I'll admit to torn feelings over Downriver Grill.

There are plenty of things to like here. The atmosphere is good. Not a bad beer and wine selection. Very friendly service. In fact, the spot could be recommended, at least to a degree, on that alone.

It's just the food is so frustratingly… dull. This spot is run by the people behind Flying Goat, a pizza place that certainly takes some interesting twists with its pies, and in that sense I just expect more.

Not that my lamb sandwich was bad per se, just… dull. The meat was underseasoned and the garlic sauce, a take on tzatziki, just added to the substance, not the flavor. There actually was garlic in it—anyone smelling my breath the next day could testify to that—so I don't quite get it. Did they use complex techniques to hide the flavors? Lord knows.

I just expect so much more from Downriver Grill. As it stands, head across the street to the Flying Goat and see if they have tables available. You owe yourself that.