Bogar's

Dinner date in Lake Country

My Friday night dinner date was with my parents at a little place called JC Bogar's in Hartland. It's kind of a "blink and you'll miss it" Mexican restaurant in a (sort of) strip mall. I say "sort of" because it's not one of those grungy strip malls — there just happen to be other stores in the same stretch of building. 

Inside, Bogar's is nothing special: a sports bar feel with tall tables and beige tile. But in the summer when the patio's open, it hits not only my need for yummy food, but also my need for outdoor dining. On the patio, there are bright yellow umbrellas over each table and Mexican "papel picado" garland swinging on the surrounding fence. Beyond the fence, a tree-filled park and a view of the rushing Bark River. And it seems that every time we sit on the patio at Bogar's, there's a band playing just out of eyesight — a local high school perhaps. Whoever's band practice it is, we Lawlers are big fans. 

What we weren't big fans of last night, however, was the initial service. It seemed like everyone on staff was having a rotten day — and wasn't shy to moan and groan about it in front of the customers. Keep it together, Bogar's! We waited at our table for about 20 minutes before anyone took our drink order (though someone did immediately bring us chips and salsa, so we couldn't fully complain). 

Luckily, a darling waitress (frazzled, but with her game face on and a smile) spotted us in all our neglected-ness and wasted no time in swiftly and apologetically coming to our hungry aid. Her winning attitude coupled with the "famous fish tacos" made the wait totally worthwhile. Not to mention the free fried ice cream (drizzled with honey, cinnamon, and sugar) they gave us as a thank-you for our patience. All right, Bogar's, you've done it again. We were thrilled with the eats and the outdoor aesthetics, but now it's time to make your employees as happy as your once-hungry customers.