Sooo...my party of nine had a reservation tonight (Friday, Oct. 19, 2018) at 6 pm. We had no trouble getting in and getting seated. The side in which we dined, the right side when entering the door, had only 2 other tables with a total of about 5 diners. We placed our orders by about 6:30, but those with side salads did not even receive them for nearly an hour. The entrees arrived 15 minutes or so after that!
I did not have anything from the bar, but reports that came in from around the table were good. There drinks they ordered were a Cosmopolitan (Cosmo), Arnold Palmer, Piña Colada, Manhattan, Midori Sour, and a Gin and Vermouth martini. The person who ordered the Piña Colada said that the first one was probably the best she's ever had, but the second one not so much. Otherwise, all were really good.
The service was decent. I say this because although our server was very friendly and accommodating with one of the bills, she did not come to our table nearly as often as she should to refill our glasses or bring bread in a timely manner.
All in all, the service didn't stink, but it wasn't great, either. Finally, as a fairly indecisive person, I appreciated that the menu selection was small and uncomplicated but reflected nice choices. The unfortunate point about the menu is the price point of the selections. This restaurant is not inexpensive. I mean, I don't mind paying for a really nice meal in a really nice atmosphere, but some of the prices didn't really match up to the selections. For example, the Fried Shrimp and Catfish Platter Dinne entree (which includes 6 shrimp and 3 catfish filets and a crab cake with a side salad and a side is a nice meal (for one), but for $24?? I've been to restaurants where a couple more dollars will get you an ACTUAL seafood platter that contains the aforementioned PLUS fried oysters, hush puppies, and cole slaw, and is enough to satisfy TWO people.
Finally, the atmosphere of the restaurant was not as nice as I'd expected. I don't know why (maybe it is the way it is advertised?), but I thought that visiting the Almanett would be a great reason to dress up a bit, but not at all. It is more of a casual dining experience. Not that I mind that, but I thought that it was billed as a more upscale place. Anyway, I didn't get to see the bar side of the restaurant, but the side we sat in was not very big at all. The seating was tight and the tables were so close together that if they'd all be filled with diners, I couldn't see any way for people to walk between the chairs to get around. But, I guess there's a way...
Anyway, I've taken up enough of your time, so I'll close with this: If you want good food but don't care about the price points, and you don't mind being in very close quarters with your fellow diners, AND you don't mind talking for an hour before you get your very first bite of the pre-meal side salad, then visit the Almanett. BUT...if you want GREAT food that is reasonably priced and you don't have to sit arm to arm with other diners, AND your food comes out in a reasonable amount of time with great service, then try somewhere like The Reef on HWY 90 or hit up a casino for a buffet or something. Don't expect the worst from the Almanett Bistro, but certainly do not expect the best. read more