Ad Lib

Great food, great atmosphere. Myself and a friend chatted for 3hrs and they didn’t once try to kick us out!

I really like Ad Lib. I like this Merhcant City branch and I like the Hope Street branch too. They run an offer every so often with Itison that gets you a burger, sandwich or salad for two people and I buy it almost every time. Recently I’ve discovered that they also have an app and that they rotate daily offers.
I’ve tried the classic burger (it needs cheddar which you can add as an extra), the lamb burger and the chicken burger. They’re all good. The Cobb salad is possibly even more filling than the burgers are. Last night I opted for the chicken, bacon and tomato sandwich which I got with a pint of Shipyard APA. They usually have a fair few nice beers on tap.
For the first time since I’ve been coming here my meal wasn’t completely perfect. Don’t get me wrong, it was good, but it wasn’t the same standard I’ve been used to. The ciabatta it was served in was kind of tough and the dressing in the sandwich was lacking flavour, whilst the burnt flavour from the chargrilled chicken was just slightly overpowering. The salad was coated in a seriously salty dressing. The fries were great, so it isn’t all bad, but all in all I would avoid this menu option in future.
It won’t put me off returning, though. My partner’s burger was perfect — I’ll just stick with those in future. In the past I’ve also tried other menu options which have always been great. I really recommend paying a little more and ordering something off the daily specials board because it’s always a treat. Plus, it’s just a lovely space to sit in — the staff are great and they don’t bother you too much, the restaurant is comfy, the music is always good and never too loud.
So if not for last night’s meal, they’d get 5 stars out of 5. As it is I have to stick to 4, but I hope to get the chance to upgrade this rating very soon.

Been to ad lib quite a few times however of late it has unfortunately gone south.
* Service Is Very Slow
* Prices Are Quite High
* Food Quality Is Acceptable But Not Acceptable For The Prices Charged
* Regrettably This May Be My Last Time Here Simply Due To Price & Speed Of Service!

I have eaten here twice with family members. Both times we were made welcome by the French front of house guy (believe his name is Matthew).
The food, I will describe as better than average «pub grub». On our first visit I had the beer battered fish and chips (I know, not very adventurous) — I was pleasantly pleased by the huge tasty portion. On my second visit, I tried the coconut beer battered king prawns with chipotle mayo as my starter and then chose the haddock, king prawn and chorizo jambalaya followed by apple pie and ice cream. My wife had the barbecued rack of ribs which were one of the specials. She said that they were the best ribs that she had tasted outside of the USA. In fact no-​one in our party were disappointed with their meals.
Ad Lib is certainly on my list of eating places that I would use again.

Good American diner just off the High street in the Merchant city. Good bar and restaurant serving American classics. I had a goats cheese and beetroot salad with a side of fries. Aiden had Mac n cheese which was nicely presented and tasted great. Nice buzz about the place but would recommend booking on a Saturday night. The charming Frenchman, front of house went out of his way to find us a table and we were not pressurised to eat and run. Part of the buzz was due to the local festival being on, but we had a nice experience overall here.

Before tonight, this was a definite 4-​star rating, but tonight was a 2-​star experience, so I’m going to go down the middle and review all my experiences at once.
This place is a burger, steak and American South influenced restaurant. I’m never sure where it fits between fast food and ‘real’ restaurant and I see it along the lines of the Hard Rock Café or one of those places. It’s not the cheapest but the food has always been pretty good.
I’ve been here a few times and before tonight I’d have rated it quite highly. Staff have always been top notch, food has been good quality, it’s somewhere that everybody in my family likes, from my unadventurous niece to my wouldn’t-eat-a-burger mother. We had a big family meal in here in November for my niece’s 21^st and everybody loved it. They even played Stevie Wonder’s Happy Birthday when they brought out her birthday cake — couldn’t have been a nicer experience.
The reason we were there tonight is that Him Indoors missed my niece’s 21^st celebration and my mum enjoyed it so much and thought it was such a shame he missed it, she gave him a £50 gift voucher for his Xmas. The gift voucher had an expiry date, so we booked and went along tonight. We didn’t want a big night out so we tried to book early for 6pm but the guy on the phone said they had a big table coming in at 6 and advised us to go in at 5.30pm if we could, so we did that (and I did appreciate the advice, I’d rather go half an hour early than clash with a big table and not get good service).
So, tonight we went along at 5.30pm. The waiter who met us at the door and then served us for the next half hour was dour, to say the least. We said on the way in that we had a gift voucher and I think he must have thought that we meant a Groupon or discount voucher of some kind. He was quite short with us and when he took our order and we started to order off the main menu, he curtly informed us we could only order burgers with our voucher. When I showed him the voucher (which clearly said «you have £50 to spend on food and drink») he apologised and said we could order anything and, strangest of all, was immediately much nicer to us. I’ve read a few reviews of places where people going with Groupon vouchers have said their service hasn’t been very pleasant because the restaurant isn’t actually making much money off discount vouchers, and I wondered if this was something like that. Or maybe he was just having a bad night. He did finish his shift at 6pm so perhaps we just caught him at the end of a long day, but that’s not our fault and he could have been a lot more pleasant.
Our starters were very good — Him Indoors had sweet potato soup and I had the mac and cheese croquettes. My croquettes were good although I wasn’t so keen on the cold marinara sauce that came with them. The mains were surprisingly disappointing — like I said, we’ve eaten here a few times before and always thought it was okay. Him Indoors had a burger which he said wasn’t very juicy and didn’t taste of much and I had the haddock, chorizo and prawn jambalaya — once I’d picked out all the haddock, chorizo and prawns I pretty much left the rest. It was okay, it just didn’t blow me away. Him Indoors had a very good blueberry cheesecake for dessert and I had a frozen strawberry daiquiri which wasn’t like any other frozen strawberry daiquiri I’ve ever had — i was expecting an alcoholic strawberry slushie and I got a martini glass with what tasted like watery strawberry juice and no crushed ice. Maybe that’s how they do them here, but it was £1 dearer than the ones at the Hard Rock Café and not half as good.
Once the grumpy waiter left, the rest of the staff were really good. There were two girls especially who were chatty and friendly and seemed much more on the ball. For two starters, two mains, one dessert, a bottle of wine, a coke and a daiquiri it was £65. Unusually for me, I didn’t leave a full 10% tip as I just didn’t think it was up to scratch.
In addition, there was a guy in filming some promo video or something. There were signs up saying if you didn’t want to be filmed to let the waiting staff know, so when we sat down I said to the grumpy waiter that I didn’t want to be filmed, and he looked at me like I was mental and as far as I could see, he never bothered telling the guy doing the filming. So that was quite awkward too as I was really aware of this guy filming and the fact that I didn’t want to be in any of his shots.
To be fair, this would never be my first choice for a dinner out with Him Indoors and we were only there tonight because we had the voucher. However, before tonight I would definitely have recommended it, especially for group nights out. I’m not sure how I feel now, tonight was really disappointing. I don’t think I’ll hurry back.

Went here last Saturday lunch time to use up a voucher I had that was going to run out of time. It was for two people to have a burger, pasta or salad and it was nice to have something to do on a cold wet January day!
It was fairly quiet and a bit chilly when we went in but we were given a nice welcome and seated in a nice roomy booth with plenty of space and a good view over the restaurant. We were told what we could have which was a good selection and could pay slightly more for any of the specials which all sounded rather yummy. Both of us went for pretty much the same thing –gourmet lamb burger with chorizo, goats cheese and caramelised onions. I had mine with sweet potato chips and the boyfriend went for normal fries. As we were waiting I noticed the portions looked pretty huge — just as well we were hungry as they were big when they arrived! The burger was homemade, fat and juicy and went lovely with the goats cheese. My sweet potato chips were very tasty but a bit soft rather than crispy (but I quite like them that way) and I managed to polish them all off. I would recommend choosing the brioche bun which added a sweetness I also like!
There were a few things on the menu I would choose and would definately go back for a lunch or midweek dinner with friends.

I’ve been here twice and I’ve enjoyed both times equally. So I’ll lump both visits together.
I had the Bloody Mary Battered Basket’o’Fish with haddock, sea bream, king prawns, fries and smoked chilli mayo the first time. I don’t eat fish much (apart from fish fingers :)) but this was very tasty. At £11.75 it’s not exactly cheap though. Second time I had fish again just for the sake of trying something different. Pan Seared Fillet of Sea Bream with crushed baby potatoes, roast cherry tomatoes and
coriander and lime butter. Again very tasty. My friend also enjoyed his visits and seemed to have few complaints.
The staff were friendly but not particularly attentive and I remember having to attract someones attention the second time we were in.
My table had a Back to the Future poster design on top, of which I very much approve. I’m sure I’ll be going back again soon enough.

Went here tonight for tea. I got lunch so it was my brother’s turn to pay for tea.
We had gone round loads of places (we hadn’t booked) and were about to go to Merchant Chippie when husband suggested we try Ad Lib.
First of all, we were stood waiting for a table for a while despite the restaurant not being busy. I am guessing they just didn’t see us?
Anyway, next thing. They didn’t ask us if we wanted a drink that quickly. So we were sat for an extended period of time not drinking anything.
I moved seats with my husband as the football was on the TV and I could see it and he couldn’t. Glad I did! Behind me had been the specials board! Waiting staff did not bother to mention it.
I ordered the special chicken burger. It had bacon and cheese and coleslaw. It came with fries. Husband had chicken burger from menu and brother had mac and cheese. We also ordered 2 sides of onion rings.
The menus are really scabby. They should get them reprinted.
Our food took a while. During this time nobody asked how we were. We had to catch their eye (which was hard as they seemed to be busying themselves folding napkins) but eventually we managed to order another drink. At this point the server said «sorry about the wait, we’ve had a few big tables». True they had had a few big tables but they were no longer eating.
Anyway to cut a long story short. Food was nice at main course. Chips were a bit rubbish, in today’s chips selection Ad lib really need to up the game. Onion rings got the thumbs up. Burgers were ok. Menu stated we got choice of bun but I realised when I got my meal that I hadn’t been given a selection.
We decided to have desert after this (mainly so husband and brother could watch end of first half). Had cheesecake. Was ok. Not sure of it was baked or not as outside seemed baked but nearer the tip of the slice it was nice and creamy. Not really massive fan. Think it should come with cream or ice cream.
So I probably wouldn’t bother going back as it was just not that great an experience. Food — ok, service — below par.

Me and His Nibs trailed out on a soggy Saturday lunchtime for a rump steak deal for 2.
What started off as being a cheap lunch turned out so cheap but thats not a real complaint just an afterthought.
We got (easily) inviegled into a starter — popcorn prawns for me and chicken kebab skewers for him. Both piping hot and very tasty, lovely tender chook. Decent size portions too so no complaints there.
The steak came with a choice of sides (grilled tomato, salad or something else I cant remember) and a choice of fries (the skinny kind) chips (proper I think) or mash and a choice of sauce (I had a creamy pepper sauce; he had the blue cheese) both of which were good. Not much pepper and not too much blue cheese… depends on what you like as to what you prefer. I loved the presentation: the sauce comes in its own cute little jug, the salad which was mostly dressed rocket was fresh and the chips/​fries piping hot.
Now for the bit you carnivores will be interested in … the steak: rump — so not the most tender cut ever but cooked just how I wanted it — rare. Which, to me, means red but without oozing blood so thankyou to the wonderful chappy/​chappess in the kitchen. Chargrilled tasty and not oily.
As always, ate too much for pud so just had a coffee… nothing to complain about there either. Good cappuchino ratio of coffee to milk and froth.
So, in short I’ll go back to Ad Lib although its off my track a bit. The food is generally good (have been a couple of times before) The staff accommodate me and my wheelchair with no fuss and let me change tables cos I suffer from terrible table envy. There’s a ramp to the loos although I’ve not investigated them (His Nibs says they are clean, hot water, soap and towels… so thumbs up there) and lastly service is good without being overbearing.
Just 4 stars as the house wine (merlot for him, cab sauv for me) just didnt float my boat. Its Concha Y Toro so maybe it was just me.
PS If you want to know more about table envy just ask!

Once again, the 3.5 stars rating strikes.
Visited here last night with some work colleagues, I’ve eaten here before in the past and it’s usually dependable with good options on the menu.
I love the setting for this, as an old fire station it’s a big airy place although on the colder evenings it seems to take a while to warm up! The staff are ok, although on a Tuesday night, with only two people waiting tables it was a little slow but nothing too bad.
As ever the food was good, if not quite as stellar as it could be. I ordered the Southern Fried Chicken burger, which was on the Specials board, which was topped with Swiss Cheese and Chorizo. A side order of sweet potato fries to round things out and I was looking forward to my meal.
The burger arrived and they certainly don’t skimp on portions, the piece of chicken was huge, perfectly cooked with a nice heat to it. Alas the cheese was lost amongst the flavours on offer being dominated by the chicken and the, bizarrely, raw thick slices of chorizo. For me I think frying off the chorizo a little would’ve added a good extra layer of complimentary flavour but as it was served, raw, it jarred a little against the succulent warm chicken.
Didn’t stop me eating it mind you but not sure I’d order it again.
The sweet potato fries were ok, still not found anywhere that gets them nice and crunchy but they are better than I’ve had in other places recently. Ohhh and I snagged an onion ring from a shared plate, nicely cooked and very tasty. A bonus as I’m always wary of those oil saturated, soggy, limp rings of bleuch that some places serve up!
Round the table of 12, all of the food was well received; a mixture of burgers, veggie burgers, jambalaya, fish and chips, and the Sicilian Fireman’s roast which I’ve had before (and is delicious!) was all scoffed with little complaint.
Throughout the night the staff were courteous, friendly and accommodating of our requests, my only slight quibble was one waiter asking if he could squeeze past when the entire area behind us was empty tables… move the table, not the customer?
I’ll happily go back to Ad Lib. As I said, it’s dependable if not a stand out eatery. It might not be first choice on my list but if you stick to the tried and tested options it’s still better than a lot of others!

What better on a drench Wednesday evening after viewing flats than a hearty meal in Ad Lib, Merchant City… well quite a lot actually.
Sadly Ad Lib’s crown seems to have slipped; once known for its mammoth meaty American style burgers, it fell far behind the competition tonight.
£9 for a plain, small dry burger in a supermarket-​style sesame seed roll, yuck. If you want a topping, that’s extra. Not asked how well done it should be cooked, and served with generic catering string fries (included in price). This might have passed muster 6 or 7 years ago, but with so much competition serving up better — and cheaper — I won’t be back in a hurry.
The Cobb salad had chicken, avocado, egg, tomato and bacon bits on lettuce leaves. Tasty enough, but at over £9 it seemed pricey for the size, and the bacon was more fat than meat.
Although quiet, service was indifferent. Being seated next to the servers’ station in a 80% empty restaurant was weird. We were asked for drinks order twice within 2 mins of being seated by different servers, then ignored for ages. The kitchen was quick to get the food out, then the bill took just as long when asked for — and was incorrect (but later acknowledged and amended)

Visited here on Saturday with a few friends who fancied a crack at the «Monster Burger Challenge». (Essentially, Ad Lib serves up a huge burger and if you eat it within 2 hours it’s free — if you don’t, you pay £35.)
I was in attendance as a spectator but I noted how many of the contestants (there were 7 in total, all of whom failed) complained that they had to stop eating because of an overwhelming taste of salt. If Ad LIb are lacing the burger with salt then that’s pretty unsporting, but I should stress there is no conclusive proof and I suppose Ad LIb would argue that 3lb of beef is bound to tatse salty.
Personally I ordered the Moroccan lamb burger. Perhaps my burger was cowering in the shadow of the Monster Burgers but it seemed smaller than I remember Ad LIb burgers being (I occasionally visit the city centre branch). The portion of fries was also definitely smaller, and there was no side salad. At £8.95 the amount of food provided was verging on rip-​off territory. The wife had the falafel and flatbread which she thought was just OK, and another non-​contestant had the «Big Burrito» which he said was quite nice.

I’m an old Ad Lib fan, and when I saw that they had returned to their old haunt I was over the moon, the love affair was back on, and it was good… for a while.
If I had written this review a few months ago it would have been 4 stars, with just a little extra work needed for that all important Wigglonian 5^th star. But, recently I’ve seen standards dropping.
Myself and «M» (not Bond’s boss) went in last night. It was cold outside and we were sat next to the large, very nice, but drafty front windows, good enough table, but it could really do with a heater nearby.
Ad Lib had always been noted for it’s burgers, they used to have 3 daily/​weekly specials on the board, all with imaginative names. Last night there was one, the very imaginatively titled «lamb burger with red pepper hummus» hmm, little more brain required to work that one out.
Starters came, my chorizo empanadas reminded me of mini microwaved pizza pockets, just a bit… meh. Main course I had the ever lovely Moroccan lamb burger (not the one from the board). This has been a favourite of mine for a long time.
Before they arrived «M» mentioned that this place always forgets to bring another round of cutlery after the starter, you have to remind them.
The mains came, the sides came «can I get you anything else?»
Yes…cutlery. «oh yeah, you’ll need that»
M’s seafood chowder looked, and apparently tasted good. But my burger was sub-​par. Not terrible, just not as good as it should be. The fries were slightly colder than they should be too.
If it was just one thing then there would have been a 4^th star, I’m forgiving that way. But it seems like every part of the dining experience was just slightly less than as good as it used to be. Sub-​par. Not terrible. Not even bad. Just sub-​par.
Ad Lib, raise your game, become good again.

Call me old fashioned but I like to be able to see what I am eating. Due to the evening lighting I could not differentiate between tomato and chili in my main and having discovered it was the latter I was unable to quench the warmth due to not having been offered a drink refill, unlike The Portonian who was offered a refill immediately his glass was empty. For dessert I decided to try the blueberry and apple cobbler. I was told there were no blueberries but there were strawberries. The strawberry and apple cobbler turned out to be an apple crumble, with a dry biscuit topping of undetermined origin, with half a strawberry on top. I wondered aloud if the blueberry and apple cobbler would have been an apple crumble with a blueberry on top. If I do return I’ll stick to a burger and skip the desserts.

I bought an uprising deal for here as I had heard good things about ad lib (mainly the city centre branch but though it couldn’t be much different!)
Went on a Thursday night looking forward to a warm seat as it was cold and wet outside. However the restaurant is not exactly warm and cosy. It felt very bare and the toilets were freezing!
We sat down and I had to ask the waiter for drinks as he never asked. I can understand this on a weekend night but the place wasn’t even that busy. We eventually gave our food orders to a not so friendly waiter. I got the squid and chorizo salad which is served with sauteed spinach. It was good but not amazing. My friend got a burger which looked ok. The bun was quite limp and the chips looked like McCain’s oven fries. Nothing special.
Don’t think il be back. especially without a voucher as the food doesn’t live up to the price.
My friend also ordered a lemonade and orange and was charged for a whole glass of lemonade and a whole of Orange. so no tip was left I’m afraid!