Creative Loafing Reviews Parker's On Ponce
Decatur Metro | December 10, 2008CL’s Cliff Bostock gives Decatur’s new steakhouse a mixed review.
Thanks to Carl for forwarding.
CL’s Cliff Bostock gives Decatur’s new steakhouse a mixed review.
Thanks to Carl for forwarding.
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I’d have to agree with the lackluster review in this week’s Loafing. My husband and I just returned from a meal at Parker’s and we both wish that we had chosen to eat somewhere else. There is nothing stand-out about the food, atmosphere, or service. The “Maryland-style” crab cake contained lump crab meat, but it did not taste fresh and was served with an overly oniony remoulade. The steaks and sides were decent, but I don’t think they were worth the prices charged. To end the evening, my husband was asked for his id after the credit card had been swiped. We were a little curious about this, so I called the restaurant. The manager informed me that, “we haven’t really discussed that” and agreed that customers could be asked for id prior to running the card. A steakhouse is a steakhouse, but I’ve had better steak, better service, and better atmosphere elsewhere. We won’t be returning.
We also had a rather lackluster experience. Not bad – but it wasn’t a standout either, particularly for the prices. Too add, their wine list is rather limited and I’d say their draft beer selection was quite poor. On the upside, it’s a beautiful space and the bar area is very nice. Just wish they had the food and drink to go with it.
I have not been to Parker’s and probably will avoid it. The middle of the road approach to steakhouses just does not seem to work. EIther you go the Bones/Chops route — serving USDA prime with white-glove service — or you are Outback/Longhorn/etc., serving mediocre steaks in a very causual environment. Parker’s is in that very hard to execute netherworld between the two. I personally just won’t pay $30 for a steak that I can buy at the supermarket and cook at home for less than half the price.
I loved it because they serve White Oak Pastures Beef, which is animal welfare approved due to their treatment of the animals. This particular ranch does their own slaughtering so that the animals are not stressed by the long cattle car trips. It has a less fatty, different flavor because the cows are fed only grass. They are serving White Oak Pastures hamburgers now and will serve their steaks in the future. I will not eat beef unless I know the animals are respected in the process. I can now go and eat beef in Decatur with a good conscience. To me it tasted wonderful!!! To others who have the same concerns as me, try it.
We had our holiday party there a few nights ago. Everyone thought the food was excellent and the house wine was very tasty. I have not had dinner there yet but definately plan to return. Give them a little time to work the kinks out. It is a great space and Decatur needs this to be a success.
“This particular ranch does their own slaughtering so that the animals are not stressed by the long cattle car trips.”
I’m sure that the cow who is about to get slaughtered really appreciates not having a long ride.
Really? Do you people really understand that the beef, pork, and chicken you are eating at a restaurant or buy at the store was once a living animal who was probably slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse that probably kills thousands of animals a day? Even at these “humane” slaughterhouses, they are still killing lots of animals. I know I can’t live with myself knowing that. That’s why I stopped eating meat. Won’t be going to Parkers.
Are you kidding me? You’re actually comparing a few random, accidental rodent and insect deaths with large-scale, abusive, inhumane, factory farming/killing? Your attempt to placate your sense of morality to justify eating animals is weak.
I thought this thread was about a restaurant? My bad.
Wait…I said nothing in defense of “inhumane, factory farming/killing”. I was talking about Gus poo-pooing those that support the efforts of more humane forms of raising livestock.
And we’re not just talking “a few rodents”, we’re talking millions of mice, rabbits, snakes, skunks, possums, squirrels, gophers and rats. And what if it was just rodents? Is their life less valuable? Is fatally maiming a rodent in a combine more “moral” (your word, not mine) than killing an animal for food production?
If my morality is judged weak for asking a question, so be it.
I just want to add something else. The animals at this particular ranch are free range and live normal lives. It is located in South Georgia for those interested in eating beef that is humanely treated and fairly locally grown.. I wish I could be “pure” and not eat meat, but, at this point I am not. The sides, meat, and service were great. I will return. Parker’s is on the top of my list.
I’ve only had lunch there and it was great. I had their little burger plate of 3, called ‘sliders’ I think. My intention is to go back for dinner with friends soon. Give these people time to work out the small issues and I betcha it’s gonna be a wonderful Decatur hot spot.
Could we get some idea of prices for lunch and dinner from someone who’s eaten there?
AMB, the complete menu is on their website.
We had a great dinner there last night.
appetizer, Fried Calemari(sp) with canaloni beans – Wonderful!
Porterhouse for two, perfect! Sides of Mac & Cheese and creamed spinach
couple of adult beverages
Total with a 20% tip was around $90
the service was great.
Build out and redesign gets our gold seal of approval as well
I would highly recommend it to all omnivores out there
My husband and I went to the rest. with another couple for Valentine’s Day – she had a wonderful dinner and a wonderful experience. We would recommend it to anyone.
We had wanted to try the restaurant for some time and decided to go last night since we received a coupon in the mail for one free entree. When we arrived, the waiter told us they had half priced appetizers, so we ordered several. In spite of this, our bill was still close to $200, and we presented our coupon. They then said the coupon would not apply because we already accepted the ‘offer’ of the 1/2 priced apps. After some discussion, the manager went ahead and took off one entree, but the waiter proceeded to become belligerent and rude, telling us how he ‘had a degree in marketing’ and they were not doing anything illegal and only he only had 3 shifts left there and he couldn’t believe we were complaining because no one else had ever complained and that it was just ‘hysterical’…blah blah blah. I have never in my life been treated so rudely by a waiter and will never return. It was never about the money, we routinely dine out in expensive restaurants and while the food was ‘ok’, the service was unacceptable.
We dined at Parkers on Ponce last night (party of 4) for a special occasion and it was very enjoyable. The restaurant had a nice atmosphere, service was excellent, and the food was awesome! They validate parking for the deck behind the restaurant.
I would definitely recommend it for a special occasion.
Great spot in downtown Decatur!
Parker’s has been very hit or miss with us; I’ve said so on my blog. Been there three times in the past few months and I keep waiting for the food to step up. Great setting, attentive staff, but their food lacks something. It’s often underseasoned and just doesn’t jump off the plate. It’s often kind of dull, really.
They also struggle, often, with cooking steaks to correct “doneness” My wife gave up last time and accepted their second attempt at med rare. Try again next month perhaps, as I want to like Parker’s, I really do.
If we want to split hairs about animals dying to sustain humans Gus, I have a question for you…how many field animals and birds die each year when the fields that grow our crops are treated with pesticides and harvested?
Death is a part of life. We can only live when something else dies.
Respecting that life and recognizing and honoring their sacrifice isn’t an inconsequential shift.