Jim and Nancy do not disclose the fact that they will review a restaurant before they attend, ensuring their reviews are unbiased and uninfluenced by their position with the Sun Day.
Who, in this duo, would order crab legs in a country tavern? If you guessed Jim, you were absolutely…
…wrong! Try again. Jim and I miss the Dungeness crab legs at Niko’s Restaurant that was just outside of Sun City, so we decided to venture out to Woodstock and try Niko’s Red Mill Tavern.
When we drove up, we immediately saw that the parking lot was packed, and we were grateful to find a vacant spot in front. We looked at each other and said in unison, “We’re probably going to have a long wait for a table.” To our surprise, the hostess had one booth open, and we were the lucky patrons.
The interior was light pine wood from floor to ceiling with wrought iron accents just like you would expect in a country tavern. The bar area was enormous – five tall tables with chairs and a converted pool table in the back to seat large parties. There is a deck in the rear for outdoor seating, with portable heaters if the need arises. The dining area where we were seated had 14 tables/booths.
Our waitress promptly came up to us and took our drink order, which was as usual, iced teas. We decided to order the fried green beans appetizer with chipotle ranch dressing ($7.99). We wanted to try the fried pickles, but when Jim inquired about them, we found out they were pickle spears, not slices, so we decided against it.
Now for our entrees. Saturday night specials include: prime rib, pork chops, ribs, and snow crab legs, all of which reasonably priced. As you guessed, Nancy had the snow crab legs, two pounds ($24.95), which came with salad or soup (she picked the salad and for a change of pace ordered garlic dressing on the side). A potato and corn on the cob was also included with the dinner.
Jim ordered one of his all-time favorites, Mile High meatloaf with garlic mashed potatoes topped with brown gravy and corn on the cob ($11.99). He decided to have the cream of broccoli soup.
The crab legs were sweet and succulent, not at all salty like snow crab can sometimes be. The meatloaf was stacked three slices high with the garlic mashed potatoes sandwiched in between. This is one of the better meatloaf dinners Jim has ever had. On the plus side, they served a full ear of corn, not a skimpy three-inch cob you normally get.
Our total bill for this evening out was $54.50. Cheers!
When you go, take our advice. Order your appetizer and enjoy it, then order your entree. The service is incredibly fast-paced. We were not done with our appetizer when the soup and salad arrived. Halfway through that, our entrees arrived. Nancy was a majority of one when she ordered the crab legs, since most of the people ordered hamburgers and pizzas. These looked very good as they passed by our table.
Going out for dinner is our weekend luxury; we wish the service was not as rushed; however, depending on your frame of mind, you may enjoy the fast service.
He said/she said:
Jim’s take: The fried green beans were right up my alley, lots of breading and light on the green beans. Honestly, the soup was just O.K. The meatloaf, however, was fantastic and the portion was huge. I had enough left-over for lunch the next day. TIP: As you walk in, look carefully to your left and you will find a barrel with free peanuts in the shell to take to your table.
Nancy’s take: The portion of the fried green beans was huge and tasty. My salad was outstanding with cucumber, red onions, and carrots galore. For my taste, the garlic dressing needed more garlic but that’s just me. I totally enjoyed my crab legs and will be enjoying them again come Monday for lunch. Who says you can’t have crab legs in a tavern?
Niko’s Red Mill Tavern
1040 Lake Avenue
Woodstock 60098
815-338-6455
www.redmilltavern.com
Directions: Route 47 North to Lake
Avenue East to restaurant.
Estimated Travel Time: 20 minutes
Note: Reservations are suggested for
parties over four people.
• Have comments or restaurant suggestions for the Dining Duo? Send them an email at thediningduo@gmail.com!
