Last night we were tired from a long week and not up for cooking, so we headed to 2nd Street Bistro. As K. says, it's not exactly good, but it's here.
Imagine our surprise at finding that it was closed up tight, with an application for a b&w permit in the window. I'm not surprised that they went under; I'm just surprised that they haven't gone under before now, frankly. They tried hard, but the full range of competencies just wasn't there. The last time we ate there, maybe nine months ago, they didn't know the difference between a poached egg and a hard-boiled egg (in a classic French dish where it makes all the difference).
We ended up skipping town for downtown Laverne, where we were planning on gyros at Angel's but diverted at the last minute to T. Phillips Alehouse or whatever that place is on D Street.
Upshot: too similar (or even identical?) to Claremont's Heroes for my taste. Good beers on tap (although my Anchor Steam was kinda flat or even elderly), good service, huuuuge portions, miserable food.
Where do you go when you're too worn down to cook and there's no frozen pizza in the house?
14 comments:
Tortas Ahogadas, on Mission and Towne. try the tortas ahogadas.
We have yet to find a go-to spot for dinner on nights like that, but if pressed I'd go with Aladdin's Jr.
Are you serious? 2nd st Bistro is no more? I loved their Chicken Burgers, they were the best in town!
I drive by that Alehouse thing on D Street in LaVerne all the time... thanks for the heads up, I think I will stop and check out next time.
Yes, we live in a culinary wasteland. I will not eat the very mediocre food at Aladdin's. I do think Sakura Itchi is a good choice. Tutti Mangia lost the chef and seems to be trying w/out, terrible idea. I had the tofu omelet at Full of Life today, very good.
that is all for now. Oh no it is not all, get some pizza from Pomona Baking Co. and save it/freeze it for dinner.
I'm really bummed by the demise of Second Street Bistro. The place always seemed like it had potential. The room was beautiful, the original menu was wisely chosen, and the service was always pretty friendly.
Unfortunately, it never seemed like the cooking was up to the menu, and then the menu kind of slipped. They changed it all around, adding a million weird options, which presumably just made it harder on the kitchen.
It's a shame, 'cause I'd love to be able to take people downtown to get a nice pasta dinner. (Big props to Aladdin, Jr., which has a great menu, wonderful service, and a funky space. But, alas, I'm not always in the mood for their food...)
T. Phillips used to also be Heroes but split off a few years ago and changed its name, explaining the very similar feel and menu.
I've never been served a fresh beer at T. Phillips and the service has always been crummy. They have Stone Smoked Porter and Lagunitas IPA- which is good. But the beer lines need cleaning and some beers sit in the keg too long because everybody orders crap beer there (boo LaVerne....you guys don't know how to drink decent beer).
The Bistro hasn't been the same since the Chef left a few years back..I think his name was Victor...his wife had the home decor shop that was next to it which is now the Bridal Shop.
I get my "can't cook tonight dinners" from Lilly's, Casa Jimenez, dba (I like the veggie panini thing), and -- yes -- In & Out. I do wish we had a rockin' low cost option here in Pomona. If only San Biaggios would open a third location here!
My friend had lunch the two days ago. They changed ownership and are open now.
I just drove by today and people were eating at 2nd St. Bistro. I saw anonymous posted new ownership. Good! Now I can go have a chicken burger!
2nd Street Bistro reopened under new ownership. However, the quality of the food seems to have suffered. I always thought their burgers were outstanding (I liked the special sauce), but they are not as good since they reopenned.
I have tried Aladdin Jr., but their food is not very good ... I go to Shalizar near Foothill and White (excellent middle eastern food).
There are few quality Chinese restaurants here, I drive to China Gate in Upland (excellent food).
As for Italian ... have to drive to Claremont or Montclair.
FYI: Noted that 2nd Street Bistro is now called 2nd Street Bar and Grill.
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