The Rocket

Issue date: 5/2/08 Section: Focus

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Palmer's Taproom and Grill
Oakview Golf Club
160 Ralston Road
Slippery Rock, PA 16057

We've had our ups and a few downs as well, but overall this semester was full of some of the areas finest dining establishments. In a variety of restaurant genres from the atmosphere to the food selection, I hope to have provided you enough information to let you choose something that fits your taste. It's the last week, so here we go!

Tired of traveling the surrounding area of Butler and Mercer County with me? We'll spend our last evening somewhere a little closer. Before leaving good ol' SRU, don't forget to spend one night at one of the town's few infamous eateries.

Palmer's Taproom and Grill, located at Oakview Golf Club, offers an assortment of steaks, pastas and other signature items. For their moderate prices and at a distance not too far from school (especially considering gas prices), Palmer's is a great choice for an evening out with friends before leaving for home for the summer.

FOOD
My guest and I chose the chicken quesadillas to start. This massive Mexican dish was big enough to feed a "petite famille" or, small family. The thick tortilla was folded in half, sprinkled with cheese melted to perfection and a pinch of basil. It was overflowing with grilled juicy red peppers, large onion slices and chicken. The appetizer came with two small sides of sour cream.

We were very impressed with the presentation of our meals. Not only did the food look good on the plate, but it tasted even better. From the "Light and Fresh" section of the menu, my guest picked the chicken and salad. The plate featured the most delectable, juiciest char-grilled chicken my guest had ever eaten. The salad that accompanied the chicken was made from a plethora of hand selected veggies including spinach leaves, onions, tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers and olives. My guest recommended the honey mustard dressing to top the salad.

For my dinner, I picked the Buffalo Chicken Wrap that came with ruffled potato chips or your choice of onion rings or fries. The wrap was absolutely mouth-watering. A large wheat tortilla, sliced in half, held succulent contents which included a layer of melted cheese, a diced breaded chicken breast, onion slices, tomato bits and shredded lettuce. There was also a six pepper ranch that gave the sandwich a little extra zest. It was the perfect mix of gooey cheese, spicy chicken, fresh vegetables and tangy sauce. I must admit, this wrap was so good it's incomparable to that of SRU's Cyberfresh.

PRICES
The prices were pretty reasonable for what the dishes were providing. The appetizers started at $3.75 and went for as much as $7.95. Salads, either chicken or steak, were a little less than $9.

Wraps were in the range of $7 to $8. Sandwiches fell between $6 for an old fashioned burger and $8 for a few choices such as the cheese steak hoagie.

Entrées were somewhat pricier. The cheapest dish was the fish fry for $8.75, the most expensive being $18 for the filet mignon.

ENVIRONMENT
With the beautiful weather upon us, my guest and I chose to sit on the patio. We had the chance to view the scenic golf course with the blooming trees against the backdrop of the sunset. Very picturesque! The golf carts whizzing by only added to the experience.

It got dark before we were finished eating and the lights hung on the railing didn't turn on. We were later told that the lights were on a timer, they might want to get that control changed for future late-night diners.

The tranquility of the outdoors was contrary to the bustling business going on inside. Sunburned golfers gathered in a crowded bar room for a few drinks after what looked like a long day out on the course. I was glad we decided to eat outside.

I must note the bar downstairs looked quite impressive as we walked though on our way out. It was empty at the time but the roomy, college-kid friendly setting seemed like a good place to go on a Saturday night.

SERVICE
The staff was very friendly. They even stopped to have a few laughs with us toward the end. We were confused as to whether to seat ourselves or even where to sit when we first entered the grill, however before we could wonder too long, someone came over to escort us to a table.

We were waited on by both the hostess and our server. I assume this was because of the busy bar. They seemed to have kept it together enough to get us the correct orders and in a timely fashion.

I didn't like that we didn't receive extra plates for our appetizer. The quesadilla's were quite messy. But I suppose the great appearance (and taste!) of our food more than made up for it. It almost looked too good to eat but the smell convinced us otherwise.

THE BOTTOM LINE

I really enjoyed Palmer's for their variety. From the relaxing patio dining, the busy upstairs bar or the inviting basement bar environment, I would recommend this establishment for just about any occasion.

Meagan Gribbin is a junior communication major and the advertising manager for The Rocket.

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