Bar Louie

When I lived in Richmond this was where me and coworkers went for happy hour each week. This was almost three years ago now. I have only been to the one down the street a few times in the last couple of years.

The happy hour is not as good as it used to be. They used to have half price appetizers on just about all small plates and now they have reduced it select items which unfortunately are none of my favorite items. Happy hour is still good though. All martinis are $5; $4 on all wines and $3 on beer (I believe they are 12oz). Half price on flat breads, boneless wings, chip and dip trio, calamari, chicken quesadillas, brusseta and a couple other items I fail to recall.

This is a cool establishment and it does have a patio. Service is always good. The food is always good. The burgers are just OK. I like the calamari, brusseta, bone-in wings, quesidillas and the nachos are by far my favorite. I didn't notice the crab cake sliders or goat cheese dip on the menu any longer.

This is a really good place for large groups and it is such a spacious bar that you don't ever feel cramped with your large party no matter how busy they are.

Good food, good beer, very mediocre service.

Like I'll bet a lot of people do, I stopped in here before a movie at the nearby AMC for a bite and a beer. I usually go to Rock Bottom, but a friend suggested it and having never been, I decided to try it out.

The dining room itself is quite nice, with tall ceilings, a large wrap around bar, and well spaced tables. There are pool tables and a few arcade games in one of the corners.

Food wise, I decided to go for a regular cheese quesadilla (listed as an appetizer, but big enough for dinner) and beer wise, I went for New Belgium's seasonal tap beer. I do have to say, I was really impressed with the amount and variety of beers on tap they featured.

Unfortunately, the service just wasn't good. Our server didn't appear much, and when she did, she seemed oddly bored or irritated. We didn't have any extra special requests and we didn't make things hard, so I'm not sure what the attitude was for. I also found out when I got home and looked at my bank statement that they charged me twice, and the 2nd charge didn't disappear after it was "pending", like it should (I've had it happen at other restaurants before).

So unfortunately, really poor service soured the whole experience and overshadowed what was some good food and good beer.

Next time, I'll just go to Rock Bottom.

So here's a menu update from my previous review...
There's a set menu of appetizers half off for happy hour, and beers are happy hour price too!
Also, the pretzel sticks aren't as good as the ones they used to have, but they are sufficient I guess. I love meeting up with friends here because there's so many beers to choose from, and there's always a sport to watch on one of their many TVs.
I also LOVE the mac n cheese with bacon of course. Everything is awesome with bacon!