Living on the Apex / Holly Springs border is straddling between enjoying a suburban small town laid back lifestyle and feeling far away from anything. We are clearly not in the boondocks, but at the same time when it comes to stores and restaurants, the selection here is lacking. We have a lot to chose from in Cary & Raleigh, but just not within 5 minutes.
So, when I returned from my vacation in New York, I was excited to see that Chevy's Ale House had opened at 55 & 1 (Old Ocean Stars location). I enjoy My Way and go there often enough, but was hoping that this could become another option. After hearing numerous not-so-great reviews, I decided to wait a couple of weeks to give them a try, with no expectations.
Now that they have been open a month, I hopped over with a friend to check it out. Honestly, the biggest issue that bothered me right away was if you come from the 55 business area, you need to go down an extra block and make a U-Turn, which is just annoying (minus a point).
As it has been for the past month the parking lot was full which is always somewhat encouraging when checking out a new restaurant. After waiting a few minutes to get seated (despite plenty of open tables and available staff), I was starting to think the reviews I heard of poor service were correct (minus a point = -2).
The layout is spacious, the bar is a decent size, there is a large outside patio, many large TVs (playing the Jets/Giants game) and even a Mark Sanchez framed jersey on the wall. (point scored = -1).
After being seated, the waitress did attend to our beverage needs quickly and efficiently (point scored = 0). from the list of approximately 15 beers on tap (point scored = +1).
A nice surprise was our waitress brought us a basket of popcorn to the table. Who doesn't love some popcorn? It reminded me Ground Round as a kid on Long Island. (point scored = +2).
The menu (http://www.chevysalehouse.com/menu) is fairly typical Sports Bar food, at fairly typical prices. They probably offer too many selections for their own good. Often these type of establishments would better serve themselves with a bit fewer options so the kitchen can focus on quality.
I considered many menu items. As usual, I immediately disregard any Italian options (meatball sub, pizza, i.e.) as I am a harsh critic on Italian food. Finally, my friend and I decide on ordering 2 sandwiches and splitting them - the Ham & Turkey on Pretzel Roll and the Meatloaf Sandwich.
The food arrived in a very reasonable amount of time (although I didn't time it, I remember being pleased when she arrived at the table).
I was a bit shocked at the size of the sandwiches. They were piled high with meat and, therefore, reminded me of Long Island sandwiches. The ham was a decent cold cut and the turkey was clearly carved, not a processed cold cut. The pretzel roll was hot and yummy. The one suggestion I would make is to heat the ham and turkey so the temperature differential does not impact the overall taste.
The meatloaf was above par. Each sandwich came with a handful of decent french fries and I was pleased to see that they did not give each meal a pound of fries. (point scored = +3).
Throughout the meal the manager and assistant manger came to our table to make sure all was okay. They did manage to do so in a non-intrusive manner (pet peave of mine). Most importantly, this convinced me that they had heard the tough reviews on the street and were making every effort to get it right. (point scored = +4).
All in all, it is a good place. It is a good place for what it is. Are you going to take someone there to impress them (1st date, client, in-laws)? No, but it is not that kind of place. It is a place to catch up with friends, get a bite to eat, have a few drinks and/or watch the game. And for that, they are a good option.
The crowd is the same type of random crowd you get at Bass Lake Draft House, Salem Street Pub or My Way, with families and individuals ranging from mid 20's to 70s.
I do plan on going back on a Saturday night, as they do have live bands every Saturday at 10 PM. I would like to see what crowd they are getting for that. Are they pulling the "dressed up to go out" Tony's Oyster Bar crowd or the laid back Holly Springs bar patrons? Additionally, I am extremely curious to know if they dim the lights for the nighttime bar atmosphere, because if not, you may get blinded by the bright lives when you walk in.
This location has been many restaurants in the past 4 years and I would like to see this place succeed. So, if you are in the Apex/Holly Springs area, give it a try. Just go in with reasonable expectations.
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