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| The original logo! |
Dooley's. We all know the story and we all know the location located near the old courthouse that's synonamous with that spot regardless of whether Dooley's is actually there or not. "Hey guys, wanna go out to Main Street." Answer: "Sure, give me fifteen minutes and I'll meet you at Dooleys!" It's just the way it is. Why? Well, before it was Main Street Tavern, it had multiple iterations and names. But the name that I believe most of us remember it by was actually just that....Dooley's. The name's just cool. It's historic and it oozes with cultural significance as it relates to Wilkes County. Basically, what I'm trying to say is well, Dooley's back and not just by any other name. It's really Dooley's.
I was able to get in contact with Mike and Seth, the co-operaters of the location. They were kind enough to allow for a sit down to discuss their vision and mission for the relaunch of the tavern. In the nearly two hours we spent talking and eating, I was doing the eating...well, and a lot of the talking, I was able to walk away with a very good sense of the changes that have taken place and the direction that the owners are moving in. And from what I'm able to see, the changes are good! Click read more for rest of article.
The first apple on the tree that needs to be picked is what everyone will find most obvious. The atmosphere. When I walked into new Dooley's for the first time, all I could look at was the bright, shiny, rustic look of the floor. Long gone is the dark, starchy black look of the old floors. Such an improvement!
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| Half that divider is gone! Yay! |
Then I looked up and there it was. Lots and lots of spacious seating. New tables and chairs for as far as the eyes can see! Well, maybe not that many but seating has been improved and increased. They've even expanded their seating to allow for patrons to eat outside. It's very clear to me that Dooley's really is a changing business. Seth and Mike both spoke about the changing direction of the location. Gone are the days were the rowdy are welcomed. Gone are the days where women were perhaps intimidated by the dark drabbiness of the environment. Now, a family of four can come in an watch the Panther's game on a Sunday and expect great food and great service. When you really think about it. The main change that has occured here really has been the change in expectations. You can now expect Dooley's to aim for a higher bar in food, service and respectability. I'll quote Seth when he said, "We want to be the Cheers of Wilkes County." If I get any fatter, I'll volunteer to be their Norm.
When speaking to Seth, he mentioned over and over how the large majority of the food is made fresh daily. On Friday's, during farmers market season, they walk the two hundred yards to pick up weekly fresh veggies to offer on their menu. They grind their own hamburger meat. They cut their fries daily from fresh potatoes. I was presented with a bowl of fresh salsa that completely blew my mind. The lime, cilantro and fresh tomatoes were so refreshing. No one in Wilkes County makes salsa like this. But fresh isn't the only one way to describe the food I ate. Enormous is another.
Outside of a buffett, you'll not find larger entree portions anywhere local. The prices are higher than other locations in town but most of the dishes are made to be split. ($2.00 charge) Even after the split charge, two people can easily sit down and enjoy large copious amounts of food for around $12.00. You'd think with such large portions the wait times would be an issue but that's not the case. I ordered an enormous philly cheese steak and it was literally in front of me within five minutes. Granted, it was a slow part of the day and that certainly helps with the speed of food. But I've been in places during down hours and never received that much food so quickly. No frozen meats, no frozen meat squares for the philly. In all honesty, it's the closest thing to a really philly I've ever had. Can you say cheese sauce!? Pittsburgh fans might go batsh-- crazy!
There are so many things I could talk about. The very interesting black and white photos adorning the walls. The live music that they're bring in on a weekly basis. The hard working chef, bar and wait staff. Oh, and free wi-fi! Who doesn't need free wi-fi?! That's not even a question. Can you imagine the selfies that fly out of that place on a Friday night? Again, we refer to that as a rhetorical question. Not a question, a statement!
In conclusion, I was impressed with the changes. And to be honest, I'm hopeful about the place. Wilkesboro needs good quality locations for people to get out, meet and socialize. And if Dooley's is going to be that place, then it's imperative that we as a community help support the positive changes they're making. Restaurants, bars and taverns can add excitement and freshness to smaller communities such as our own. Rather than driving to Winston or Boone or Elkin for that matter, give our very own Dooley's a visit some time soon. Don't take my word for it, let them prove it to you.
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| Outside seating anyone?! |
When speaking to Seth, he mentioned over and over how the large majority of the food is made fresh daily. On Friday's, during farmers market season, they walk the two hundred yards to pick up weekly fresh veggies to offer on their menu. They grind their own hamburger meat. They cut their fries daily from fresh potatoes. I was presented with a bowl of fresh salsa that completely blew my mind. The lime, cilantro and fresh tomatoes were so refreshing. No one in Wilkes County makes salsa like this. But fresh isn't the only one way to describe the food I ate. Enormous is another.
Outside of a buffett, you'll not find larger entree portions anywhere local. The prices are higher than other locations in town but most of the dishes are made to be split. ($2.00 charge) Even after the split charge, two people can easily sit down and enjoy large copious amounts of food for around $12.00. You'd think with such large portions the wait times would be an issue but that's not the case. I ordered an enormous philly cheese steak and it was literally in front of me within five minutes. Granted, it was a slow part of the day and that certainly helps with the speed of food. But I've been in places during down hours and never received that much food so quickly. No frozen meats, no frozen meat squares for the philly. In all honesty, it's the closest thing to a really philly I've ever had. Can you say cheese sauce!? Pittsburgh fans might go batsh-- crazy!
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| You'll meet Erica. |
In conclusion, I was impressed with the changes. And to be honest, I'm hopeful about the place. Wilkesboro needs good quality locations for people to get out, meet and socialize. And if Dooley's is going to be that place, then it's imperative that we as a community help support the positive changes they're making. Restaurants, bars and taverns can add excitement and freshness to smaller communities such as our own. Rather than driving to Winston or Boone or Elkin for that matter, give our very own Dooley's a visit some time soon. Don't take my word for it, let them prove it to you.
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