I am from the Albany area and had been to their other restaurant there. It was years ago and I remember enjoying the meal, but not being overly impressed. Having been in Providence now for 3+ years, I've become very spoiled. The restaurants here, and all over Rhode Island, are amazing...most of them anyway. Last Saturday I decided to give Barnsider a try. I was pretty disappointed. I had a 14oz sirloin Au Poirve. The steak was cooked to my specifications (med-rare) and the sauce was pretty good too. It was very tasty. However, the french onion soup I had first was bland, too sweet and just not that great. The salad bar was very standard also. Again, living in Providence has raised my expectations. I spent $60 with tip, on myself only for a bowl of soup, salad (included with meal) a couple of beers and a 14oz steak with blah-blah steamed veggies. The previous weekend I was at La Laiterie down the street from me in Wayland Sq. I had spent $70 for myself for 2 glasses of wine, an amazingly prepared radicchio salad, a delicous sirloin with amazing mashed potatoes and a dessert that made me think I was back in europe. La Laiterie (as well as many other restaurants) take genuine care in what they prepare. The Barnsider is a step up from a food-factory chain. If all you care about is the slab of meat, you might like it...but if your palate desires anything more sophisticated, you will be sorely disappointed. I'm delighted to pay an extra $10 for a truly enjoyable meal.
Pros: Good steak
Cons: Everything else
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