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Nothing wrong with that spot. But, plenty wrong with the various executions. Over the past seven years, the only place to get it right was MAE.

Sadly, this is the Torch House summary: lack of focus, over priced menu, lack of character.

Two months in and they are closing? What's up with that space?

The Torch House in Lafayette is unfortunately closing up shop. They'll be having a 50% off CASH ONLY dinner service this Wednesday.

Monroe,
The last couple of times I just had drinks. Wine is now just $6 or $7 a glass, and beer is lower, too, in some cases. And $2 off during Happy Hour. I'll have to check abou the food.
Susan

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What prices were lowered? The same menu is on their website with the same prices from the four times I've been there. Did this happen this week?

The Torch House is starting to figure things out. The burger is still good (and they'll actually cook it rare!) and they still have a nice selection of craft beers on tap. But they've listened to feedback and lowered the prices, and created a more mellow vibe. It has a nice neighborhood bar feeling. It's great for Lafayette to have it.

Finally stopped by this weekend. Is it Mae? No. Is it a solid addition to the neighborhood? Totally. There's a nice selection of draft beers, and they have pretty good happy hour deals with $1 or $2 off drafts and appetizers.

The menu is pretty straightforward, and I wish they had more munchie appetizers for sharing. That said, I had the Torch House burger and was really happy with it. Ordered it medium rare and it actually came out medium rare. (No small feat, for some reason.) It's topped with a fried fresh mozzarella wheel, fried pickles and caramelized onions. Definitely a splurge, but worth it once in a blue moon. Comes with house-made chips, which are pretty tasty.

The staff was nice, and the place has a friendly neighborhood vibe. Happy to have a regular local spot to grab a beer and a burger (sans tasty fried toppings)!

I stopped by yesterday to watch the tennis match and had a few beers, the drafts were unavailable but the vibe was still very M.A.E. with out the quirky furnishings

It was nice to see allot of the old familiar faces. I did not eat so I can't comment on the food.

I am glad to see this place open and such a nice lively crowd on a Sunday afternoon with their kids and families.

Good Luck!

Burgers and marsala? Sushi too? Weird. What was so great about MAE anyway, it was okay, last time I went, waiter was chewing gum and the food definitely was not as good as it was in the beginning...places was OOB'd a month later.

This place is no MAE, but it wasn't bad. Tried the torch burger, which was actually really good, and the chicken marsala which was ok. I live a few blocks away so will definitely be returning.

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True, but it's still a plus to the neighborhood. m.a.e. was too good to be true, alas.

I was a huge fan of MAE. This menu seems completely lost.

They have a facebook page setup with a tentative menu (I'm sure it's going to change)

https://www.facebook.com/torchhousejc

Website is currently empty - http://thetorchhouse.com/

PS--Let's all come out tomorrow night!

I really hope they listened to us at the Morris Canal meeting last night: consistency, trust . . . At some point this neighborhood could get tired of supporting that space. I so hope they want to be here for a long time.

I spoke to someone there today, and the soft opening is Saturday at 6.

The staff said it will be open to the public tomorrow night (Saturday) after 8 p.m. They will stay open until 11 or so. Five or six good craft beers on taps, and an eclectic menu. I'm hopeful. See you all there!

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Tonight you say? Is this confirmed maybe I will check out after the JCfriday event.

Awesome, can't wait to check this out. Read in the MAE thread that there's a soft opening happening tonight.

Just drove by, its looking good and deserves its own thread. It's the old M.A.E space in BeLa.....see you there.