"The atmosphere is interesting yet pleasant, striking a balance between casual and formal. There's a long bar running down the center, with various tables scattered throughout and a main dining room in the back. The decor is well thought out.
Attire varied widely; some guests wore jackets while others sported safari shorts and T-shirts. It felt like a typical Baton Rouge scene.
As a couple, we were seated at a lovely four-top table and promptly greeted by our server, Chloe. The cocktail menu featured some signature drinks, along with a selection of Bourbons and Scotches. However, the cocktail prices were not listed, which is a pet peeve of mine—it leaves you guessing whether your Ginger Pear Snap costs $8 or $15. The dessert menu had the same issue.
Another trend I've noticed at many local places is the subtle, or sometimes not-so-subtle, upselling. Our server was excellent, clearly well-trained in maximizing the meal's cost. When she mentioned the evening specials, she didn't provide prices, and I had to make educated guesses—something I shouldn't have to do.
The menu was quite varied but felt a bit disorganized. For example, under the sandwiches and pizza section, there was only one sandwich—a hamburger—and three pizza options, which struck me as odd.
The beer selection was underwhelming, limited to two local Abita brews. The wine list had some decent options, but several were quite pricey at $20-25 per glass.
We ordered a half dozen raw oysters, which were delicious and large, although they forgot to bring hot sauce. The crackers served were stale.
My wife ordered the grouper served on grits with arugula, but it arrived piled high with greens, almost resembling a salad. It was a solid dish overall, but all sides and salads are offered a la carte.
I wasn’t overly hungry but was intrigued by the steak topped with a half soft-shell crab—half seemed an odd portion. I might go for that next time at $39.
I opted for the warm duck salad, which consisted mainly of duck over a bed of spinach, topped with a sprinkle of cheese, cranberries, and a sweet dressing. I enjoyed this dish and would order it again. My wife liked the grouper as well, and I appreciated that the fish wasn't breaded.
We decided to share a dessert called Louisiana Lust, a delightful combination of a blonde brownie and pecan pie with chocolate—a perfect size for sharing. Again, the lack of prices meant I avoided guessing, and I opted out of after-dinner drinks instead.
Overall, we had a great evening—the ambiance, food, and service were all enjoyable, and we’ll definitely return. I hope they will earn a spot in my four-star club soon. Stay tuned!"
