I recently sat down at Fenwicks off Providence Rd. From the outside, Fenwicks doesn’t look like much. It is wedged in between its two neighbors, a Ben & Jerry’s and a Shell gas station. Let’s just say its’ curb appeal isn’t great. Upon walking in, I immediately thanked God I wasn't claustrophobic. There were a few people seated at the bar, and a few dining in the back of the restaurant…they were only about ten yards apart. The seats are wooden and you have an option of a booth or regular table. I wouldn’t say the seats are terribly uncomfortable, but they could use some padding. Heaven forbid you’re forced to sit through a two-hour meal with your in-laws at this place. Anyways, upon squeezing my fat ass down the aisle and into my booth, I ordered a Coor’s Light. My waitress was very nice, and seemingly did everything in the joint. I wouldn’t be surprised if she owned the place. Read More to Continue.

I perused the menu and eventually inquired about the “Grilled Chicken Selection”, which included fried chicken, chicken and broccoli casserole, fresh fruit, and mashed potatoes. If it sounds like a lot of food, it’s because it is. The plates are massive at this joint.

Before ever diving into my entrée, I ordered a house salad to start. I love salad almost as much as I love Chinese food. The starter salads are pretty decent at this joint. I would have preferred Iceberg lettuce, but beggars can’t be choosers. You get a healthy dose of chopped carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, and croutons over a bed of lettuce. Sprinkle on a little Ranch dressing, and you got yourself a nice little appetizer.

One small problem. I had about two minutes to actually eat my salad before my entrée was delivered. I normally never order my entrée and appetizer together for this very reason. I order my appetizer, and let the waiter/waitress know I’m still considering different entrées. Tonight, however, I did it all in one shot and it backfired. During my younger years, I worked in a restaurant as a busboy. If I remember correctly, I was always told to clear the appetizer plates before the entrées were to be brought over. Now, there’s no way I could clear those plates if the customers weren’t fucking done eating them. I utterly loath when both my appetizer and entrée plates are sitting on the table together.

Anyways, I maneuvered my massive entrée plate to one corner of the table, while still finishing my salad, and ordered another beer.

I dove into the mashed potatoes first. They weren’t bad, but they weren’t spectacular either. Would I order them again? Sure. The boneless fried chicken was awesome. I didn’t touch the fresh fruit because fruit is stupid. The broccoli casserole was probably the biggest letdown. I ordered it with melted cheese, but the cheese wasn’t completely melted. The pieces of broccoli were massive and very difficult to get out of the small bowl they were wedged in. They were cooked thoroughly but lacked any real flavor. The dish was unappetizing to look at as well. Overall, the food was fine, but not really worth the price.

I paid damn near $35 to eat at Fenwicks…and it wasn’t worth that money. The staff is friendly, the confines very tight, and the food average. If you’re looking for a cozy joint with a decent wine selection, and don’t mind paying a few sheckles, then I’m going to send you to Fenwicks. It is worth a shot and deserves some local business.