State Fare

State Fare took over the Pour Society space rather abruptly, and that quick change comes across. While the bare drywall and dangling Ethernet cables are sure to be smoothed over, the menu could use some smoothing as well. Good ideas abound, but execution stumbles keep the food from delivering consistently. Shrimp and grits features excellent seafood and sauce but lackluster grits, while the flagship Hicksburger and its listless chicken-fried french fries just don’t deliver. The gumbo would be great if the kitchen toned down the hyper-aggressive salt. The bone-in rib eye, though expensive, is delicious, with an aggressive crust and bold, beefy flavor. Try a Pimms Cup for a gingery riff with a lovely note of fresh strawberry. An appealingly written menu and a wonderful staff keep the place filled with families who appreciate a civilized night out in a place where they are made to feel welcome right alongside date nights and business dinners.