Visited this middling bar-restaurant in St Clair Shores on Christmas Eve. Dining room and bar seating was wall-to-wall families and couples at 6 PM. Servers were in overdrive, and a bit frazzled all around. The kitchen thrives by turning out Sandwiches & sides, Pizza, pasta, and a few fish plates. On any given night they offer up to six eclectic specials. There were three of us: Dear Wife, Son, Number 3, and me.
We ordered drinks from the bar, which were prompt in being served: Dry Gin Martini up–no fruit, for me; Southern Comfort Manhattan for the lady; and Jameson’s on the rocks for the son. Very liberal pours on all (nice!)
Son was looking for a Steak dinner. Nope, not a menu choice. He settled for a Fajita meal with a three meat combo. He liked it. I noticed a Beef Tips special sauced with Cognac. Ordered that. Oops, server came back to tell me they sold out. So I went down-scale and re-ordered a Patty Melt, medium rare with Onion Rings. The rings were coated, I did not like them. Food runner apologized when setting my Patty Melt in front of me: “It might be a little rare.” Oh, yes it was, but I had no problem with that. It was tasty.
My wife noticed a different special, Walleye Picante. After assurances from our server that the dish wasn’t overly spiced, that’s what she went with. Pronounced it, “Terrific.”
Gilbert’s has a large and loyal following, so the foods the kitchen plates are without doubt, fresh. Nothing daring either, so there is consistency up and down the menu.
Here’s an “odd” Tomato Bisque Soup two of us ordered.