Formerly the home of Fat Dogs (which has since moved up the street to Spring Garden and Holden), this bar space got a significant makeover and significant input from Crafted! owner/chef/taco wizard Kris Fuller before launching last year. This was enough to give Bites & Pints some hope despite the presence of Hops and Scrambled across the street. It’s a winning concept that does enough to stand out, but so far, it seems to be falling short of its full potential.
Inside, Bites & Pints is considerably more visually appealing than the building’s previous tenant. It’s bright and open with distinctive décor (turquoise and gray) and a lively, casual vibe. There are still plenty of televisions and a full bar, so those seeking a more traditional bar experience won’t feel put off.
B&P’s menu takes a lot of the usual suspects – burgers and dogs and sandwiches and wings – and gives them a shot of excitement. Why settle for a fried chicken sandwich when you can have a chicken and waffle sandwich? Want a Philly cheesesteak? Howabout one with chimichurri and beer cheese? Even the burgers are a ground short rib and brisket blend.
For our first visit, my wife and I split the Kitchen Sink Tots and went with the Chicago Dog and the Surf and Turf Burger (on weekly special), respectively. The tots were the highlight and arguably the best version of loaded tater tots I’ve had to date. Queso freco and lime sour cream give this rendition the edge. The all-beef Chicago Dog, on the other hand, was a winner by virtue of not straying from the formula. Celery, sports peppers, mustard, and tomato delivered the expected flavors and an air of legitimacy.
Unfortunately, the rest of the food was more uneven. The Surf and Turf burger was topped with grilled shrimp, melted pepper jack, mango salsa, and Old Bay aioli. To the dish’s credit, the burger was quality (albeit seemingly smaller than what you’ll find across the street), the shrimp were perfect, and the mango salsa added some welcome sweetness and freshness. However, the whole thing was a mess to eat (do not prematurely remove the load-bearing toothpick), and the Old Bay made it very salty. I chose Asian slaw as my side, and while the red cabbage concoction wasn’t bad, it isn’t something I would necessarily re-order.
Bites & Pints offers fair prices. The dishes might be elevated, but the amount charged hasn’t made a spectacular leap. The Chicago Dog ran $6.50, our tots were $9, and while my burger was $11 (likely owing to the shrimp), burgers and sandwiches usually run in the $6.50 to $8 range, all with a side included. Service was friendly and efficient at the time of our visit, but I got a “beware when it gets busy” vibe from this place.
All told, Bites & Pints is an energetic spot with a very promising menu, but it could benefit from more consistent execution.
7.75/10
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