Bar Louie

I heard this place was "over priced" and "over rated". This couldn't be further from the truth!!! There is so much seating and TVs which makes it great to watch games or go out with groups.  The drinks are extremely well-crafted and delicious, for a responsible price.  My girlfriend and I were pleasantly surprised and DEFINITELY will be coming back.

My wife and I had been to Bar Louie years ago and enjoyed it, but avoided this new location because of being attached to a tacky Holiday Inn, so it couldn't possibly be good :)  Luckily I recently saw that they had some nice beers when looking at <a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fbeermenus.com&s=891a066edccadbf54f84df053544d5b5e79ac5f365385f521d2279d81e9915de" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://beermenus.com</a>, and simultaneously found the very positive Yelp reviews.  I wish we hadn't been so snobbish.  

There's a great large and rotating tap and bottled beer selection.  When I went, they had a British banana bread beer that was delicious and actually tasted like banana bread!  Get it while you can.  (3/11/2013)

Blackberry, Orange & Brie salad was amazing, and they nicely split it for my wife and me.  The fish tacos were the best (non-fried style) I think I've had.  Black beans were also excellent--strong lime flavor and nice fresh salsa.  Cheese quesadillas from the appetizer menu were a little more ordinary, but still perfectly good.

It was on a Sunday night during an (annoyingly loud) Blackhawks game, and they apparently were running their happy hour specials.  During happy hour, appetizers are half price.  I couldn't believe the 14 oz beer I ordered was only $3.

We met some friends here for drinks on Saturday night.  In the past we were hesitant to go there because it was a "hotel bar".   But the bars they are putting in hotels these days are establishments unto themselves and not after thoughts, put there so hotel guests can get a drink during their stay.  The decor was upscale, the wait staff was young, attentive and friendly.   The patrons were a mix of couples, families, 30 and 50 somethings.  

We had the bruschetta at the recommendation of our server.  It was good.  The bread pieces were a good size, toasted the way I like it, and they give more than enough tomato topping, so we asked for more toast.  I can see going back to try one of their meals.