The Hungry Foodie: Review of 2 (OH!) 4 in Muncie, Indiana
"OH!" is an Understatement. "OH NO!" is More Accurate
Address: 204/206 S. Walnut, Muncie, IN 47305
Phone: 284-3630
Website: www.bluebottlecoffee.com
"OH!" is right. Look at the prices and that is the response you should have. This bistro-style restaurant attached to the Blue Bottle in downtown Muncie is a futile attempt at establishing a café that would compete with Vera Mae's across the street. But it comes off as being poncy and pretentious and overpriced.
Typically the Blue Bottle itself is reasonably priced. Their fare is good, though slightly high priced. But 2 (OH!) 4 takes this to a new, not-so-good level. My meal of a Diet Pepsi, a Bacon & Brie Panini with Kettle chips ran me $9.45. I've had more filling and fulfilling meals for that much or less (see my other reviews). A sandwich and a pop shouldn't cost that much. However, I do admit that the sandwich was extremely good, but that does not make up for the rest of my experience.
I also waited for about five minutes to be waited on, although the owner (I assume) was standing around chatting away on his phone the entire time I was there, and the server (Nathan?) was doing whatever he was doing, perhaps fiddling with silverware? I couldn't quite tell from where I was sitting. I wasn't greeted when I came in either.
The meal automatically comes with a side of "homemade" focaccia bread and a plate of olive oil and vinegar (and not much of that). It's a futile attempt at imitating Olive Garden and Johnny Carino's. I've had focaccia in Italy and this is nothing like it. It was, first, too flat and tough. Focaccio should be like pizza dough from a "standard" pizza joint, not similar to Pizza King (it's slightly puffier than that). There seemed to be little additional seasoning-no rosemary or other herbs typical of this type of snack food. If I had to guess, the reason for it being this way is probably due to the baker over-kneading the dough.
The atmosphere is dry, bland. There are paintings on the wall, but most look like abstract faces looking at you while you dine. It doesn't make for the most appetizing meal when you look up and see an abstract pair of eyes gazing down upon you. Just not good.
I do not recommend this eatery at all. The service was barely there; the food was overpriced although very good; and the atmosphere is not adequately conducive to dining. I won't be back. And by the looks of the empty dining area at what should have been the peak dinner time, I'm thinking many others have the same opinion.
Published by Bob Murphy
My interests are diverse and varied. I enjoy showing the lies about topics like global warming. I'm also the "Hungry Foodie"--a brutally honest independant East Central Indiana (ECI) food/restaurant critic. View profile
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6 Comments
Post a CommentThis review is ridiculous. Comparing a charming, independent bistro to bland chain restaurants hints that the writer lacks a palate. As a vegetarian who recently moved to Muncie from a large city, I'm relieved that 2Oh4 exists. Thank goodness for atmosphere, a decent wine list, well-prepared tofu, and a variety of other progressive dishes!
[Because my reply was surreptitiously cut off]
...2/10? Seriously? Frankly, your review comes off as being poncy and pretentious. I give it an overall rating of 2/10. This is a gift, because apparently I ignored what you did get right and had to condescend to grant you even this.
I ate there a week ago, and I had an excellent bacon and brie panini with kettle chips and water with lemon. Portion size was appropriate for my 190 pounds. I paid less than I expected given the quality. We were greeted immediately, waited on promptly and cordially throughout the visit, and initially served within a reasonable time. The bread and vinegar/oil were both on the weak side, like pizza dough from a regular pizza joint with regular oil and vinegar. Could use more seasoning in my opinion, but that's likely just the style. The environment was minimalist and spacious. Overall positive, but certainly not great. Most of the artwork on the walls was weak sauce. Nevertheless, the overall experience was excellent.
Review review: First things first. You are a food critic and ordered a Diet Pepsi; your argument is invalid. 0/0. But for the sake of argument, I will hypothetically overlook this. You said the one dish you ordered was "extremely good" and gave only a 2/10? S
Elaine must work there. I ate there with a friend about a week ago and I concur with this review. The service was awful. The food was mediocre at best. I'll never go back.
The staff did not seem like they knew what they were doing. Maybe the managers should train the staff before they are let out onto the floor. Just because they are a new independent restaurant does not give them a pass on lousy service.
rejuvinaton. I only hope that more restaurants will follow in their footsteps.
Your review of 2oh4 was ill-considered and thoughtless. If you you truly care about food, then you would welcome the opening of a locally owned restaurant with a sophisticated menu that uses organic produce and responsibly raised meat. You would consider the creativity of the chef, and the quality of the ingredients and preparation before whining about the price. (Incidentally, 2oh4's prices are comparable to the crappy chain restaurants you mentioned, and their product is vastly superior.) Finally, if you know anything about restaurants, you would be aware that the shortcomings you pointed out, such as training staff and attracting business, are challenges faced by all new independent restaurants. From your review I can only conclude that you have neither knowledge of the food industry, nor appreciation of high quality cuisine. I personally, am very excited about 2oh4, which is bringing a fresh perspective and local flair to a dining community that is seriously in need of rejuvinatio