"**Full Review:** We were searching for a place to enjoy some cocktails and dinner while staying in Ashland. Based on the online photos and menu, we anticipated a wonderful dining experience (hence the 2-star rating). We called ahead about an hour before arrival. Although they didn’t take reservations, we were assured there was plenty of seating available.
Upon arriving, we found the end of the bar packed with patrons eating and drinking, and were told they were at capacity and should return in approximately 35 minutes. While the close seating at the bar struck us as odd, we thought, since we come from California where restrictions are more stringent, perhaps things were just different here. However, when we visited another establishment to wait out the 35 minutes, the manager informed us that in Oregon, bar seating without barriers and without maintaining a six-foot distance between groups is illegal.
Realizing we were vaccinated and eager for sushi and cocktails, we decided to return in the hopes of securing a table instead of risking sitting at the overcrowded bar. When we returned, it was even busier. We noticed two patrons literally wrestling by the door. After our 30-minute wait, when we checked in with the hostess, we were abruptly told the kitchen was closed. No apologies or explanations—just a definitive stop. We felt utterly frustrated. We followed their instructions and still hadn’t been seated. To make matters worse, as we left, some intoxicated patrons mocked us for wearing masks.
By then it was 8:30 PM and most nice restaurants were closing at 9, leaving us no choice but to settle for takeout after wandering around Ashland hoping for a last-minute table. It’s unfortunate for the restaurant since we likely would have spent quite a bit of money there (more than the rowdy group they chose to accommodate).
If you’re looking for a pleasant dining experience, I’d suggest looking elsewhere. However, if you want a place that seems to operate as if COVID-19 is nonexistent with their bar setup, this might be your spot. I seriously considered reporting the restaurant to the health department, but I chose not to since I don’t live here. Perhaps there's still time for them to make changes, like ensuring bar stools and parties are six feet apart. For reference, I have a screenshot of Oregon’s bar regulations available if needed."
