The Silver Dollar

But, so as not to look like I'm trying to throw the new place to the wolves, let me repeat - the food is very, very, very, good.

Matthew, all of your points seemed completely valid to me and I never thought you were anything but fair in your original assessment. I hope people don't stop posting negative aspects about their visits to restaurants or this forum will just become free advertising.

I think the Dollar will benefit greatly when they finally get their web site working and I believe they need to rework their menu so it can be read in dim lighting. As you pointed out, they are new and I think they will likely continue to improve.

Sat at the bar there on Friday night, while it was completely packed, and had Micheal's old fashioned (which was very good) and some Lone Stars. I agree that the price points on the food looked a little high considering what type of food it is, but I'm willing to give it a chance. Love the minimalist-but-not-minimalist decor, which includes xmas lights and an American flag. No issues with service at the bar, which was attentive and conversational. Can't wait to go back.

[Robin Garr]

The other part of the trip that frustrated me was the lack of a whiskey menu given that the place is advertising itself as "whiskey by the drink."

We were given a whiskey menu. Or I should say a bourbon and tequila menu - they seem to specialize in those two categories to the exclusion of all others.

The other part of the trip that frustrated me was the lack of a whiskey menu given that the place is advertising itself as "whiskey by the drink."

We were given a whiskey menu. Or I should say a bourbon and tequila menu - they seem to specialize in those two categories to the exclusion of all others.

Probably just an oversight in my situation. Glad to hear they have such a menu.

As for the bourbon and tequila focus - if I am going to get my Bakersfield on, I will do so drinking one of those spirits (or both).

[Robin Garr]

As for the bourbon and tequila focus - if I am going to get my Bakersfield on, I will do so drinking one of those spirits (or both).

You betcha! I'm sitting here writing next week's LEO review about it now, and I created a Pandora "Bakersfield Country" station to keep me in the mood. It's giving me really good sounds. Now I want a Michelada for lunch!

entirely in keeping with the Texas theme.

I don't want to be picking nits, but I believe Bakersfield is in California. So I'm not trying to criticize you, Shane, rather point out that at least to me, there is perhaps a little bit of inconsistency on the part of the Dollar. Mind you, I haven't been yet, and I'm sure the food and drink are excellent, but I kinda feel like if you're going to adopt a theme, and wave it like a flag, you might want to think twice before you start muddling the elements. Of course, Shiner and Lone Star might have been the beers that most closely fit their concept, but it's kind of like opening a bistro and pushing ripe, rich Spanish red wines as part of the experience.

There's a Bakersfield, TX. population 30. I just had to look it up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakersfield,_Texas

[Robin Garr]

entirely in keeping with the Texas theme.

I don't want to be picking nits, but I believe Bakersfield is in California. So I'm not trying to criticize you, Shane, rather point out that at least to me, there is perhaps a little bit of inconsistency on the part of the Dollar. Mind you, I haven't been yet, and I'm sure the food and drink are excellent, but I kinda feel like if you're going to adopt a theme, and wave it like a flag, you might want to think twice before you start muddling the elements. Of course, Shiner and Lone Star might have been the beers that most closely fit their concept, but it's kind of like opening a bistro and pushing ripe, rich Spanish red wines as part of the experience.

Not to debate either, but to carry on the discussion, bear in mind that "Bakersfield" is iconic for the music and culture of the Okies and Texans who migrated west from the Dust Bowl to California during the Depression, as famously recorded in Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath." So in a very real way, "Bakersfield" is Texas and Oklahoma in California, with a Chicano accent added.

"but believe it or not, you won't find it so hot. If you ain't got that Do-ray-meeee!"

After thinking about my visit on Monday, here's my brief opinion...

Loved the food, not so much the service or atmosphere. Turn the lights up and the music down, just a touch. I know they're going for a certain atmosphere but when I have to yell at the people at my table just so they can hear me, the music's too loud. And when I have to constantly adjust the menu in order to catch some of the candlelight so i can read it, and I see many others doing the same or using the flashlight app on their phone, it's too dark.

I did think the prices were a little steep for certain items, but everything I ordered was really really good.

entirely in keeping with the Texas theme.

I don't want to be picking nits, but I believe Bakersfield is in California. So I'm not trying to criticize you, Shane, rather point out that at least to me, there is perhaps a little bit of inconsistency on the part of the Dollar. Mind you, I haven't been yet, and I'm sure the food and drink are excellent, but I kinda feel like if you're going to adopt a theme, and wave it like a flag, you might want to think twice before you start muddling the elements. Of course, Shiner and Lone Star might have been the beers that most closely fit their concept, but it's kind of like opening a bistro and pushing ripe, rich Spanish red wines as part of the experience.

Hi Ken,
The Dollar"s "Info" section on their facebook page has a whole back story about the immigration of Texans and Okies to California. Now really most of this is lost on me as I'm more interested in what they are providing me at here and now vs how they arrived at their format.

I lived in San Angelo Texas from April, 1983 through October of 1989 when I was assigned to RAF Chicksands in England. While in Texas, I spent quite a bit of time in what passed for clubs and youg people's bars. I did not encounter anything really similar to the Dollar in San Angelo, San Antonio, or Austin. Many places did have loud country music, Texas beer, and good food. The best beef I've ever eaten even up until today was in Texas restaurants. I think it was all of the steroids.

Cheers!

I concede. Still not interested in drinking Lone Star though. Or listening to Buck Owens for that matter.