The pub formerly known as O'Reilly's

Back on topic, I went to Pickett's this week. It was, in a word, packed.

Food was good, service was slow, but expect that to improve.

Ok ok ok.

There are threads to discuss the South Orange BOT election. This is not one.

Over here we are discussing whether Pickett's will offer $10 buckets of Coors light bottles and 25 cent wings.

Went there this past week. Food was amazing, service was great. Only problem I see is how uncomfortable the chairs were. They are steel or some metal and have bars on both sides. So if you do not have a tiny behind...AND have lower back or sciatica..you will have pain sitting through your meal and afterwards.

In more relevant news, I went round to Pickett’s. It was buzzing, which was great. You HAVE to reserve a table in advance if you want a formal sit-down meal on the weekend (maybe you don’t on a Tuesday or something), but we didn’t want that so we hung by te bar and managed to get seats almost immediately. 

The prices are sane, wines from $9 upward per glass, pour size pretty good. Burgers are, yes, $16, which is a couple of bucks higher than I like, but there are other options that are cheaper. So we got onion rings ($8), some wine, Alsatian pizza ($16) and a Brick Chicken panini ($14) , and the bill came to $61. It’s loud. I can’t imagine trying to have a conversation in the table area, but by the bar it was fine. It reminds me of Coda when it first opened. I do have to mention that the food was fantastic, even the little things like the batter on the onion rings and the seasoning on the fries were amazing. I had a great time and I look forward to getting back there on a regular basis. 

STANV said:
 I live in Maplewood. I have watched and participated in Maplewood politics for a very long time. I almost can't even imagine boycotting a business in Maplewood because the owner favored a different candidate.
I have recommended that out-of-town visitors consider staying at Les Sessions, the B&B operated by Trump supporter Art Christensen. 

 Please don't do that. If your morals can't tell you that hate is wrong, I hope society will tell you with their buying power. 

Good luck to this new restaurant. I hope the beer selection is better than others. NJ has some good brews these days. I hope they keep the tap selection local.

It's been a long time since my last post on MOL, there is a large box asking me to drop files... what's that about? And why on earth would I ever need to upload 20 images at once? 

mayor_mccheese said:
 Please don't do that. If your morals can't tell you that hate is wrong, I hope society will tell you with their buying power. 


Good luck to this new restaurant. I hope the beer selection is better than others. NJ has some good brews these days. I hope they keep the tap selection local.



It's been a long time since my last post on MOL, there is a large box asking me to drop files... what's that about? And why on earth would I ever need to upload 20 images at once? 

 I'm very interested to read your review of the Pickett burger.

I stopped by last night. Fine burger cooked to requested doneness, excellent fries (and I'm not usually a fan) and good beer selection. I'm hooked on SOMA beers. I was there before sunset and loved how much natural light there was. 

terp said:
 I'm very interested to read your review of the Pickett burger.

I appreciate your interest. I will be sure to share it. 

j_r said:
I stopped by last night. Fine burger cooked to requested doneness, excellent fries (and I'm not usually a fan) and good beer selection. I'm hooked on SOMA beers. I was there before sunset and loved how much natural light there was. 

 I didn't see Natty Light on the menu...

Been in a few times to eat and drink- I think they have a great start. I am familiar with the Chef and front of house GM from Orange Lawn; they did a great job there. Along with Doug and ownership team, they have put together a terrific place. Pizzas are terrific, have had some other small plates that were top notch. Looking forward to exploring the menu further!

heart_rn said:
Went there this past week. Food was amazing, service was great. Only problem I see is how uncomfortable the chairs were. They are steel or some metal and have bars on both sides. So if you do not have a tiny behind...AND have lower back or sciatica..you will have pain sitting through your meal and afterwards.

Have heard that banquettes may be coming along the window, which may also help with the noise level for those who felt it too loud (I didn’t, on a PACKED Friday, but wasn’t expecting quiet conversation either). 

ctrzaska said:

heart_rn said:
Went there this past week. Food was amazing, service was great. Only problem I see is how uncomfortable the chairs were. They are steel or some metal and have bars on both sides. So if you do not have a tiny behind...AND have lower back or sciatica..you will have pain sitting through your meal and afterwards.

Have heard that banquettes may be coming along the window, which may also help with the noise level for those who felt it too loud (I didn’t, on a PACKED Friday, but wasn’t expecting quiet conversation either). 

 Booth seating would be wonderful!  

Mayor McCheese!

Howdy!

rcarter31 said:
Am not pleased with the Dis of Les Saisons and Art..  Art and I don't agree on most politics but he and Libby are amazing hosts.  Always gracious.  I cannot say enough positive about their B&B and the two of them.  There a lots of people on this board who are quick with sharp tongues.  I don't know if any of them have done as much community service and community development as Art.  
Can't really follow how it crept into this thread...
-Ron Carter

 I agree with your POV.

Tried the place tonight but not for me. Tasty food but so what. Felt like I was at the airport. Kept looking around for the departure and arrivals board. I'm old school. I like cozy. Anything beats the hell out of what O' Reilly's had sadly fallen to. I do wish them luck.

on a comparative basis, this place is a win.  hoping they do the outdoor patio justice when it opens.

steel,

Cozy seems to be out of style, but feel the same way as you.

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:
Mayor McCheese!
Howdy!

Well hello!

mayor_mccheese said:

The_Soulful_Mr_T said:
Mayor McCheese!
Howdy!

Well hello!

Hi!!!  Good to ‘see’ you again!!!   

Any word on when lunch/brunch hours may be added?

Happy first visit last Friday. Good stuff on tap. Menu looks appealing. I love the idea of that long table by the bar. Makes it quite easy to get drinks and some apps without having to grab a table. On the minus side, I think management should erect some kind of smallish wall to mark off the area  where the long bar table is located from the main dining area. I was standing there with friends and drinking and I'm literally on top of the chair from one of the dining tables closes to the bar. If there was a waist-high wall or barrier it might create a little bit more privacy and safety for the guests who happen to be at those tables. Other than that, I had a good experience. The staff is excellent. Very attentive. As stated above, having the outdoor seating area will really be nice. Great job, Doug & company!

Went Sunday night - plenty of tables available but wasn't empty.  Shrimp app was tasty (had that as my main), kid's burger left a little to be desired (from an adult's perspective - very flat and tasteless) but my kid didn't seem to mine.  Accompanying fries were very good.  Mescal cocktail was quite good.  Service was attentive and floor manager was buzzing around to offer additional help and being solicitous - we'll certainly be back to try more.

Went tonight for the first time. Started off a little odd as we asked about outside seating on this lovely evening, but outside was just a few picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot, and the outside menu is like a bar menu and much smaller than the regular menu (not sure why). So back inside.

But it came back strong. Very nice space, from the bar to the main dining room to the open kitchen, it’s very bright and airy, night and day vs. O’Reillys dive. Lots of attentive and friendly servers, most of em seemed like local HS/college kids. Fries with garlic mayo to start were a tad underdone but very good. I got Tuscan pizza (sausage, brockly Rob, pepperoncini), my better half had vegan taco special, both were very good. Prices were reasonable, I got out with a $60 check, similar meal would probably be $85 at F&F.

Will definitely go back.

Smedley said:
Went tonight for the first time. Started off a little odd as we asked about outside seating on this lovely evening, but outside was just a few picnic tables adjacent to the parking lot, and the outside menu is like a bar menu and much smaller than the regular menu (not sure why). So back inside.
But it came back strong. Very nice space, from the bar to the main dining room to the open kitchen, it’s very bright and airy, night and day vs. O’Reillys dive. Lots of attentive and friendly servers, most of em seemed like local HS/college kids. Fries with garlic mayo to start were a tad underdone but very good. I got Tuscan pizza (sausage, brockly Rob, pepperoncini), my better half had vegan taco special, both were very good. Prices were reasonable, I got out with a $60 check, similar meal would probably be $85 at F&F.
Will definitely go back.

Yes, the outside space is awkward.  Hopefully they fix it up a little more and put some type of structure between parking lot and tables.

yahooyahoo said:
Yes, the outside space is awkward.  Hopefully they fix it up a little more and put some type of structure between parking lot and tables.

Folks

Hello again.  Thank you to everyone in all of our communities for such a great opening month.  Our vision from the very beginning was to create a welcoming space to all and a place you feel comfortable calling your neighborhood bar and restaurant.  We’ve been blown away with the response and how gracious everyone has been with their comments and helpful feedback.  We look forward to continue to provide you with exceptional service, food and drink for many years to come.  

Our outside space will be finished soon including something between the patio and parking lot, better lighting, music, etc. so that you can enjoy the spectacular views and warm weather.  Thanks for your patience until it’s completed.  

Our menu is smaller outside to help with the size of our kitchen and the demands of a full inside dining room. We want to make sure that everyone is served in a timely manner and allow as many tables to be seated as possible.  We will continue to explore ways to improve and increase the menu outside while providing you with the great service you deserve. 

If you come in to join us please look for me or our manager Nick. We would love to chat and help you in any way we can.  Or you can always call us with any specific questions.  973-313-1100. 

Thanks again. 

Cheers. 

Doug Sasfai 

dsasfai said:
Folks


Hello again.  Thank you to everyone in all of our communities for such a great opening month.  Our vision from the very beginning was to create a welcoming space to all and a place you feel comfortable calling your neighborhood bar and restaurant.  We’ve been blown away with the response and how gracious everyone has been with their comments and helpful feedback.  We look forward to continue to provide you with exceptional service, food and drink for many years to come.  

Our outside space will be finished soon including something between the patio and parking lot, better lighting, music, etc. so that you can enjoy the spectacular views and warm weather.  Thanks for your patience until it’s completed.  


Our menu is smaller outside to help with the size of our kitchen and the demands of a full inside dining room. We want to make sure that everyone is served in a timely manner and allow as many tables to be seated as possible.  We will continue to explore ways to improve and increase the menu outside while providing you with the great service you deserve. 


If you come in to join us please look for me or our manager Nick. We would love to chat and help you in any way we can.  Or you can always call us with any specific questions.  973-313-1100. 


Thanks again. 


Cheers. 

Doug Sasfai 

 So great to see responsiveness from a business owner. 

Keep it up Doug! Good luck. Love the place!

Indeed! Thanks for checking in, Doug. The food, drinks and especially, the staff are great. Well done! 

My husband, 2 year old and I tried to eat there tonight around 5:30pm.  When we arrived, I told the two hostesses that we would like a table for three which included a high chair.  They both looked at me as if I had grown a third head and asked if we had a reservation and what it was under.  I told them I didn't realize that for an early dinner at a pub we would need a reservation.  They just continued to look at me as if I was crazy and then fumbled around to see what to do.  It was like a deer in headlights. At that point, we just thanked them and left and went to Bunny's where there were tables available and friendly staff.

I have to admit, my husband and I were really looking forward to trying Pickett's.  We were disappointed and most likely won't be returning.  I can totally understand needing to wait for a table around a normal dining hour and we're usually happy to do that and grab a drink at the bar without the toddler.  However, having to make reservations for an early 5:30 dinner at a place that amounts to a pub??  This isn't Lorena's.  If this is a place where you do indeed need to make reservations, then you should make that clear on your social media page.  If we knew that in advance, we would be happy to make reservations.  Mostly though, what really turned me off was the attitude of the hostesses which honestly came off as really kind of snotty and unhelpful.  All they needed to say is that, "there's a wait of x many minutes and we can take your name down.  You're welcome to get a seat in the bar while you wait."

I don’t think it’s the quiet 5:30 hour that matters. I bet what matters is an hour later, when you might still be finishing and taking up a reserved 6:30, not-so-early table on a Saturday night in a popular pub.