre’d and trained in classic service at Baur au Lac in Switzerland tells me the bus boys are the grandchildren of Franco, and both his sons are servers and the daughter handles the bar.
The busboy now brings us a plate consisting of olives, pickles, and cheese.
Ben advises us of the specials and takes our drink order. Debbie has the Apple Martini and I order a glass of the Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon.
The garlic bread is delicious and the olives and cheese are great.
For starters, Debbie has the Escargot Bourguignonne and I have the Tomato Soup. The Escargot is delicious with the right amount of garlic and wine. The Tomato Soup is outstanding.
I am really enjoying myself here. All the servers have their hands behind their back and the service is outstanding. All the staff come and greet you and they keep an eye on your table for bread or for water.
For the main course, we order the 24 oz Bone-in Ribeye and order it medium rare. Ben gives us time to relax, chat and enjoy our drinks. He tells me to let him know when to place the order, as it will take 10 minutes. The steaks arrive on time. The vegetables are cooked. The home fries are outstanding. The steak is tasty, flavorful with the exact amount of salt and pepper.
Ben is aware it is our anniversary and for dessert bring apple beignet with vanilla ice cream. Delicious.
I wash it down with a 16-year-old Lagavulin and Debbie has the Dubonnet.
Shakespeare’s restaurant has stood the test of time in a business where if you have been around for more than five years you have arrived. The food is great, the service outstanding and I love to see three generations of a family serving their customers. I would strongly recommend that you visit them for a birthday, anniversary or if you are celebrating something special. Shakespeare’s restaurant belongs to the pantheon of restaurants like Barberians in Toronto, Vieux Port Steakhouse in Montreal, and Gordon Ramsay’s Steakhouse in Vegas.
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