Posted on Friday, 10/23/2009 - 6:37 p.m. PDT — by 94509guy
For those who may have missed it, the new menu is now available on line at
basesloadedrestaurant (then .com) (sorry no links allowed)
Chef Patrick has made some really nice changes.
Tonight we tried some new things. This salad is very generous and very reasonably priced.
My wife had the
HOME FIELD SALAD 5.95
Chopped iceberg lettuce, corn, black beans, avocado, tomatoes, green onions, cilantro and tortilla crisps. Tossed with chipotle-ranch dressing.
I had the
CAROLINA CHICKEN SANDWICH $8.95
Smoked, hand pulled chicken, with a tangy mustard sauce, butter lettuce, tomatoes.
Just the right size - just the right amount of tang.
It came with a side dish - I had the potato salad.
No question - things have improved.
Best of luck Bases Loaded.
Rick
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
I commend you, you are a true gentleman. For those who don't know 94509 Guy is the owner of Rick's on Second. It's not often a restauranteer recommends another restaurant. We now have 2 great places to eat in Downtown Antioch.
Joined: Aug 2009
Current Posts: 79
Thanks for letting us know that, Smokey. Rick's posting was very classy and will probably get me to also try his restaurant if I can ever get over to the East Side of the County.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
Stop by the ElCampanil Theater too. Rick does a fine job of taking care of the city's jewel.
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
Smokey, you said a mouthful (thinking food here LOL)!
We are fortunate to have Rick's On Second which has established itself as a great place to go for lunch. Janice runs a great kitchen staff and the food is top quality every single time!
And now we have Bases Loaded which has only been open a very short time and adjusting its menu and staff to get the right mix for its growing customer base.
The new menu makes my mouth water and I'm really looking forward to my next visit to Bases Loaded! So BJ, get the Newcastle Brown Ale in the chiller!
Joined: Mar 2009
Current Posts: 91
Yelp comments are not so positive ... and the CC Times has yet to do a review. To The Times: Please do a review on this restaurant!
Joined: Jan 2006
Current Posts: 249
I have read the yelp reviews. I have also been to BL several times. Personally I have also had mixed reviews, but I pretty much chalked it up to the restaurant being new. The service has always been good. The atmosphere, like no other in Antioch. The food, has been mixed. I think that they have made some very positive changes, and will continue to do so. If you have never been to BL, GO GO GO. They have a great menu, good drinks, and a very nice restaurant. Check it out yourself, don't always believe yelp!!!!
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3150
With the economy the way it is, competition between restaurants for the public's dollar is probably pretty fierce, and I don't think it's stretch to think that a competitor would give Bases Loaded a bad review on Yelp or here on the Times forums. That being said, I'm sure that any restaurant going through the growing pains that any place goes through, is bound to have a few mishaps. But just because someone has a bad experience, whether it's legitimate or not, and posts about it, shouldn't determine whether or not you're willing to give a place a try. There have been far more favorable reviews of Bases Loaded than negative ones and since the new chef came on board and straightened out the menu, the food has improved tremendously. If anyone who went there right after they opened and had a so-so experience as far as the food, you should give it another try and if you agree that it's better, spread the word. That part of town finally has a destination point to bring people down there. It's too bad that there's this physical and psychological dividing line called Hwy 4 between the north and south parts of Antioch. It really isn't that inconvenient to drive to Rivertown.
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@stoney4,
good post.
we do not need any chain/ fast food restaurants in antioch anymore. we need neighborhood restaurants like bases loaded.
even i have not been there yet, this is the type of restaurant we desperately need in antioch, and specially in down town.
as a suggestion to the customers with a complain...talk to the manager on duty......
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2009
Current Posts: 34
I'm not a fan of Yelp. It's too easy for a business to get a great review (owner, friends and family of owner, etc) or slandered (competitor, disgruntled ex-employee, etc).
Joined: Jan 2006
Current Posts: 249
Went last Saturday. The food was very god. I had the Carolina Chicken Sandwich with a side of Mac and Cheese. The Mac and Cheese was excellent. They used to have it on the menu as an entree, but now only as a side.
My only complaint was that we walked in at 12:00 on a Saturday and the only thing on the TV's was a replay of the Atlanta Falcons from at least 10 years ago. If your going to go with the sports atmosphere, maybe put on COLLEGE FOOTBALL on Saturdays. There were only about 10 games to choose from. When we asked the young man looked at us like we were crazy. Our requests were taken care of, but it was just a little wierd.
Overall a definite improvement. I will be back soon.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4920
Thanks Clean for that feedback. We paid for that ESPN College Game Plan, so we get all the games, not even just the ones on ESPN and the major networks. In fact, I remember being at home last Saturday and switching channels during the Bama/Vols trying to watch a lot of other good college games at the same time, so you're right. The problem is I'm staying late and helping close on Fri and Sat nights, so it's hard for me to turn around and get there the next morning. I'll make sure I check the listings and call on Saturdays from home. They do a pretty good job tracking the NFL ticket games on Sundays, but we'll have to work on the college games. I hate that too when the best games aren't on.
When people ask though, they should be able to get them on where they want, unless other people are watching that monitor. There's lots of TVs, so people can move closer to another one. A guy came in Saturday night when the band was setting up, and wanted to watch the Boise State/Hawaii Game, that was on late because it was Hawaii time. When the band started, we put the game on the outside patio TV and he and his friends moved out there and watched it where they could talk. I still had it on inside and watched, but Boise State won big. We have all the patio heaters working, and it's partially covered so it's pretty nice out there still.
The Carolina Chicken Sandwich is good, a little spicier because the Carolina BBQ sauce is mustard based. We had some people say our food was too bland before, but not now. The pulled pork sauce changed, and has more zing too. I like the spicier Carolina Chicken, but if you like it milder, the Brisket Sandwich is really good and not as spicy. Initially, I thought it was a sliced brisket sandwich, but it's a BBQ Beef Brisket sandwich. Not spicy, and the smoked flavor is really good. Patrick really improved the BBQ items, you can smell the smoker working a lot more when you walk up to the place.
I'm going to see what we can do with the smoked turkey. The smoked turkey has a tendency to taste too dry, it's the nature of the beast. The Smoked Turkey Sandwich is really good, because it comes with the roasted garlic mayo on it and the fresh veggies, but we were serving BBQ sauce on the side for the Turkey platter, because it isn't appetizing to serve it smothered on the turkey. My wife and daughter enjoy turkey with gravy, and I know I tasted a vegetable based gravy Patrick made once that was very good. Sandy asked for some, but we didn't have it available. I don't know why we made the determinination not to go with it, but I think a gravy would help the turkey a lot. Just in time for thanksgiving too. We're always working on things, thanks for the feedback.
There's 2 Halloween Costume parties this weekend. "TRAK," (Rock, Top 40's) Friday night and "Norman & the Boyz," (R&B, Motown, Disco Dance tunes) Saturday night. Music starts around 9:00 PM. Game 2, World Series tonight. Karaoke starts next Thursday at 7:00PM, early start time so bring the whole family.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3150
"...you can smell the smoker working a lot more when you walk up to the place."
So Arne got bored with retirement and you hired him? At least go easy on him and don't work him so hard that he's breaking a sweat.
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 225
Do you deliver? Stuck at home waiting for AT&T to fix phones, been out since yesterday at 8am because of wind. Called from my cell and was told they would be here today between 8am and 7pm. Looked in the closet and all we had was tuna, yuk and a can of filet migion dog food.
Came in here and got on the web and read about all the new food and made me real hungry. Thought about grilling my wife's cat, sounded good to me, but wife may wonder what happen to the cat.
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3150
Just pretend your camping and heat up the filet mignon dog food. Maybe a cold beer. Everything tastes better when you're camping.
Joined: Nov 2008
Current Posts: 43
I was trying to send an e-mail to info @ basesloadedrestaurant (.com) as it says on the website however the e-mails keep coming back to me. Can you let someone know to check that out? Id like to send them an e-mail.
Joined: Jan 2009
Current Posts: 15
BJ,
I really like how you are constantly trying to improve your restaurant. You have shown a great commitment to the Rivertown area which was desperately needed.
With that said, I think you should reconsider starting karaoke at 7:00 pm. I think of Bases Loaded as a place to grab some good food and drinks and watch a ball game. If I walk in at 7:00 expecting to relax and enjoy a game while grabbing some dinner and drinks I am probably not going to stick around very long once I realize there is karaoke going on. You might want to think about starting it at the same time you start your music on the weekends. Just my two cents.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 655
either that or find out what the deadest days of the week are and try and get customers in those nights to sing,or when sports season is slow.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
What happened to the grand opening?
Joined: Aug 2009
Current Posts: 53
He's only doing it 1 night a week and in starting at 7, the kids can join in for a bit after dinner. Marketing the place to all likes of people is the way to go. I think its smart by getting the karyoke going early. "mom, dad i want to goto bases loaded and sing".
BJ, My only suggestion is lose the karyoke and invest in a ps3 and guitar hero. THAT will bring the kids/family in for a night of dinner and singing/rocking out!!
Joined: Dec 2005
Current Posts: 1247
@dudeman...
if they marketing to "all" i want my Oktoberfest....
I will keep my GUNS, my FREEDOM, my MONEY, you can keep the CHANGE
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4920
Those are all good ideas. I'd have to check with the city and see what our live music conditions are as I assume Karaoke comes under that. I believe it says Thurs through Sat nights, so that's we chose Thursday. There's more games on Thurs than Wed, which along with Tues, are the slowest nights. The karaoke people we hired, Karaoke with Carole and Charlie Lopez said if there's a game on that people are in to, like the World Series, they wouldn't mind waiting until it's over to start. We have to move the weelend live music up and start sooner because we noticed the older crowd we are attracting head home before midnight. This weekend will be a little different because it's Halloween, but starting next weekend, I'll tell the bands to start at 9:00. The bandmembers I've talked to said they like getting home earlier, the staff will appreciate it, and I'll get home sooner too. If the Karaoke doesn't work at 7, we can push it back to 8:00. May daughter sings, and she might get up there. It builds their confidence to get on stage, and she can bring some chior friends and do duets. Everybody enjoys watching the kids, and it could be fun for the whole family. We'll see how it works out.
I'll check that mailbox at info at basesloaded. If we can't figure it out, I might have to call Chuck Handwork or someone to fix it. We shot a homemade 60 sec or so video of the place, kind of like one of those cheesy commercial spots, that we want to have open when you visit the website. That should be on there soon. Thanks to the Grace Bible folks who patiently walked through the front entrance several times because we couldn't get the lighting right on the first few takes! They were great!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 71
my son and I ate at Bases Loaded tonight and mine was terrible. I ordered the turkey sandwich and the turkey was in thick chunks and was VERY COLD.... I can understand deli meat type turkey being served cold but fresh turkey like that should at least be warmed up. Do you serve the chicken sandwich cold? The brisket sandwich cold? And I have to agree with the person whom didn't like the fries...they were like frozend shoestring fries and were cold when served.
My other gripe is that the place was FREEZING cold. My son and I couldn't get out of there fast enough..... Just some constructive critisism.
Joined: May 2007
Current Posts: 40
This has been said more than once on this forum....
If you are not satisfied, bring it to the attention of your server. Their job is to deliver what you want.
Randy and the other managers are always walking around - asking patrons if the are happy or need anything. No need to suffer. I'd bet that meal would have been replaced immediately - and the chef would have then known he had an issue to deal with.
Waiting to get home to post constructive criticism didn't get you a warm turkey sandwich - which is what I think you would have received had you verbalized your constructive criticism.
I'm not saying this forum can't contain criticism - but I'd like to think that people will try to resolve the issue first.
Rick
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
We have eaten at Bases Loaded at least 10 times now and all the wait staff have been wonderful. Everything has always been corrected. As for the cold, I just keep a sweater with me if we are dropping by. Busy people don't feel the cold like I do.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 4920
Most people rave about the "Smoke Stack" Turkey Sandwich. The description in the menu says, "Whole wheat bread piled high with hickory turkey, smokey bacon, avocado, sprouts, tomato, and herb garlic mayo." it's not a hot turkey sandwich, and the vegetables in the sandwich usually would indicate that. Like 94509guy said though, if you thought your food was going to be something different, just tell your server. They will attempt to fix everything to your liking. It's one of my favorites and we've gotten good feedback about that sandwich, so I can't just eliminate or change things that are working because one or two people don't like something. Our customers have gone through enough changes and need to have some expectation that the menu items will be consistent. We just did a major menu change and the food portions are much better, the overall quality is way better, the servers are settling in and doing a better job, we have won back customers and are building a repeat customer base, the chef is experienced and knows his trade, and I think our prices are competitive. The overall consensis and feedback is that things are much better now. But like I said, if somebody has an individual complaint, we will deal with them on a one to one basis and try to make it right. That's all I can expect when I go out to other restaurants. I don't necessarilty care what the guy next to me is eating or whether he likes his food. If mine isn't right, that's what matters to me, so fix mine and I'll be happy. That's not an unreasonable expectation at all, but people have to bring it to our attention. Everybody has different tastes and dislikes, so sometimes that's going to happen and then you deal with it.
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
"Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us, all we ask is that you let us serve it your way...."!!!!!
That "Smoke Stack Turkey" sandwich sounds good, but I'd ask the waiter to leave the avacado off LOL
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
Picky, Picky! Just do as I tell my kids. Shut up and take it off at the table LOL
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
Meat & potatoes, smokey. Meat & potatoes
No "foo foo" food for me!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
Where is the variety? I am so sick of cooking for a meat & potatoes man. How will I ever be able to cook like Rachel Ray?
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
You really want to cook like Rachel Ray?
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
ya can't beat that
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 225
Smokey,
If you want to cook like Rachel Ray, you'll need a staff of at least 10 people. My wife got the her cookbook 365 different meals and so far we have made one. Half the stuff we didn't have and some we never used before or will never use again, ended up costing us about $25 for dinner for three and about 2 hours to cook a thirty minute meal after going to the store and putting it all away. Of course I would have saved 1 hour if I didn't take my wife, we had to walk up and down each row and check everything out.
Also, you ever notice that she never has to dig in her cabinet or Refer. for anything. It's always right in front of her. Every time I go to cook anything, I've got to unload the spice cabinet just to find the little jar of something that I know we have but it's always buried in the back no matter where we placed it when we were done. Dang little bottles have feet and like to hang out in the back of the shelf.
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
Dang little bottles have feet and like to hang out in the back of the shelf. I know right where everything is in my kitchen. That is until hubby decides he knows best where it should go. Do I move things around in the garage?
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 225
HEY, HEY HEY, Stay away from my garage!!! I know where every tool I own is (sort of). That's another sore subject, What idiot ever thought up the idea that a car should be parked in a garage, do we not drive them in the rain or sun, so why should they need to be protected in a garage? My car never ends up in the garage, my wife's does. Also, what genius decided to put the washer and dryer in the garage? I had to move my tool box and work bench so my wife can sort out the clothes and park her car!!! Then this weekend, she put flowers on top of my T.V. she thought they looked nice, right in the middle of the 49er game. They were red and yellow, ah what the heck, I still love her!
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
She should have bought blue&white for the winning team. LOL
Joined: Dec 2008
Current Posts: 225
That hit was really below the belt and I thought Red Hat ladies were nice, LOL
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
Tooldforthis, right on! Don't mess with the garage! Now I can't find any of my tools and she wants to to fix some stuff! Hey, I'd fix it if you hadn't moved my tools LOL
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
You would procrastinate for the next 4 years if you could! I bet your wife couldn't even get into the garage while you were gone! LOL
Joined: Jul 2006
Current Posts: 3150
I had the Home Field Salad today with smoked chicken added. It was excellent.
Joined: Mar 2008
Current Posts: 435
Do you remember that garage sale Arnie's wife had while he was gone? There was some pretty nifty OLD stuff there. Wonder if she sold any of it or just threw it all back in!
PS. Yes, that smoked chicken in the salad is good!
Joined: Nov 2006
Current Posts: 1457
I can't find anything since I got back as my wife has moved everything!! Good thing all but two bills (water & garbage) come by email LOL
Joined: Sep 2006
Current Posts: 1923
Deplorible! Do you mean to tell me former council members have to pay a city of Antioch water bill? I thought that was one of the perks for serving your city. LOL
Joined: Jul 2009
Current Posts: 181
Hey, does anyone know if Bases Loaded is selling Gift Certificates yet?