Re: “One Federal Restaurant & Lounge”

Two strikes and you're out!
If I have a poor experience at a restaurant, I wait to write a comment after a second try - everyone has a bad night. But this past Saturday evening at One Federal was no better. The first experience, I order their Prime Rib - a specialty of the house - and I had to request an extra side plate to put all the fat that I trimmed off the meat - probably one half of the whole piece. Gross. My husband's scallops were overcooked to a point of being tough and tasteless. This past visit, we had reservations at 7, arrived a little early and were seated right away. A pleasant server took our drink order, even offered a sample of a nice red wine that they were featuring. We placed our food order upon receiving our drinks and there the service stopped. At 8 we finally grabbed the waitperson and asked if we could at least have our salad and perhaps some bread. 15 minutes later a very welcomed salad and bread arrived. Our mussels that we had ordered for an appetizer were brought our in a few minutes and they were very good. Our dining companions had ordered chicken fingers but we never saw them. After our entrees were served, our server said that the chicken fingers would be right out - we declined them. Our meals were fair, my husbands fish sandwich was exceptional, but my Boyden Farm burger was overdone - well vs medium rare. The side of mac and cheese was greasy and tasteless. Our friend's salmon was again overcooked and dry. So by 9:30, we bid farewell to One Federal and probably for the last time. Food: 2 Ambiance: 2 Service: 4