BY ANDREW DAVIS
I wasn't quite sure what to expect at Jake Melnick's Corner Tap ( 41 E. Superior St.; JakeMelnicks.com ).
Judging from what I had heard and read about the establishmentwhich has been around since 2002, replacing Blackhawk LodgeI wasn't certain whether it was a midscale restaurant or the quintessential dive bar. However, what I discovered was a warm, friendly place that has solid fare for everyone.
To be sure, the atmosphere is very casual ( so people can leave their suits and dresses at home ). Signs dot Jake Melnick's and there are more than 20 television screensmaking sure that people won't miss their favorite sports events.
There's a wide variety of satisfying foods. Starters range from tasty grilled artichokes to BBQ pork nachos ( with our brisket version being quite addictive ); signature sandwiches incorporate everything from chicken breasts to cod filets; several soups and salads are offered; and there are even what are called "baskets of fries" that come in varieties such as buffalo, sweet potato and even breakfastwhich comes with, among other things, bacon and two fried eggs. ( Vegans and cardiologists might want to steer clear of this place. )
By the way, we liked our sandwich selections: I had a Jake's cheeseburger ( a solid performer ) while my friend found his buffalo chicken item delectable. There's also an eight-pound cheeseburger, incidentally; no one leaves this place hungry.
Then there are the jumbo wings, which have acquired a legend ( and following ) of their own. There are the popular Poncho's wings ( which my dining companion and I thoroughly enjoyed ), which come in varieties such as grilled, garlic and cayenne. And there are the intriguing-sounding PB&J wingsThai peanut ( like a satay ) with raspberry chipotle jelly. However, the XXX wings have a lore all their ownand they have tastes such as habanero, ghost pepper and scorpion ( among the hottest spices in the world ). If you want to test yourself, this is the place to be.
And then there is the drink selection. Jake Melnick's has dozens of items on tap, including a few cocktails. We tried a couple that turned out to be quite delicious: Get Toasted ( house-infused vanilla vodka, Vander Mill Totally Roasted Cider and a splash of cranberry ) and Unfashionable ( an "Old Fashioned" on draft made with High West Double Rye Whiskey and housemade simple syrup, with bittercube orange bitters and a lemon twist ).
THEN, if you somehow have room for more, this restaurant offers dessert options. The little bit I had of the hot-fudge sundae was very nice ( as my friend found it even more delicious ), but there are also items such as warm apple-pie skillet and loaded dessert fries.
Jake Melnick's is a fun, satisfying place to bejust be sure to work out before you go.