Okay, so I have eaten at both of these places recently, and decided to compile my review of them both into one so I don't come off as being unobjectively negative when I trash Coals.
My visit to Hammerheads was spurred by many compliments heard from well respected people whom I would not normally peg as frequenting a tiny basement bar with a hammerhead shark adorning the doorway. I had been given the impression that this place had that cozy neighborhood bar feel with the food turned way up.
Hammerheads completely delivered. Hubby and I sat at the bar, and were waited on by an engaging fellow who was literally working his toosh off, yet still offered perfectly competent input on the food and beer selection (which is very well balanced), along with just the right amount of dry humored, cynical remarks which really set the perfect tone for what i feel this place is going for.
Along with my porter and hubby's IPA, we had the hummus to start, along with the shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a brownie to go. the chicken wing batter was perfectly flaky and well seasoned, the sweet/spicy shrimp and smoked cheddar grit cake (crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle) were bursting with very different flavors that melded ever so nicely together when combined. The adorable brownie that we took to go looked, in its saran wrapping, as if it had been bought from a church bake sale, and tasted just as homey- chewy, crunchiness on the edges and gooey tenderness on the inner. My only complaints were that the sweet potato waffle, though good in flavor, was so tough I nearly gave up on it ( I can only assume this is not the usual), and that the pita served with the hummus were seemingly microwaved (please take the time to grill them!). These flaws were so outweighed by the eclectic, charming crowd and atmosphere, that I hate to mention them.
SIGH......... Coals on the other hand..... I really feel let down that I was lured by incredibly unfounded gushing reviews of this place. Louisville is well stocked with first rate pizza joints that are the genuine article. It is true, however, that I have yet to encounter a first rate spot for artisinal, wood fired pizza. HOWEVER, Coals in no way fits the bill.We started with their so called arancini, which were the size of the size of olives instead of tennis balls (or golf balls at the very least), tasted like a frozen appetizer that could possibly be distributed by the "Hot Pockets" brand. Sauce that tasted of a can from Sams Club (which, when i requested a side of, was served to me ice cold), "fresh" mozzarella that must have been bottom rung because it was devoid of flavor,"caramelized" onions that would better be described as blanched, sausage that was barely apparent on the pizza and even less apparent on the palate. Frankly, I prefer Chuck E Cheese, and I seek out great pizza across the nation. The topper was that the atmosphere and service reminded me of a Fazoli's.
I have been getting the impression that certain people are sugar coating their reviews in effort to protect new business ventures. Louisville is now teeming with restaurants of all types. This city needs to have a resource for good, impartial, restaurant write ups, so that the bad can be quickly weeded out, close their doors, and make way for something worthwhile.
. People's views, taste, acumen and delivery vary to such a great extent that individual style is apparent. But common amongst all the styles is the respect given to those that open and perform in what I consider the most challenging business arena out there. Does that mean others pull punches on their observations? While I can't answer that I will say, for the most part, people show a keen interest in seeing the local food scene grow and prosper. This board is a far cry from the wild west drive by days of yore. You are held accountable to the integrity of the group you belong to, as it should be. You've made your case that Coals is not to your liking. Many others (me included) love the food and atmosphere and the quirks inherent in producing a delicious hand made item with all the variables taken into account. Thanks for offering up your opinion. .
The second review exposed all those glowing reviews for Coals previously written on this forum as the submissions of those lying for self interest (uh oh). 
How do I know which reviews are real ones and which are not?
