Inside: Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge

Of Drinks and Nonsense

Chris Kohatsu

Special to Metromix
July 2, 2009

 

Inside: Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge
(Credit: Chris Kohatsu)
Photos:
Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge
Horse Feathers Grill
Address:
1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota, FL, 34236
Phone:
941-955-9179
Overall User Rating:
0 (0 ratings)
Be the first to review
Hours:
Lunch: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner: Monday-Saturday 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sunday.
Official Web Site:
http://www.horsefeathersgrill.com/

The phrase “horse feathers” is used to describe a ridiculous situation or to dismiss a feeling or sentiment.  Naming an establishment after such a phrase indicates a place that doesn’t take itself too seriously.  With generous happy hour specials and the bar as the focal point of the restaurant, Horse Feathers is a prime place to drink – but to eat?  Don’t be ridiculous.

 

The Atmosphere:  The interior of Horse Feathers is bright, modern and tastefully selected.  Shiny hardwood floors and satin curtains are used to create a trendy and welcoming lounge.  Music plays overhead, featuring rock and roll tunes and beats.  The bar is oversized to accommodate numerous patrons and the surrounding dining room has booths and cozy chairs.

 

The Drinks:  For an establishment that has a bar as its focal point, it is surprising that it does not offer a drink menu.  The servers inform you that “the bartender can make anything,” but there are no specialty drinks, nor any brands or labels that the restaurant recommends.  I ordered a margarita and although I was not given a choice in tequila, I was told that Happy Hour at Horse Feathers includes two-for-one drink specials. When my order was served, two glasses of margaritas were given, both heavy on the tequila.  After two drinks, who needs a menu?

 

The Food:   During Happy Hour, nearly 30 appetizers are offered for half their normal price.  The Boom Boom Pow Shrimp ($9.99) is an enjoyable dish of fried shrimp covered in hot sauce.  Same goes for the Buffalo Chicken Pizza ($10.99) which is a soft crust covered in buffalo sauce, red onions, shredded mozzarella and chunks of chicken breast.  From the entrée menu, the Tequila Marinated Grouper ($13.99) is highly disappointing.  The fish is covered in spicy seasonings, pan fried, then served with an overly sweet chutney.  The opposing flavors simply do not combine well.  The accompanying sides of rice and asparagus were overcooked and flavorless. 

 

The Bottom Line:  Horse Feathers is an enjoyable place for drinks, especially with the generous Happy Hour specials.  If you’re hungry, order from the appetizer menu and skip the entrees altogether.  With two-for-one specials and half-priced appetizers, who needs a full meal?      

***

Horse Feathers Grill & Lounge

1923 Ringling Boulevard

Sarasota, FL  34236

Tel: 941-955-9179

www.horsefeathersgrill.com

 

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