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 | By Andy Tarnoff   Publisher E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Andy Tarnoff |
| Published Nov. 20, 2007 at 12:57 p.m. |
|
For my weekly "try someplace new" lunch, my wife and I checked out Karma Bar & Grill today, the space formerly housing Vivo, and before that, John Ernst. The food was OK, but with lousy service and above average prices, this restaurant will have to step it up to compete in the increasingly crowded Milwaukee dining scene.
There's definitely a sports bar theme at Karma, 600 E. Ogden Ave., that looks different than its predecessor. And downstairs, Sutra, seems like it could be a fun bar at night. In fact, I'd like to check out both upstairs (for a Packers game) and downstairs (on a weekend), since I probably won't be back for the food.
We ordered an appetizer of pretzels and melted cheddar cheese for $8, and it was good and delivered quickly. I could've used more pretzels, but unfortunately, our server never returned between the time she put our entrees awkwardly on the side of the table and when she cleared our plates 20 minutes later.
My entrée was the French onion "crock," also for $8. I thought it tasted average or slightly above average. My wife's black bean veggie burger (again, $8) was bland and dry, falling apart before she lifted it off the plate. It came topped with just a little bit of goat cheese, tomato and guac, and a side of wilted and flavorless Asian slaw.
The waitress didn't even check on us once, and when she finally arrived, looking at our empty glasses, she uttered one word: "Finished?"
There was nothing really wrong with my lunch (though my wife's was markedly subpar), but for a $26 lunch, I expect a little more.
I know Karma is new, and I'll try it again after dark. But after a handful of new lunches in as many weeks, this place sadly comes in last place.
600 E. Ogden Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 220-4118
http://www.karmamilwaukee.com/
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24 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by OutAndAbout on Sept. 2, 2008 at 5:19 p.m. (report)
Karma has now been open for about a year. All I can say is ... Wow! The initial food and service 'kinks' have all been worked out. Will definitely go back!
| Rate this: |
Posted by annie22 on Dec. 31, 2007 at 12:38 a.m. (report)
To the customers that had a let down of a time, running a restaurant is challenging, not to mention starting a new one all together. Karma is still new hence; the poor service hasn't been weeded out yet. The owners are working very hard to get the kinks out and complete a polished picture of a joint. The service won't improve if you don't make it known your server sucked, let the manager know everything was horrible, as the saying goes "help me (karma) to help you (the customer)" by letting the management know there is a chance you won't have to see the server again if you decide to give karma a second try.
| Rate this: |
Posted by plowking on Dec. 14, 2007 at 2:47 a.m. (report)
just got back from a great night at this place. dinner, drinks etc. service was shaking in beginning but much better now. i've always liked the food and they pour a mean drink!
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Posted by chance on Dec. 10, 2007 at 4:37 p.m. (report)
WENT TO LUNCH WITH A GROUP TODAY - SERVICE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED - FOOD GREAT - I THINK IT WOULD BE WORTH ANOTHER CHANCE FROM THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED
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Posted by JJH on Dec. 5, 2007 at 12:28 p.m. (report)
A few weeks back a group of us were at Karma for a Packer game. We really had a great time. Was the service good? Not really--rather slow, but nothing we couldn't live with. We had the patience knowing the the buisness was rather new. Anyone knows it takes awhile to get things really going. As far as the food we were VERY satisfied. Along with this 5 of us are working or have worked in the resturant buisness, much in Fine Dinning and we were happy to be there, and are returning in a few weeks, to have another GREAT time.. I so agree with b-kind, give them a break, and try again--------Happy Holidays.
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