The Crain Lounge & Kitchen

**OkieBerto** · 12-02-2024, 10:11 AM

Located in the Oak Grove Shopping Center in the old Salata spot.

The Crain Lounge & Kitchen

From their Facebook: "The Crain is the result of Ross Crain’s 30 years in the restaurant business. It started by waiting tables and bartending in college which led to working with Hal Smith Restaurants operating & developing Outback Steakhouse, Pearls Lakeside, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill, Matty McMillan s Irish Pub, & Hollie’s Flatiron Grill for 30 years. Then, Ross started a consulting company where he helped develop other local restaurant concepts.
Finally, Ross had the opportunity to share his deep expertise in both food and atmosphere and fulfil a lifelong dream of owning his restaurant, The Crain. For Ross, The Crain is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where neighbors can gather, relax, and enjoy great food in a setting that feels like home."

**rizzo** · 01-26-2025, 02:17 PM

Saw this place driving by one day. Tried it a few days later. The vibe was upscale. Wait staff dressed nicely. Poured water from carafes by staff. Tried the wings (appetizer) which were standard BWW type nothing special. I had the Reuben which was served on marbled rye you can buy at the store. You can get a more filling Reuben from McAlisters or Jasons deli for less that tastes the same. The bar was packed as were all the tables about 7 pm. The wings, 2 beers and 4 entrees with waters was $120. I can feed 6 for that at San Marcos down the road with several schooners full of corona, salt, and lime. walk out stuffed! The burger was a nothing special. The fries are the Wendy's type frozen with skin on the ends. They could do better with fresh cut. Mac N cheese was good one I got to the bottom of the dish where all the cheese sauce was. It was a little thin. They could do a lot better for the upscale feeling they are portraying. We won't be back.

**RangersYear** · 01-26-2025, 04:59 PM

I've been twice. The first time about a month ago, I left feeling that it was good, but just a tad overpriced. I went again this weekend during happy hour and left believing the tab was solid. We haven't any food or beverage that was bad. Some of our choices were good, but not great. We really have really liked their guac and salsa both times. This weekend, we tried their prime rib sliders and found them to be very good for the price. Our previous meal was at a table and the wait staff was very attentive. This weekend, we sat at the bar and the bar tenders were hit and miss. Of the three, one was rather weak, another very good, and the third made us want to go back with regularity as long as she was there.

On both occasions, the place was packed. We will keep it in our rotation for a change of pace, but only during happy hours and when the crowds smaller. They are obviously doing something right, as we ran into friends from Gaillardia, Ski Island, and The Greens. Like The Hamilton and Tiny Bubbles, I expect us to return to The Crain every couple of months or so.

**OkieBerto** · 01-29-2025, 08:46 AM

I had Happy Hour Dinner with a friend last night here for the first time. It was pretty busy already and was consistent until we left. The service was great and the food came out super fast. We shared some Prime Rib Sliders that were okay, the meat didn't really have any flavor, but the buns were great. You get Au Jus and horseradish dip with it. If you get them make sure to put the horseradish on them. My friend got the Pork Chop with Au Gratin potatoes. Both were really good and I would definitely get the pork chop next time I go. I tried the Reuben with a side of Green Chile Mac. The Reuben had the flavor, but had far too much sauerkraut on it. The Green Chile Mac was amazing, I would just go there for a drink and some of this mac if I am being honest. I do think the price is a little hefty, but they give you a good portion of food.