I actually really like this product and think it's a genius move on Google's part.

Yes, they're late to the party, but what really stuck out to me was the fact that Google had a list of all the locations I'd asked for directions to in the past, by merit of the fact that I have Web History turned on. I don't have an iPhone or Android Device, so the fact that I had all the restaurants I might want to rate placed right in front of me was incredibly appealing.

As minor a detail as this seems, I think this slingshots Google into the venue-rating space. If I were Yelp, I think I'd actually be worried now.

EDIT: One thing that's a little weird, if you click on the comments area, it takes you to a blank page. See http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=9906659489061041176...