rack & helens bar and grill

i absolutelylovethis place. it is a must visit if you're in the area. it has a large menue and everything i've had is great. the whiner grinder is still my favorite. there is a fairly descent beer selection as well. what really makes this place stand out is the atmosphere and service. it's just a little different than most places, you've really just got to go. every server i have ever had seams to be sincere and energetic. i have never had poor service. when they are busy and another server passes they ask if you need anything as well so you're never waiting on a drink.
lunches are slower and you can get in no problem. in the evening you may want to call and make reservations, especially for a larger group on the weekends.

great place to eat in new haven if you're out that way. my friend had a birthday party here and they were very accommodating. food is great.lovethe drinks. my experiences have always been lovely. you can't go wrong!

love the food!!. this place would be perfection if it wasn't for the smoke. absolutely the best service around. i have tried many items off of the menu and have never been disappointed...whiner grinder, chicken wings, burritos, enchiladas, sausage rolls, fried chicken, and burgers. (the sides are all very good too, ilovethe tator tots.)

my favorite resturant!!!!. ilovethis place! they have put lot's of money and upgrades to this restaurant! lots of beer on tap and lots of food for the price! ilovethere salsa (unlike bandido's nasty chuncky salsa) it has a great flavor! ilovethere nachos! unlike (wings etc) you don't get nasty round chips and runny beans with no meat! you get so much meat and other stuff, it is hard to finish! and my favorite is the grinder! rack & helen's is easy to find, great staff and excellent food! i go there all the time and i'm from fort wayne..lol...

good food - consistently. negatives - (a) waaaaaaay over in new haven ;) , (b) the smoke, even though there are "smoke eaters" , at times can be overwhelming, and (c) quite crowded at times, leading to difficulties in finding seating and/or longer waits on the food delivery.

positives - (a) well, since they are that crowded, shows just how good they are!, (b) food is quite good, (c) service is always with a smile, (d) prices are reasonable, and (e) decor is enjoyable, pleasant wood surroundings, comfortable.

update - august 20, 2010 - two of my favorites continue to be the sausage rolls [add ham, bacon, and chicken to it to create a 'special'] and the pulled pork sandwich [the 1 pound version - yea, iloveleftovers ;) ]. the chips and salsa, for a place that is not a mexican restaurant per se, are both quite tasty. and, you will not go thirsty here - example, today's lunch wait staff brought over 3 cherry cokes, each time a new one just as the previous one was not even 1/2 empty - the last one put into a go cup. good food, good service.