cutting corners...bad. i used to eat here years ago and had the occasion to eat here again on march 10. our server was clearly distracted and less than attentive. he may have been having an off day, but watching the other tables he was serving, it was clear they were lacking the attention our table was. forgot drinks...twice...didn't come back after food was served. had to flag him down for the check...you know, that old chestnut.
the food i ordered was sub-par. i ordered a burger without a bun, only to find out the burger is made with wheat fillers. i generally find that only required when the beef quality is too low to support a beef only burger. being allergic to wheat...i opted for the chicken breast. it was served with a side of almost white and tinged brown lettuce. too cheap to use the green stuff? the chicken was topped with brie that was more like a pliable rubber sheet indicating it had been reheated more than once and was not fresh. the chicken was then smothered with a basil pesto. smothered as not to even be able to see the chicken. i can remove some, i get that, however the pesto was separated and very oily. again, not fresh. hiding underneath was the elusive chicken breast, thin, very dry, and not seasoned...*sigh*. our server, came by and took my plate. didn't ask why it was still untouched and more importantly, didn't ask if i wanted a box, indicating he knew it was sub-par and i wouldn't be needing one. ok, that's conjecture, but you have to wonder when, with a plate of food left, a server doesn't ask if you want a box. he just took it away. i tried to flag the manager on the way out but it was taking too long to get him to come over. the beer selection was not enough to entice me back. first street has a plethora of good eateries that i will gladly patronize upon subsequent visits to livermore. you used to be an icon, ale house. processed food bad, fresh food, good!