JEDS (HOLLAND) http://www.jedsbarbequeandbrew.com/

First off, I would like to thank Jeds/Holland for kindly inviting me (via twitter) out to their establishment so that I could check out their gig. To be honest though, I was afraid this place would be a lot like the Jeds in Maumee ….only because it’s located in the Holland area. I don’t know what the deal is with that part of town, but most eating establishments in Holland tend to be a bit filthy & outdated. But I am not one to make assumptions based solely on past experience so I went in with an open mind.

First we have the staff…or should I say… the person. On the day I arrived, there was literally only one girl working the whole place…and it was fairly busy at the time. She played hostess, waitress, bartender, and cashier for everyone there. And let me just say, she busted her hump and handled it all fairly well for being a soloist. Problem is, after placing my food order, trying to get her attention and keeping it for two seconds was like trying to talk politics with a 5 year old. Not really her fault since she was so busy, but this is one of the most common mistakes I see in places like this. Believe it or not, making someone feel like they are on “speed round” of a game show when they try and talk to you does not inspire their generosity (tip? money? hello?).

Holland’s rich tradition of filth lives on as well! The place is kinda slimey inside along with having one of those gas station type bathrooms. Ya know, the ones where ya gotta lock the door to get any privacy? Then for some odd reason they have these big posters covering most of the windows, making the inside seem like an after hours meeting place for some satanic cult. Perhaps its true purpose is to hide all the chipped/worn paint on the walls??? Either way, the actual place is very cramped and small to begin with so blocking any outside light doesn’t add much appeal.

So there ya have it. Looks as though my initial fears & assumptions were dead on (shocker!) On my way out though, I did notice a volleyball pit/ patio area off to the side. That’s a great idea if they can actually pull it off. Will have to give them one more chance this summer and check that out. Nonetheless, I give this place a generous D. Only because I got to eat my favorite freakball dish again!!  J

 ...like Mr. Gump says “that’s all I have to say bout that…”

 

Stay Hungry- The Real Frank

5th Street Pub (Perrysburg, OH)

                                            https://www.facebook.com/5thStreetPub

I will keep this review as short as possible, only because this place is still very new and certain things need to be revisited over time.

I kinda stumbled upon this one by accident. The location isn’t exactly the easiest to find for anyone not familiar with the Perrysburg area, but being that it is currently 2013… may I suggest a quick google search on your smart phone to locate.

Simply put, this place is very much worth the slight hassle to track down & try out. Walking through the door for the first time was like finding the lost city of Atlantis. A casual but classy decor along with a great energy brought forth by both the patrons and staff. They have a nice sized bar, surrounding high tops, and an adjoining dining area as well. Plus I love any restaurant that has segregated areas to eat/drink, yet has a floor plan open enough to observe it all from wherever you sit (hello! people watching!). 

The staff was exceptional from the hostess to the servers… attractive, welcoming, and professional. If management knows anything about anything, they will know enough to take good care of a staff like this. And here's just one example of their food-they have something called a“creamy mushroom meatball smash” ...and frankly?... it is to die for!

I’m not sure if it’s “word of mouth” or what, but 5^th Street Pub already seems to be one of the best new places to surface in a while. This is the type of establishment in which downtown Perrysburg needed so desperately too! Corporate bloated dining at Levis Commons really isn't doin’ the trick, so it’s nice to see a new place like this with a little more local flavor to it. 

So it's official~ I am currently a huge fan of 5SP and highly recommend them to anyone who is in the mood for a casually fun & tasty experience. Like I said before though, we will see if they can keep the vibe alive over time. Consistency is the greatest test of all & I (like most customers) can be very fickle if pushed away ever so slightly. Don't want them coming down with a classic case of Burger Bar syndrome!

In the meantime, I will enjoy spending my hard earned money at this cool new gastropub. And when they open for lunch (apparently starting in May), I’ll be spending even more!

An Easy A for the new kid on the block…nice job guys!    J

 

Stay Hungry!

 The Real Frank

JEDS (MAUMEE LOCATION) http://www.jedsbarbequeandbrew.com/

            I honestly don’t know where to begin with this one. This place breaks my heart in so many ways, but I will begin on a few positive notes.

 

            Let me start by saying how much I love Jeds’ freakballs! If you haven’t tried them before, I highly recommend them with an ice cold beer. Also, their menu is much better than the ho-hum competitors  like Ralphies or Frickers. But that’s not saying much since Toledo seems to be the mecca of mediocre sports bars.

 

Before Jeds busted on the scene in the mid 90’s, Frickers was the only real place to go to for beer and hot wings. Then Jeds arrived, exuding rebellion and finally some excitement, shaking shit up a little. But lack of real competition inhibits our desire to maintain and improve our own standards, and that’s what has happened to Jeds.

 

If you enjoy going to a place where most of the waitresses are somewhat homely, out of shape, and give you horrible service…this place is for you! If you enjoy sweaty overweight manager dudes staring at you from a distance while you eat…this place is for you! If you like old wobbly tables/chairs, outdated décor, and nasty bathrooms…this is place is for you!! And if you like hanging out with dirty contractor dongs at the bar (who quit early for the day just to drink the rest of the afternoon)…then this place is definitely for you!

 

Whoever runs this particular Jeds needs to bring some freakin life back into the place. They can start by giving the place a good scrubbing cuz it looks & smells as though the place hasn't been cleaned in years!! Then they should have all of their hostesses, waitresses, and bartenders stand in a single file line and pierce each one of them in the heart with a syringe full of adrenaline. Or better yet, find a new waiting staff all together. (For all you over-sensitive weirdoes out there-that first part was a joke.) This may come as a shock to you all, but attractive-friendly waitresses still bring in most business in places like this. And skimping on the quality of your bartenders is the biggest no-no of all! Some of these young girls look like they just rolled out of a hospital bed after giving birth. Then if they’re not checking their smart phone every two seconds, they’re shooting the shit with some old rusty regular. Umm, honey…a good tip from me would buy you almost a full tank of gas. I mean, doesn’t anyone want to make money anymore?? With that said, I simply give Jeds Maumee a very lame D- . If it weren’t for those tasty tasty Freakballs, Jeds wouldn’t even be worth reviewing at this point. Jeds! I hope you (& your waitresses) shape up real soon before its too late!

 

 

Stay Hungry!

                                                              The Real Frank