🥑🥑 (2 out of 5 avocados – we won’t be going back)
Week of August 22, 2021
We have fond memories of Five West from some years back when we visited Mayo Clinic. It was something of a needed rest from the hectic schedule of doctors and tests, and we loved it. That being said, I keep getting disappointed by this establishment and it makes me so sad. I want to love it and keep going back, I really do, but I can’t justify giving them my business for such lackluster performances.
Building and Atmosphere
I loved. The dreamers and the designers of this concept must be congratulated! I love the high ceilings with wood accents. I love the garage door wall. Just going in makes you feel “cooler” than you were. ha! Seating is easy and plentiful with easy views all the way across the restaurant. The outdoor bar design is fabulous and tonight I saw the fire-table sitting there longing to be used!!
I hated. We asked to be seated on the patio since it was a wonderful summer evening. Well, the patio faces west and there isn’t much shade. If you want to eat outside, make sure it is dark or cloudy, otherwise your experience might be less that stellar. Each table asked for shade and got an umbrella that missed the mark.
The People Factor
Mixed reviews here. My guess is that they are short-staffed like so many other places in town and that puts a strain on the whole operation. At any rate, it seemed like the servers were not the happiest group of people — you can tell when people are happy to be at work. A manager stopped by to see how our dinner was and that was a nice surprise. Our server was very attentive and we never wanted for anything, well done!
THE FOOD!
Five West scored a 50% for the food they placed on the table (2 meals were good, 2 meals were not). This factor is why I won’t be going back.
Macaroni and cheese with bacon was wonderful and quickly disappeared. A large bowl of tater-tots with real cheese sauce were fabulous and everyone at the table made yummy noises at how crispy and fresh they were. These dishes were warm and awesome.
Fish Tacos. The presentation of these three tacos was very appealing, right down to the lime wedge. They were nicely breaded and of a good size. I am, generally, not a fish lover but the fish in the tacos was not overpowering and I found them quite pleasant! Each taco had a layer of a bitter cabbage slaw at its base that did not lend to the overall taste of the taco. After removing the bitterness from each taco things improved greatly. On the side were some tortilla chips that were sprinkled with a Doritos cool ranch mix that underwhelmed a bit.
Blackened Chicken Quinoa Salad. This salad was a sad excuse for a dinner entree. I did see what one was supposed to look like as they brought it to the table next to me. Too bad I didn’t get the same experience. The preparation of this salad was done by a worker who wanted to be anywhere else. My chicken was poorly sliced and I had to finish the job after I found it at the bottom of the pile. The menu description said “avocado” and I discovered that I had two, yes two!, tiny slices of avocado thrown in under the the pile. I keep saying “pile” because that is what it was — no presentation, no imagination, just a pile. The peppers were good as was the cheese. There was so little quinoa that I wondered why they even bothered at all? Terrible!!
Five West Burger. Meh. It’s a burger. It did have crispy bacon and the sauce was pretty good. I would not go out of my way to order this burger again though. The fries that came with it were overcooked which I was sad about. The fries have been really, really good in the past. I had a burger in the past from here that was a-maz-ing. My daughter and I can’t stop talking about it. It had a bourbon glaze and was absolutely divine. It is no longer on the menu. I don’t know. Just disappointing all the way around.
Drinks
Mojito. Average. The drink was served in a clear glass that gave the muddled mint the appearance of being rotten/slimy, and that was off-putting. It was also overly sweet and could have been made with more care.
Gin Martini. Average. Gin (check), vermouth (check), ANY twist or garnish whatsoever (nope). I wish this drink was made with more art and craft.
Price
When we go to Five West we expect to pay more, but it is not worth the price. I have had several experiences in a row where the food just doesn’t deliver and so I refuse to pay that amount for it.
Parking and the rest
The parking lot can be quite full and hard to manage at times, especially at peak hours, but we found a spot near the front right away. Walking in and walking out were simple and the line-of-sight was easy and clear. At times, the traffic noise from West Circle Dr. was overpowering and distracting.
Covid 19 Precautions — None. No staff wearing masks, no distancing.
Summary
From an aesthetic perspective I absolutely adore going to Five West and want to continue going there, but that won’t be happening. We go to restaurants for the culinary offering and Five West just isn’t pulling a consistent win in our book. Sometimes they shine but most times they fail. Sorry old friend, you get two avocados and we likely won’t waste any more money.
Good Eats Rochester 