First time at Burdell and overall the food was good but the overall didn't wow me... perhaps since I had set a high expectation considering the accolades given to Burdell. The salad, and the oxtail fries, were tasty! They were on point and I liked these. No problem with them at all. The mustard green side was on the saltier side but I manage by eating it with more of the mixed rice and beans which was delicious with a nice spice to it. The main entree, the pickle brine fried chicken was ok. The chicken was crispy and juicy but 1) not all pieces were marinated well as two pieces we had lacked flavor so it wasn't just how the chicken was, but inconsistency in marination, and 2) some pieces were overcooked leading a thick dry outer layer before you get into the nice juicy meat inside. Pieces that were marinated well were phenomenal along with the house made hot sauce, but due to inconsistencies, the overall was underwhelming. Service could have been better - primarily because when our water cups were empty, I expected them to fill it or ask to fill it but they came by twice but never asked or did so, until I asked for the water cups to be refilled. The ambiance of the place was on the upscale feeling though definitely did very well in keeping the southern feel to it with the dining wares used, and the decor. Maybe I'll give it another try during their non pre-fixe menu and see if the experience is better.

Made a reservation for a Wednesday night and it was packed! The place was a bit loud, which made it hard to hear and have a conversation. We got a table seat and could hear the different conversations on either side of us. Food wise, we order the family menu that had the duck as the main entré. My favorite of the menu were the cornbread and the duck; everything else was a tad too salty or messy (like the boiled peanuts with the shell on). For a party of 2, they served three slices of the duck. Everything came in portions of 2 except the duck. Two people finished all the food and no leftover. The food was pretty pricey and they added 20% gratuity charge. The restaurant definitely has a fine dining price tag, but lacking in the fine dining experience and taste.

We loved Burdell. The service was attentive, vibe is cozy and relaxed, and the food was amazing. We had wine by the glass, both white, both delish. The wine list by the bottle looked awesome too. We ate boiled peanuts, fava bean salad, cornbread and boiled red cabbage, chicken two ways (fried and roasted) and dungeness crab jumbo. Flavors were on point and the chef's family recipe potato salad will be on my mind for a long time. Yum. Found parking on the street directly across from the restaurant. Also heard about the service charge hub bub - we are so happy to support a chef bringing these important social issues to light.