So, thanks to the wonders of one of the many deal-centric online coupon companies whose name I cannot remember, I got a discounted meal at Baxter's 942. We went in on Wednesday, the day before Thanksgiving, and the place was absolutely empty. We were the only people eating there, but I get the feeling that we got there before things really kicked off (it was like 5 PM, so that's not shocking). Here's a take.
The Baxter's 942 location has been a huge string of failed things, most recently another Irish pub. I never went into it then, mostly because it never looked open. However, the newest gimmick for the place seems like it might find some traction. They've got a small stage and some standing room, and their hook is that they're going to offer country music. (On this particular Wednesday, they had the DJ from Jason Aldean's recent tour and Miranda Lambert's drummer performing together, which sounds intriguing; shame it kicked off at 10 PM when I have to be indoors, watching American Horror Story for review). Now, country generally isn't my thing unless it's alt-country like Hank III, Th' Legendary Shack*Shakers, Rev. Payton's Big Damn Band, etc. Still, there's a need for some kind of country bar in the city proper, and it'd definitely give Baxter's 942 a niche. Not sure if that's what they're totally going for, since the radio playing in the background was one of the satellite radio rock stations, but the act fliers seemed to skew country.
The space inside is huge, with multiple levels. There's a pool table in the back, dart board, and a good assortment of seating, both at the bar, at tables and booths, and outside on the covered patio. Looks like it could make a good amount renting out the back space, which promises private everything for the discriminating birthday'er.
Now, onto what everyone really cares about: The Food. My girlfriend had a trio of something or another. Basically it was chicken salad, tuna salad, and cottage cheese on some greenery. She said the salads, both tuna and chicken, were good and were obviously made in house. As for me, I had a fish sandwich and potato chips. The fish was good, hand-battered and very generous in portion (1/2 pound) on a delicious multi-grain roll. The tartar sauce was also good, but not up to the level of Flanagan's (my favorite tartar sauce in the city). The real stand-out were the chips. Man, these were some good chips. Large cuts of potato fried to a crisp without being soggy, these things were definitely on point. They were seasoned with a little bit of hot spices and salt, and they made for a good accompaniment to both my sandwich and her tuna salad. We also split an appetizer of fried pickles, which are always good no matter what. To their credit, their breading managed to stick to the pickles, rather than slop off like most do. The standard spicy dipping sauce, described by our waitress as being like onion sauce at those fried onion places, wasn't surprising but it did taste good, so no complaints.
All in all, I'd give it a solid 3/5; for bar food, it's not bad. It's the kind of food where, if you've had a few drinks and are grooving to the tunes, you'll happily munch on. The portions are generous and the prices are fair. The the two entrees and the half-price happy hour appetizer, the bill was in the neighborhood of $20. They're still finding their footing a bit, but the waitress and the guy who brought out our food seemed eager to provide good service and actually asked us how we were liking the food and asked for feedback, so it seems like they're dedicated to getting on their feet.