The Bottom Line
Bastone is a Belgian brewery and pub with unique offerings and a fun, friendly atmosphere. The bar area is the heart of the establishment, especially as it offers a selection of beers made on site. Although the lunch prices are a little high, the food is delicious, different and memorable; and the service is friendly and efficient.
Pros
- Fun and casual
- Memorable food
- Beer brewed on site
Cons
- Downtown parking
Description
- Daily specials
- Lunch salads and entrees range from $9 to $12
- Sandwiches range in price from $7 to $9 and are served a la carte
- Art deco exterior with sidewalk dining when whether permits
- A casual atmosphere and children's menu make this a good choice for kids (at least until the evening bar crowd arrives)
Guide Review - Bastone Restaurant and Brewery in Royal Oak
Atmosphere:
Bastone Restaurant and Brewery is located on Main Street in Royal Oak. While the bar area has white-tile flooring and an old-fashioned, wood-carved bar, the restaurant has wooden floors and a loft ceiling with wood rafters and fans. Trestle tables, wooden booths and mis-matched chairs complete the decor -– a sign that the restaurant doesn't take itself too seriously, but is instead dedicated to serving good, casual food.Food:
Belgian in nature, the menu presents the dishes with a description usually reserved for fine dining, but with a caveat that describes the food as “simple and deliciously affordable.” Bastone certainly achieves the delicious claim by adding a twist to otherwise simple dishes. The affordable claim is harder to discern and must be considered relative to the ingredients lavishly described and utilized in each dish.While Bastone is home to the twice-fried, Belgian French fry, mussels, cheese trays, pate and artichoke fritters are also available as hors d'oeuvres. The lunch menu includes gourmet, thin-crust pizzas; a wide-variety of salads, sandwiches and hamburgers; and a wide-range of entrees, including ravioli, steak, and fish and chips.
Truffles seem to be the secret ingredient in several of Bastone’s dishes. The Truffled Macaroni & Cheese was baked with four cheeses. Its truffled bread-crumb topping proved to be the signature element of the dish, providing a subtle flavor that elevated it beyond the traditional offering. It was truly a memorable twist on an old favorite.
The Rosemary Chicken Salad Sandwich was likewise adorned with truffles, this time through truffled mayonnaise. The truffles proved less of a factor in the success of this dish, however, than did the rosemary, fresh farm bread, juicy chicken and walnuts. The rosemary was used in the perfect amount and to great effect.
