The Rocket

Issue date: 10/5/07 Section: Focus

Media Credit: Kristen Baselj In the open-air patio area of Rachel's Roadhouse is a shuffleboard table and TV, which accompany a bar. Rachel's is located in Grove City. [Click to enlarge]

Rachel's Roadhouse, conveniently located on Route 19 and just five minutes from the Grove City's Prime Outlets, is one of seven restaurants in the Springfield Restaurant Group.

Of the seven, Rachel's is regarded as having the most laid-back atmosphere. Despite the fact that it is located in a country setting, I would consider it to be the type of place that appeals not only to a college crowd, but also to anyone who is looking for a family meal.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

I started my meal with an appetizer of New York-style pretzels and hot fudge for dipping.

These were by far the best part of my meal. But this appetizer of three very large, soft, deep-fried pretzels could have waited until dessert time. I should have known better, but I am a sucker for sweets.

The cup of french onion soup I ordered was, to say the least, bland. Bread that is soaked in broth can still be stale, as was the bread in my soup.

The order of six mild wings was undeniably dry, tasteless and unappetizing. The only positive aspect of them was that they weren't messy.

I decided to try one of the weekly specials, the chicken teriyaki, accompanied by a dinner salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Once again I was displeased, as the potatoes were served cold and my chicken was char-grilled to the point that it tasted burnt.

When it came to beverage choices, I decided to try the seasonal Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale. I've been looking forward to trying this beer for a couple of weeks now, so I was very disappointed when it did not live up to my expectations.

I tasted no spices and not even a hint of pumpkin. I actually think that maybe they served me the wrong beer, because it tasted and looked just like a Yuengling.

PRICES

Appetizers started off at $5 and did not exceed $8.25. "Rachel's Hat Tricks," which are a combination platter of three appetizers, ranged from $7.95 to $10.95.

Entree prices were similar to those at chain restaurants, such as Red Lobster or Max & Erma's, with salads averaging $8, pastas $12, burgers $6.75, other sandwiches $7, steaks $14, chicken $11 and seafood $12.

When it came to beverage prices, even the specials were a bit steep. I paid almost $4 for my beer and it was a special for the week.

ENVIRONMENT

Despite the meal not going so well, I think that the environment of the restaurant was very enjoyable and relaxing. The Victorian-style pictures and decorations give the restaurant a very nostalgic feel.

There are tall tables with stools in front of the bar area for dining, and also a separate bar in the open-air patio. Also in the patio area is a shuffleboard table and TV.

Booths are available that will accommodate six people, but be prepared to get to know your neighbor well, because it's a tight squeeze. I would not suggest parties larger than this if you all want to sit together.

SERVICE

It was clear that the wait staff took an interest in the overall betterment of the restaurant. Our waitress was able to recommend different selections and was very knowledgeable about the three pages of specials.

All of the courses came in a reasonable amount of time, as they were neither too rushed nor too slow. I didn't feel like I was hurried along, while and at the same time the dining experience was complete in about an hour and 10 minutes. The timing was almost perfect.

Rachel's Roadhouse
1553 Perry Highway
Mercer, PA 16137
(724) 748-3193

Kristen Baselj is a senior communicationmajor and a regular contributor to The Rocket.

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