Well I've got a bunch of years worth of restaurant reviews I could do to get started here for Tacky Jacket, but it seems best to start with the last outing.

It was Spiff's turn to wear the jacket and pick the location, which was Charlie's Ale House in Wheaton IL. The date was March 25th a Saturday. Spiff an I arrived about the same time, a little after 6pm. A note for those unfamiliar with the area, don't bother trying to find the address on the building (I couldn't), just look for the big clock. It runs backwards by the way. Anyway, it wasn't to crowed given the time, and we had reservations for 10. I'm not sure if reservations are required, I doubt it but perhaps Spiff will tune in and provide that info. The staff was nice and seated us right away, but of course no one else showed up for another half an hour. The staff made jokes at our expense, all in good fun, as they checked in from time to time.

As everyone arrived, dinner got started promptly by ordering appetizers, crab cakes and hot wings is all I can remember. Both were good, but it was entertaining to watch Blob break out in a sweat eating hot wings. Not because the wings were particularly hot, he just started visibly sweating after about three bites. Very funny.

As for the dinner selection, nothing really jumped out a me to order and the prices seemed a little on the high side, but I've seen plenty worse. I ended up ordering a salmon sandwitch...it was dry and not a lot went into flavor. The drinks on the other hand went down great. Woodchuck Cider is what I had and it had my taste buds jumpin'. If you're looking for a change from beer I highly recommend you give it a try. It's made by Green Mountain Cidery in Middlebury, Vermont.

Even though dinner didn't do much for me, it was a nice evening. The staff was fun and it was a pleasant atmosphere.