7West - meh. Good burger prices, but mediocre burgers - Inferno was not hot, and too much goopy mayo. Liked the crispy fries, but weak as on the Cajun seasoning. Was basically near-flavorless orange powder sprinkled on a random fry here or there. Beer was good. Never thought about water. Didn't care for how loud/bright it was. Reminded me more of a diner - so would probably like the atmosphere better for a cheap lunch, rather than the late dinner I had.

Carmody 61 - lunch last week was good - had the fish cakes (appetizer) 2 @ $6.99 as my meal, which were crispy (not at all greasy) and delish, although the tartar sauce was a bit salty. The pickled onions were a nice touch too, but the bed of mixed greens had several bits of old/shrively/beginning to rot greens = tsk tsk. Others had the Northern Dip with battered fries - was huge and they said good for the money (no mystery/fatty/chewy beef), and one had the lunch special (Grilled cheese and soup that day) which looked to be on Texas toast or some thick-sliced white toast and super super super cheesy  - like tons o' stretchy cheese deliciousness. His bowl of creamy (I think wild rice?) soup looked delish too, although I'd not be one to order grilled cheese at a restaurant - but his whole combo looked really good, but I bet he ended up with an afternoon food coma from so much creamy soup and gooey cheese.  Never did learn the 'special' price, but most of the menu items seemed reasonable and around $7 - not sure if the lunch menu was the same or different to dinner.  Water was free and flowing! The server (who had worked for the Viking and was very attentive) also brought over a pitcher of soda for the one person who ordered soda for his refills. I've not tried the food at the Duluth location - is it the same? different?

Finally got to try Noodles - family in the cities has raved about it for ages. My Pad Thai was OK for the $5.89 total, not really very flavorful as I had hoped. Another had the Japanese Pan noodles, which looked better and he was happy, and another had Penne Rosa with Feta and chicken (not a lot of chicken from what I noticed), yet still liked it a lot. I was surprised to see they had wine/beer too. 

Also had an overpriced-for-what-it's-worth dinner last week at the Dubh Linn too - I swear, that was the third strike = two bad lunches (fish and chips and bangers and mash) -- long waits when dead, inattentive servers overall, and crap/cold food (previously) and now one bad dinner (BBQ Pork - pork? slaw? what slaw? Two pieces of cabbage under a tiny bit of pork on a 6-inch bun) I'm done. Burger menu looked as if they copied the Anchor, but were so overpriced for burgers and salads. I've never been impressed by this place at lunch, happy hour, or dinner.

Very excited for the new Ace to open too, as it's close to me.

Noticed the Wine Exchange - what's its deal?