Regional American in the Perfect Building

For the entres we have had the watermans stew (loaded with fresh seafood and would repeat), the waldorf steak salad (traditional preparation of the salad, probably would not get again just cause it's not really my style), the pork-chop and grits (fine pork-chop, best grits I have ever had), and we had a single crab cake over succotash which was outstanding. If they keep it up it will probably become one of my go-to restaurants in old town. The building itself is stylish, historic, comfortable and architecturally interesting. The service was friendly and attentive but a bit slow as the worked out the early kinks. I am really excited to see what they put together for brunch. Also, the beers are local, which I just love.

Nice Casual dining in Old Town

Had a lovely dinner there with the family. Something for everyone, with mussels, po'boys, steaks, and crab hushpuppies. Menu prices were very reasonable, I don't think any entrees were more than $24. The dining room has beautiful glass ceilings. Waiters all seemed very excited about the new space.

NOT Bookbinders! A Totally NEW place

Well... mostly new. Very good. Sausages were interesting and delicious, crab dip came was great with delicious flatbread provided. Steak was well seasoned and perfectly cooked. Companion ordered the burger, he said it was delicious. Fries were perfect. Much better than Bookbinders, Columbia Firehouse has great promise.

Now called Columbia Firehouse

I had been with it was portners weekly then came bookbinders and my visits became once a month to once in while due to the cost for an OK meal. Would have rather went to Majestic or Eve for the $$. Now I heard it was Columbia Firehouse so I thought I would give it a go last night. Worst service in the world. Was told I could sit in the bar area but never told there was not table service. Bar tender I asked to see a menu was dismissive as if I was a child. After reviewing the menu decided why give them my money in this economy. I went to O'Connells down the street a bit and was welcomed with open amrs, Hi, Have a seat anywhere, your waiter will be right there. That is how I want to be treated and then I'll spend my hard earned $$.

Overpriced and underwhelmed

My wife and I recently entered Bookbinders for an impromptu Saturday evening dinner. The service was very friendly and attentive and the look and feel of the room was very inviting. The food and the prices will keep me away. Dishes are priced at 30 or more without sides. This included a tasty, but uninspired sea bass with risotto. An order of lobster mac and cheese was delivered so cold that some of the cheese was unmelted. The dish was heavy on cheese, light on the lobster. An apology, ten minutes of warming in a broiler, and no no comp was offered in return to the kitchen's fumble. The lack of noise was a nice, but was due to the small number of occupied tables on a Saturday night. The small guest count was an unnoticed sign.