Shelburne Tap House

This location has been a tough one for the previous establishments that have occupied this spot. Will this place be jinxed as well? I was eager to try it after the recommendation of a friend because I always want to help a neighborhood place make a go of it. Maybe the chef/​owner/​operated place would be the right combination to make this iteration a winner. The first 2 times in we were pleased. To be fair, our expectations were quite low because of our experience with the failed offerings that preceded this Tap House, but we came away with a positive experience, enjoying the food and service in a relatively quite atmosphere.
The 3^rd time we were in — not so much. Our server was inept. To whit, she brought me a martini and, without provocation said, «the drink only looks small because it’s in a big glass.» Huh? It wasn’t presented in a birdbath. The drink was a typical conical vessel known as a martini glass. Strike one. Then, I tried to enjoy my dwarf-​martini only to notice they must have forgotten to add the gin. Blech — strike two! When my entrée arrived (concurrent with my appetizer I might add) it was cold. I had their signature dish, the brisket, and it was cold! Strike three, and I’m outta there.
Now, you might say, 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Well, this isn’t a Meat Loaf song, and my money and I won’t soon be parted again at this place. There are too many other fine options up and down Shelburne Road that I would go to first. If you go, I hope for your sake, and that of the restaurant, that you will fare better. As for me, once bitten, twice shy.

Came here with some friends, ended up enjoying drinks and watching college football. Quiet atmosphere with an excellent menu. The brisket is definitely the go-​to item to get. Fantastic service that is friendly and knows the menu well!

I really want to like the Shelburne Taphouse, especially since I live literally 200 yards behind the establishment and it’s such a convenient spot for me. Even given the convenience factor though, I can’t bring myself to go back. Tried at least a dozen food items from their opening night (gave them the benefit of the doubt like Kimberlee) until more recently, and I have yet to have one item I would call «good». Edible, sure, but good, not even close. Service has been lackluster since they opened, with me generally having to ask multiple times for water refill, my check, etc. I find their food items lack flavor and I really question someone using the title of «Executive Chef» when their prior experience is at a golf course and the «now defunct Ethan Allen Club». Based on those credentials I could be teaching at NECI but I digress. I wish the owners the best of luck but I don’t think they need luck. I think they need to accept some constructive criticism and rework the menu, hiring a professional chef for starters if they want to «play restaurant» and be more than the strip mall bar they are currently. Otherwise I see this as yet another misguided venture which will be tough to stand the test of time.

We were really excited to try this new place and I’ll put it out there-it’s still new, so it could get better?
Not too busy, plenty of seating. Nice location. However, with that being said. When we asked our waitress if we should have the pulled pork or the brisket, she responded she hadn’t had either and really doesn’t like pulled pork so order the brisket. Let’s just say that was a bad start as we’d hope ALL the staff unless they started that day have tasted the whole menu (unless allergic, vegetarian, etc.). We ended up ordering a brisket and ribs.
Food came quickly and looked nice, however the taste was very blah. The mac and cheese side was boring but good and plain for our 10 month daughter. As a cole slaw lover I was very disappointed in the flavor and when we shared with the waitress that is was so-​so, her response was «Everyone makes cole slaw different.» WHAT!!! You don’t say???
The brisket was tender and nice. It wasn’t bad but not awesome either. The ribs my husband have a «1» on a scale of 1 – 10. We were both very bummed this place wasn’t a hit as there isn’t much BBQ in the area and it’s kinda sad that Dicky’s a franchise in Plattsburgh is the best in the area.
Other feedback:
–Our water was never filled up
–We had to ask for a plate for the rib bones
–We had to ask for wet wipes for the ribs (didn’t come out with ribs)
–We were never asked if our daughter needed anything or if we needed anything for her i.e. cup of water, napkins
What a bummer. We hope that we hear better things from people in the future but for us not worth the $ 30.00