I came into brunch at Ameswell Hotel with high hopes – and an even higher-energy date: my 16-month-old Lab, Waylon. The hotel (and its restaurant, Roger’s) gets points right away for being dog-friendly, which is basically Waylon’s love language.
The vibe here is genuinely great. Think live music on weekends, a monthly jazz brunch and a spacious outdoor area that practically begs you to linger with friends. It’s the kind of place that feels like it should deliver a perfect brunch.
And at first, things were promising. We snagged an outdoor table right away (with a much-needed heater – 10 a.m. chill is real). The menu is short and sweet, which I actually appreciate – no decision fatigue before coffee.
Now… let’s talk about Waylon’s experience, because honestly, he had the better meal. Getting the dog menu felt like a scavenger hunt – I had to ask multiple staff members, and it took about 15 minutes to arrive. Water for my very patient pup? Over 30 minutes. Not exactly VIP treatment for a four-legged guest. When the menu finally landed, it featured two options: chicken or beef. Waylon went with the beef and, unlike me, had zero complaints. Clean bowl, happy dog.
My order? Eggs Benedict, eggs cooked medium, hold the spinach and caramelized onions. Simple, right? Unfortunately, my first plate revealed eggs that erupted like tiny breakfast geysers – definitely not medium – and came with the onions I’d asked to skip.
Enter Robert, the manager, who was kind and attentive. He apologized and quickly brought out a replacement. Round two… same dramatic egg fountain, same onion situation. At this point, I started to wonder if “surprise” was just part of the dish concept.
To Robert’s credit, he handled it gracefully and comped my meal, which I genuinely appreciated. Meanwhile, my husband’s pancakes, eggs and crispy bacon showed up looking like they belonged in a brunch commercial, so clearly, the kitchen can deliver.
Final verdict? I’d skip brunch next time – but I would come back for the atmosphere, drinks and live music. Waylon and I are already planning a return visit for a Friday or Saturday night… because if nothing else, we do love to dance. 🐾
