I noticed today that Kelly's Deli had closed(I don't know how long ago), but there was advertising covering the windows for a restaurant called Rooster. Does anyone have any information regarding this place?
David Bailey of Baileys? Chocolate Bar in Lafayette Square is slated to open a new restaurant at 1104 Locust Ave. in mid-July. The new restaurant is going to serve mainly breakfast and lunch and the name of the establishment is still to be determined.
Looks like the signage covering the windows is stilll up. Are there any indications as to when this place might open? I could use a good big breakfast right about now!
Sniba Snaba wrote:Looks like the signage covering the windows is stilll up. Are there any indications as to when this place might open? I could use a good big breakfast right about now!
The door was open during my lunch walk earlier this week and workers were carrying stuff in. It appears that the remodeling is substantially but I wouldn't say it looks like it's imminently opening.
I walked by yesterday and noticed several people inside conducting interviews. There is also a flier posted in the window indicating that they are hiring for all types of positions. I wasn't able to see what the hours of operations are going to be but hopefully it won't be long before this place opens up!
Rooster is now open (as of Monday 11/20) for business. They are having a "soft" opening to allow everyone who works there to get up to speed. They are open from 7AM - 7PM serving crepes (sweet ones, meat ones, cheesy ones), oatmeal, sandwiches and other items. I had a chicken and egg crepe and tomato soup last night and it was quite tasty. I am sure they have some bugs to work out though as their credit card machine wasn't working last night.
The girl who works there says that they are very busy from 11:30 - 1 PM during the lunch rush. Try to check them out though, we need to patronize all our downtown businesses as much as we can to keep the development coming.
Just stopped in for breakfast. I was a little puzzled that for breakfast all they prettty much have is crepes. I like crepes but when I am on my way to work I want something like a breakfast sandwich that I can take to go. Crepes are sit down and eat food. I like sit down and eat food but sometimes you need to walk in and walk out with something a little more convenient. They were very obliging and fixed me up a tasty bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich (and I do mean tasty). Problem was, they charged me for a lunch sandwich (even put the side salad in the box). With coffee I was out almost $10. I am just not used to spending that much for a quick breakfast. If I ever have time and want to sit down for a nice breakfast I may stop back in but even though it is the most convenient for me location-wise I will probably keep on walking to save a few bucks. I am willing to pay more than what an Egg McMuffin costs because I want better food than that but I have a limit. I will certainly put them in my lunch rotation and see how that works out. They also said they are getting a liquor license and will be serving wine and beer in the evenings.
The food is better than the website. From a usability standpoint, the implementation of the flash interface makes it incredibly difficult to view their menu. I know you can download the pdf, but still.
Also, the incessant noise on that page is just awful. There should be a way to turn the sound off but there isn't. Well, other than closing the page out but is that really what they want the populace to do?
Rooster continues to get better, and more popular. The weekend brunch crowds have been good. They still have some kinks to work out regarding getting orders out faster, but the food and coffee always is great.
A few recommendations based upon our many tastings (we live in the building!):
Croque Madame sandwich
Pulled Pork Sandwich
Spicy Chicken, cheese and egg crepe
Goat cheese, basil and tomato crepe
Chocolate and Grand Marnier crepe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
They also have a rewards card for drinks and for sandwiches/crepes. The owner and manager seem very committed to getting this place right which is a nice sign as well.
I hear they will soon be serving wine and various alcoholic beverages.
Having been here a few times for lunch, I feel qualified to make some points from a downtown worker perspective.
On the positive, the staff at Rooster is friendly and helpful with menu selections. The restaurant is cozy and the mosaic floor is a nice touch. The crepes are unique to the immediate area and quite tasty. The sandwiches are fine, though unspectacular. While I don't live downtown, the breakfast hours are appealing to anyone seeking a fuller breakfast than a doughnut or bowl of cereal.
However, the prices are quite high in my opinion. The crepes I had totaled more than $9 each. That does not include so much as a tiny side to help balance the savory richness of the crepe. A side is an additional $1.50, which is certainly fair, but brings the bill in the $11.00 area. That is not unheard of, but is on the very high end of a "pick up your order from the counter" establishment in downtown.
Rooster's hours suggest is is aiming for a lunch crowd in addition to the breakfast hours, and I hope it does well. It seems unlikely, though, that a customer would regularly patronize Rooster during lunch hours when food of similar style and quality can be had in similar restauarants for less. For example, I could get the marinated chicken sandwich at Rooster for $8.25 (which I've also done), or get the same sandwich from 10th St. Italian, with a big side of pasta salad, for $6.25. For the regular worker, that difference adds up.
Also, the square (non-mosaic) tile floor on my visit appeared and felt to have been mopped with cola. Attention to detail would go some distance in justifying the prices.
I agree with bprop. The food's good, but a little on the pricey side. But since it's so close, and there aren't many breakfast options in the area, I'm sure we'll be back. (Which is why they can get away with higher prices!)
aimster wrote:I agree with bprop. The food's good, but a little on the pricey side. But since it's so close, and there aren't many breakfast options in the area, I'm sure we'll be back. (Which is why they can get away with higher prices!)
Sure, until they are forced to compete with more affordable breakfast options. hint hint!
I went to Rooster for the first time this Sunday and thought it was great. For many $5.95 for french toast isn't a deal, but I think it was fair. It was just about as perfect as french toast can be! The coffee was good. We had a group of seven and they accomodated us well. Good Service. They also said they were expanded next door (west) - looked like room for an additional 10 tables maybe. We took Metro downtown and walked - nice experience. We'll definitely be back. IMO - I wish La Dolce Via in the Grove were more like this.
