"We ordered wine and cocktails, which were served quickly and perfectly. The Squeaky Bean boasts a variety of unique cocktails crafted with local spirits and presented over impressive, crystal-clear three-inch ice cubes. The two cocktails I sampled—one made with tequila and the other with bourbon—were not only visually stunning but also delicious and complex in flavor.
Afterward, we requested to see the cheese cart and were thrilled with a cheese plate that featured a rich gorgonzola, a Vermont cheddar, an aged Gouda (if memory serves— I was a bit distracted by the chefs at the time), and a creamy cheese made from water buffalo milk. The presentation was elevated with mixed nuts, green olives, and peach preserves, alongside house-made crackers that, though they appeared simple, were surprisingly buttery and flavorful. Our hungry group finished the cheese plate in under ten minutes.
Next, we ordered two salads to share among the three of us. The first salad—a smoky, creamy grilled eggplant paired with thinly sliced plums and raw Asian greens—left a lasting impression. In contrast, the heirloom tomato salad did not have the same impact. While it aimed to showcase the vibrant acidity of the beautiful tomatoes, I found the flavors somewhat subdued. At any other restaurant, this dish would have been a highlight, but at The Squeaky Bean, it was my least favorite.
Our first entrée was a wagyu beef teres major, a lean and slightly chewy cut from the shoulder. Although it wasn’t as tender as anticipated, it was rich in flavor, highlighted by a delightful bone marrow wine sauce served in a brown eggshell. The beef was complemented by an exquisite wild mushroom preparation that could easily have stood as a main dish itself, along with a rich potato “bar.” Cooked to a perfect rare, it was one of the finest cuts of beef I’ve enjoyed in quite some time.
We also sampled the fried chicken, which is uniquely prepared by deboning and skinning the chicken, then rolling the breast meat in thigh meat, rewrapping it all in skin, and frying it. This innovative approach to classic fried chicken came with a robust gravy and a stuffed artichoke heart filled with zucchini puree. Topped with crispy, bacon-like chicken skin, each bite took me back to the best Thanksgiving dinner I’ve ever experienced.
The Squeaky Bean is a truly one-of-a-kind establishment. The quality of the food, ingredients, and creativity behind each dish deserve national acclaim. Yet, it's the venue’s distinctive “personality” that truly elevates the overall experience. The decor is both whimsical and refined, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere where patrons genuinely enjoy their time. Despite being newly opened for just a few weeks, the staff operate seamlessly, exuding palpable pride and dedication to curating memorable experiences for diners.
“Foodies” will undoubtedly fall in love with The Squeaky Bean, as will anyone who appreciates imaginative dishes made from fresh, flavorful ingredients. Conversely, those merely in search of a simple meal might be better off elsewhere, as the restaurant's noteworthy charms may not resonate with them."
