Good with great potential

Those fish tacos were great! My partner had the fried chicken and he was over the moon. We decided to pop in for a late lunch and everything was worth it. I'll definitely be back, especially now that the Tavern is open.

never again

I have been to the General Store three times and have been disappointed three times. Each time I wanted to order the fried chicken and each time they had none. First time -tried the shrimp po boy-very few shrimp. The second time- tried the fish tacos- very little fish. Third time- no chicken didnt try anything else went home .

Not Worth It

Have been to Gen Store twice. Wanted to like it. Good concept. But WAY overpriced for the portions AND quality -- both of which are not at all what you'd expected, given the glowing reviews going back years for the chef/owner. There are many, many better values nearby, both among independents and (don't shoot me!) chains. If this place folds, it will not be missed.

DON'T BOTHER IN EATING HERE!

Loved eating at Colorado Kitchen but the General Store is not worth the trip. Sunday night they have Family style dining, I didn't get the feel of a family at all. What it felt like was take it or leave it. The only option for the night was a pork chop and pretty much that is all there was. A big Fred Flintstone size piece of meat and cold hoecakes and a roll. Where is the family in that!! Traveled across town, looking forward to eating, got greatly disappointed. Will be removing The General Store from my list of Best Bets!!!!

Excellent country cooking to go

This country store/restaurant will disappoint if you are dining in. The lack of table service combined with flimsy napkins and metal trays (reminiscent of military or prison dining halls?)are not very welcoming. However, the fried chicken, greens,mac and cheese, and especially the chess pies, are all exemplary- enjoy them in your own dining room.

What a Let Down

I walked from room to room trying to find a cool space. I realize the kitchen produces alot of heat but there's got to be a better balance. The numerous wall decals were too much. It would be nostalgic to see a display of small kitchen appliances and gadgets. The fried chicken was only fair. The pieces were small and greasy. The breast was moist but the wing was burnt and the thigh was overcooked. I couldn't help but wonder if I would be better served at a fast food chain. The collards were surprisingly limp and tasted from a can. Shouldn't collards have a bit of texture. The corn bread was buttery and stood for itself. The sweetened tea inspired me to come home and make a batch to my own tasting.

Quirky hole in the wall

Good food, not cheap, but not that pricey, but important escape from chains and humdrum ethnic. Familiar themes, interestingly executed. Neat ambiance.

Restaurant or deli?

We used to go to Colorado Kitchen all the time. Every time we had guests in town we took them. And went for special events a number of times. Love the place and more than disappointed when it suddenly closed. Couldn't wait for the General Store to open even though it's a pain to get to. So on our first trip there we find no wait staff, no smiles, no explanation of how things work. The fried chicken was great but if I'm going to pay restaurant prices then it would be nice to get restaurant service. Not sure if they have hired staff yet but by the other reviews I"m getting, we'll probably just stay local. such a shame because boy oh boy can those two cook.

Out of Business

This place must have gone out of business. If it hasn't it should. 7:30PM on a Wednesday night and they can't answer the phone. I tried repeatedly for 15 minutes. It reminds me of the bad attitude at Colorado Kitchen. Gillian gets great press. Why? There are many other places working much harder to serve the customer.

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

We never got to the Colorado Kitchen (with good intentions) and were happy to see that Gillian Clark now has a new location. There was one dinner choice available for our Sunday visit-country fried steak with mashed potatoes and green beans. Excellent! Good steak, great coating, fresh green beans and mashed potatoes. We split a piece of chocolate chess pie and a piece of chocolate pecan pie for dessert. Both were generous slices and worth a visit themselves. One dinner choice is a bit limiting and we would definitely call before venturing out again on a Sunday to be sure the offering was something we like. We were impressed. These are nice people doing a good job. They deserve success.

Not open during open hours

I tried to stop for dinner last night. I arrived 30 min before their posted closing time and they were closed. The lights were on but two signs in two different windows both indicated they were closed. I went out of my way to check it out, having been a fan of Colorado Kitchen. I won't be going out of my again. If you are planning on going - I'd call first to confirm they have food and the doors are open. What a disappointment.

This is a "limited item" store, not a restaurant

The last review reminded me to mention that there was only one item (waffles) available for sunday brunch, which were at least served with a choice of sides. To then open up later that same evening and offer only one choice for supper is either a sign of arrogance, incompetence, or maybe a mix of both. After trying the General Store a couple of times, my impression is this: while they may like to cook, they don't care much about whether the diners eat. It is more like they are busy cooking and if they have anything they can sell you, then you can buy it. It is just not being run like a restaurant. What a shame. I really do hope they get their act together because the food, if any of it is available for sale, is actually very good.

Choice of one thing for Sunday supper?

I am a fan of Gillian Clark and loved the Colorado Kitchen which I frequented often but this new venture is a question mark. Ate there once and the shepard pie was scary- soupy mashed potatoes on meatless chili. Came back tonight to try the famous fried chicken. Tried calling this afternoon to make sure it was being served. Mailbox was full so I wasn't able to get a response. Went and only one dish was being served- a chicken dish with curry. That's it. Everyone who was waiting for the 5:30 door to open left without ordering. Very disappointing. Not sure if I'll venture way out there again.

I want to like this place but...

I really want to like this place. The restaurant has so much character, you can tell that there was an incredible amount of thought put into every nook and crannie of the building. However, the food was only adequate. Ranging from the cheese risotto which felt like I could have made it at home, to the dry, congealed, macaroni and cheese, it was difficult to say I would go back there again. Saving graces are the fish tacos, and the shrimp po-boy. The chicken was tasty too, but tiny pieces and A LOT of grease. I hope the next time I hope the next time I go in there, I am greeted with a smile (not seen the last two times I was there), and maybe a little background music so you dont just hear your feet on the beautiful hardwood floor.

Disappointed

I read about Chef Clark and her new venture in the Washingtonian. I never ate at Colorado Kitchen, but had read about her delicious fried chicken. I was in Silver Spring, so I decided to try the new place. After much effort (googling Clark to find the name of the new place because I did not have the magazine on hand, calling the restaurant for directions, etc.) my family of 5 and I arrived. We found the food decent, but the persons working to be unwelcoming. The woman taking our order was bordering on rude. No one greeted us or smiled. I was surprised since the restaurant was almost empty and attracting new customers can always be beneficial. We spent almost $70 on the food, and felt unappreciated. We won't be going back.

a few things to work out

I have eaten here twice. The first time I was impressed with the grilled veggie sandwhich. The second time I ordered fried chicken, when I took my first bite it was undercooked - very undercooked. Once the wrinkles are ironed out I plan to go back

comfortable

delicious, welcoming, I wish there were more places like this in the metro area. It really has a small town feel.

Want More of The General Store

Grabbed take-out there last night as not quite ready for in-house dining though place looks great looks like seating for 60-80 and nice antique knick-knacks strewn on the walls and freshly painted with very clean rest rooms. :) Gillian Clark cooked my food herself as I ordered off their so-far limited menu....I had her wonderful pureed meat chili with cheddar cheese and fish tacos with lettuce and guacamole YUM!!!! There is parking for 20-30 vehicles and should be BUSY this first weekend opening!!!!