11/02/09

A mouth-watering experience.

by LoreliLoreli

Being a Bend native I often travel to Portland for the culture of a big city. But thankfully one evening I stumbled into The Blacksmith, and within moments I knew I had found a local business that would soothe my thirst for the big-city, right here in my little town filled with flannels and patagonia jackets, I had found a little piece city nestled on the edge of downtown.

The Blacksmith does one thing better than any other restaurant here in town, the ambiance. It's unique, cozy and urban with the glowing marble bar that immediately sets the mood when you walk-in. Whether I'm looking for a night out with my ladies, the lounge serves as a great place to catch-up, or if I'm looking to have a great meal with my 8-year-old son. I simply make a reservation in the anvil room, and they are MORE than accommodating to my rugrat, which is not always the case at most "upscale" restaurants.

Columbine is the best bartender in town, and as far as severs go ask for Amber, she has never disappointed us, and is probably the most attentive server I've ever had. And in case you've never been, happy hour is amazing, gourmet food for only a few bucks!! If you haven't been... you must go!

• Pros: An amazing cocktail list and equally impressive happy hour.

09/06/09

"I" for inconsistent

by vaccaro01

This place get's a big fat "I" for inconsistent. Last night (Sept 5th, 2009) we had an absolutely fabulous experience at this restaurant. The service was spectacular, the ambiance was great and most importantly the food was just out of this world. It was so good, we went back again tonight (Sept 6th, 2009).

Let me start by saying the service was absolutely horrendous! We were seated in the lounge while we waited for a table in the dining room. We ordered two cocktails, which took 20 minutes to come out and also ordered an appetizer, the tuna poke, which took another 20 minutes to come out!! No joke. The tune poke was delicious, which is why we decided to stick it out and hope the service would improve. It didn't.

The steak I had last night was so good I could not help myself but order it again. Seriously, it was that good. So, after waiting another 45 minutes for our meal to arrive, the steak was over-cooked, cold, and the scallop sauce was ice cold. No joke. it was horrible. I sent it back immediately and was told "we could get another one out is much less time than it took to get this one out". So that begs the question, why wouldn't you bring the first one out quickly instead of letting it overcook on the hot plate? Seriously?

After one hour and forty minutes, we had three drink, three appetizers and a $50 bill. Not cool!!

Bottom line here is this place is h1t or miss. Last night was a h1t but tonight missed by a mile. A HUGE disappointment! i hope you have a better experience.

• Pros: food
• Cons: service

06/23/09

every time we go there we are happy

by owlove

we love going there. its a more upscale place which is nice because Bend doesnt have too many of those that include dancing at night as well. the food is great.... but spendy, especially if you are getting dinner...but its great! we always go there for nights out with friends.

• Pros: best drinks in town, and great appitizers!
• Cons: spendy but worth it