The Retriever on Liberty

Great overall experience, small menu but fresh and well done. Great atmosphere.

Great overall experience, small menu but fresh and well done. Great atmosphere.

Pros: Space is lovely. Ambiance is good. The space was cozy, chairs were comfortable, and it had a good vibe. Cons: Food quality and some basic items lacking. My friends and I all got salad. We asked if the chicken could be blackened and the server said they had new Cajun seasoning so we said we'd give it a try. When I took my first bite it was so salty I knew I wouldn't be able to eat it. The server was quick to offer to have a new salad made, but it took forever to arrive. My friends were all done with their food when I got mine (again, it was just a salad). Sadly, the second go-around the chicken was overcooked so badly it was like chewing sandpaper. The server was very apologetic and did offer us a discount. Also, one other thing that was strange was we ordered a bottle of white wine to share and we asked for an ice bucket or chiller to keep it cold and they didn't have one. The server offered to put it in the fridge for us and bring it out to refill it when we wanted more. It just seems like something a nice restaurant (owned by people who have a wine bar in Wooster) would have for their customers. Also, the manager was seen walking around asking customers how their meals were but avoided eye contact with us every time they passed our table. A simple check-in and apology can go a long way.

Pros: Space is lovely. Ambiance is good. The space was cozy, chairs were comfortable, and it had a good vibe. Cons: Food quality and some basic items lacking. My friends and I all got salad. We asked if the chicken could be blackened and the server said they had new Cajun seasoning so we said we'd give it a try. When I took my first bite it was so salty I knew I wouldn't be able to eat it. The server was quick to offer to have a new salad made, but it took forever to arrive. My friends were all done with their food when I got mine (again, it was just a salad). Sadly, the second go-around the chicken was overcooked so badly it was like chewing sandpaper. The server was very apologetic and did offer us a discount. Also, one other thing that was strange was we ordered a bottle of white wine to share and we asked for an ice bucket or chiller to keep it cold and they didn't have one. The server offered to put it in the fridge for us and bring it out to refill it when we wanted more. It just seems like something a nice restaurant (owned by people who have a wine bar in Wooster) would have for their customers. Also, the manager was seen walking around asking customers how their meals were but avoided eye contact with us every time they passed our table. A simple check-in and apology can go a long way.

My husband and I were in town visiting family. We very much enjoyed our visit. We were seated immediately and our server was very good. The food was delicious. I had the lasagna and my husband had the chicken. We also shared the chipotle deviled eggs which were also very good. I only wish I had room for dessert!