BEERWORKS (No. 4 Lowell)

I used to come here relatively frequently. I enjoyed the interior decor, it had great food, and good beer. Then, they "renovated". Aside from the fact that they canned their staff prior to renovation without notice which I find unforgivable to begin with, the place has gone drastically downhill since the renovation. First, you'll walk to what you think is the main entrance - it used to be the center door, which makes sense because it jutted out prominently. Nope. Leftmost door. You'll also be confused by the shipping container - is it perhaps a leftover from construction? No! It's what you *should've* used to get to the leftmost door, moron. Why? Some snobby architect thought it was trendy. The next thing you'll do - if you finally managed to find your way inside - is stand around like an idiot confused because there is no more reception table. An exasperated member of the wait staff will motion you to sit down wherever. Then you'll notice that there are no more private tables, only beer garden tables that sit a minimum of eight. Brought a date? Too bad, now it's now a double date with some strangers. The menu has been updated. No more fries, nachos, or even burgers. They pridefully boast that the menu is inspired by food trucks (someone should let the owner know that by virtue of the restaurant having a large kitchen, they don't have to handicap themselves by only making food that is normally produced on a small propane griddle). I ordered a beer with a steak and cheese flat top sandwich. Beer was good, steak and cheese was OK. Disappointed that they didn't have any coasters, watery mess everywhere. What happened to those cool gear-shaped coasters? They also did away with the stainless steel containers for dipping sauce - now it's just a cheap paper cup. Again, you're not a food truck. You have a dishwasher. Very disappointing experience. Judging from the Glassdoor reviews from employees, this review will fall on deaf ears. It's a shame. Great potential here.