Loveland has a new restaurant, Kirby’s, which opened just a few weeks ago in the old Sleepy Hollow space. Not much has changed, as far as I can remember, on the outside of the building, but the inside is much different from the old space that used to be a Christmas celebration every day of the year.

Inside Kirby's

Truth be told, I never went inside Sleepy Hollow but I heard enough stories to feel like I had. We arrived around six this past Friday evening and though the parking lot was nearly full it was no problem getting a table. Perhaps there are a few too many tables on the inside as it felt a bit cramped and was really loud.

Our service was adequate, though we did have a fairly long wait between drink and food orders. That was the only complaint I would have as far as the service goes and a manager even stopped by at some point to see how we were doing. Also there is a pretty good list of craft beers available, another bonus in my book.

Gourment Grilled Cheese

For dinner I went with the gourmet grilled cheese – a double decker of three different cheeses, tomato slices, and grilled bacon. It is served with homemade Saratoga chips and a pickle spear ($8.95). Overall I was happy with my choice. I wish I would have asked about the bread, as I would much rather have it served on something other than plain ol’ toasted white. I’ve never had a double decker grilled cheese before, but it worked well. All of the bread was crisp and the cheese was very gooey. The Saratoga chips were also good.

Grouper Finger Basket

My wife may have ordered the best dish we sampled that night, the grouper finger basket – fresh grouper fillet cut into thick strips, breaded and deep fried. Served with fries ($11.95). The serving of fish was large, enough for all at the table to have a piece of their own. I’m not normally much of a fish eater, but this was very good! The also offer a grouper sandwich that comes blackened that is likely very tasty too.

Sandwich / Soup Combo

My mother went the sandwich and soup combo, selecting a half blackened caesar wrap and french onion soup ($9.95). I didn’t get the chance to taste any of her food, but I didn’t hear any complains from her. My dad had the ravioli creole – pasta filled with sausage, peppers, onions and a blend of cheeses tossed in their homemade creole sauce ($14.95). He really seemed happy with his choice and was the first to clean their plate.

Despite some potential issues with the restaurant size and layout, the food at Kirby’s was good. My parents live in Loveland, so I’m sure we will be back to sample more from Kirby’s in the future, though it will be hard to overtake Paxton’s and The Works as our go-to spots out that way.