Big Louie's Bar And Grill — Restaurant in New Brighton

Walking into this establishment, we were instantly enveloped by an atmosphere that felt like stepping into an old-school bar straight out of a classic movie. The warm, inviting ambiance, complete with rustic decor, set a nostalgic tone that promised a memorable evening. I was immediately drawn to their beer selection, showcasing a variety of local craft brews and timeless favorites. It felt like an adventure just choosing what to sip on!

For my meal, I decided on the buffalo chicken wrap accompanied by waffle fries. The wrap was generously filled with perfectly spiced buffalo chicken, complemented by crisp lettuce and a tangy sauce that brought everything together. Each bite was a delightful mix of zest and comfort, while the fries were golden and seasoned to perfection.

Our bartender, Britta, was the highlight of our experience. Her vibrant personality and attention to detail made her exceptional. She wasn’t just pouring drinks; she was crafting experiences. Britta engaged us with her extensive knowledge of the menu, recommending perfect pairings and ensuring our glasses were never empty. Her enthusiasm was infectious, infusing the entire night with good energy.

As the evening unfolded, it became clear that the place had a fantastic team. The staff buzzed around with smiles, creating a lively atmosphere that felt like a gathering of friends rather than just a dining experience. The energy in the room was contagious; laughter echoed, and cheers arose from various tables, adding to the warmth of the place.

Everyone in our party was thoroughly satisfied, each one raving about their meals, we shared bites and recommendations, enjoying the camaraderie that food often fosters. It was a night filled with good vibes, delicious food, and wonderful company. We left feeling content and eager to return, already reminiscing about our next visit to this hidden...

Ate here this evening (Friday) with my mom and husband. We ate out on the patio because it was beautiful weather outside but it was a mistake. This bar allows smoking on the patio and there was a large party all chain smoking the entire time we were there. They were upwind from us so all we smelled during our meal was their cigarettes. As far as I know that should not be allowed due to MN and Ramsey County smoking laws, but I'm not in legislature so I hope the restaurant is complying with local laws by allowing customers to smoke right next to a door and around other non-smokers. Proximity to the interstate led to a lot of road noise especially from vehicles at the nearby stoplight.

With that being said, it was a decent place to eat. We were there during their 'happy hour' and got discounted appetizers. We got the pub pretzel which was very buttery and delicious, hot from being made, and came on a really cool hanger. For our meal we all got burgers which were made to the specified doneness which is appreciated, not all places follow what is ordered in my experience. The staff was friendly but not really attentive, in between our waitress coming out to check on us was quite awhile, and different people brought out our food (both appetizers and entrées). Inside it didn't look too busy so they're probably just short staffed. It was OK though since we were having a relaxed meal anyway.

Not sure if we'll be back due to the smokers outside (I like eating outside) but the food...

It's an okay place to grab a quick bite or have a beer with your buddies. I was in the area and had an hour to kill over dinner time so I decided to give this place a try. I had the Big Louie Burger with waffle fries. It says that the burger comes with a fried egg, so I was expecting a sunny side up egg, but it was more like a flat miniature omelette. The burger was good, didn't care too much for the bun but overall it was okay. The waffle fries were good and they have Coke products which I always appreciate. The place itself is pretty dumpy, more like a truck stop restaurant from the 80s, but it was semi clean. Overall not worth coming back to, neither for the food nor for the ambiance. The best thing was that you can actually eat dinner here for under $20, tip not included.

P.S. I hate this new trend of the "no cash" surcharge. Gets really annoying, it's the cost of doing business. Pretty soon we will get an electricity surcharge, a water surcharge and what not... . Enough already with...