Ever since Service Industry came to Denton, I've been wanting to go. I was hesitant to try it out on a weekend, however, in case it was super-crowded. (We'd been in this restaurant space before when it was Goldmine BBQ, and it wasn't that big inside) I figured that it couldn't be too crazy on a Tuesday night!
I think it fair to say that Service Industry is more bar than restaurant ... but it's a bar with a really lovely food selection. You won't find boring old pub food here! While we looked over the menu, I decided to start with a pint. Service Industry had several Texas beers on tap and I picked the Denton-based Audacity Brewing's Sunset, a Vienna-style lager.
The husband and I split an order of the Fried Cheese Curds to start. Chunks of fried cheese curds were mixed with thinly-sliced fried red potato chips. The entire dish was covered in a brown gravy and topped with strips of scallion. (We decided not to pay extra to add a fried egg!) While the cheese curds and gravy were quite tasty, the potato chips added a dry and crunchy note that we both felt was not as successful.
I had originally planned to stick to beer, but the drink menu lured me away from the taps. I ordered the Art School Girl, a tart and refreshing concoction of vodka, Campari, rhubarb bitters, pomegranate juice, and bitters. (And the glassware made me feel like I should be wearing pearls!)
For my entree, I decided to try the Service on a Shingle. Two large buttery slices of Texas Toast were topped with coffee-rubbed flank steak, kale chimichurri, roasted garlic aioli, and pickled red onions. This was a dish seemly made just for me! I adore chimichurri and it complemented the other ingredients beautifully.
However, the husband ordered what is probably Service Industry's piece de resistance: Chicken N' Waffles. Strips of well-seasoned fried chicken and golden waffles were served with sides of brown sugar syrup, bacon gravy, and Sriracha whipped butter. And teeny flags!
While the husband ordered another Audacity, I was tempted to try one last drink from the bar. The Old Mule was a mix of rye, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, ginger beer, and muddled oranges and strawberries. Essentially, dessert in a frosty copper mug!
(The husband in front of the daily specials "board")
Since the previous restaurant had a definite mining vibe going on, I was curious how Service Industry was going to change up the decor. While fairly simple, I thought there were some nice touches such as large roll of brown butcher paper that advertised the daily specials. I also follow Service Industry on Instagram and someone on staff has a very creative streak when it comes to drawing out the specials! As far as the actual "service" experience, our waitress was perfect: friendly and attentive, yet giving us enough space to eat and talk without being interrupted all of the time.
(I "mustache" you a question!)
Final Verdict: The husband I would definitely go back to Service Industry. We both had a lovely evening, with great food, drinks, and service. The hard part will be to decide whether or not to try something new ... or stick to the goodness of what we ate before!
