Bar Louie is described on its website as "an eclectic urban bar."
Since the chain's new Chattanooga location is inside Hamilton Place mall, the "urban" part of that description may be a bit of a stretch. But considering its surroundings and the general state of chain-restaurant dining in the area, "eclectic" does apply, and the restaurant is a welcome addition to the Hamilton Place area.
The Chattanooga location of Bar Louie opened in early June as the third Tennessee location of the restaurant, which originated in Chicago in 1991.
The restaurant and bar are based on a concept of creating a hip, sophisticated vibe with hardwood floors, an expansive bar area and a wide menu of drinks and food not normally seen at suburban restaurants.
With an outside entrance upstairs in Hamilton Place, the Chattanooga location is open until 2 a.m., with live music featured on certain nights.
The Menu
Bar Louie features a fairly expansive menu with a wide selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches and entrees.
While more familiar items such as nachos, fries and burgers can be found on the menu, Bar Louie has options for more adventurous diners.
Truffle butter popcorn, hummus and meatballs al forno highlight the "small plates" section, and fish tacos, po'boy sandwiches and something called "Voodoo Chicken" are part of a wide range of choices for diners.
In addition to food, Bar Louie has a full-service bar and offers a drink menu with various martinis, margaritas and mojitos made with premium ingredients.
The Meal
For a midweek lunch, the meal started with an order of buffalo-style calamari. The calamari, battered and fried, were tossed in a buffalo wing sauce and topped with blue cheese crumbles.
Served with a side of blue cheese dressing and presented in a wax-paper cone, this was a different and tangy take on the traditional seafood appetizer. The sauce made the calamari a bit heavier than usual but not overly so.
The main course was the Tuscan chicken pasta, which was worth the trip to the mall. Cavatappi pasta was tossed in an alfredo sauce with grilled chicken, artichoke, spinach, cheese, basil, tomato and mushrooms.
The dish was light and refreshing - a good choice on a hot summer day - while still providing a full meal.
The Service
With any newly opened restaurant, service can be hit-or-miss. In this case, the Hamilton Place Bar Louie was a hit.
The service at the bar was superb, with a friendly bartender who made enough conversation to make you feel at home but not so much to distract from your meal.
Friendly and helpful suggestions were offered when requested, and the food was served as ordered in a timely manner.
The Space
The dark wood, leather chairs and contemporary art on the walls are designed to make it seem as if you aren't dining at the mall but at a trendy nightspot, and for the most part the effect is successful.
The lighting is bright enough to eat and read the menu comfortably while still setting a casual mood. The exposed ductwork in the ceiling gives an urban flair to the space.
The Verdict
Normally, dining at any mall conjures images of food courts and fast food. Bar Louie certainly is not that.
By providing a unique atmosphere in a somewhat unexpected location, the Chattanooga location of Bar Louie offers an appealing alternative when you're looking for a meal that's a bit more upscale after a day of shopping.
The food and drinks are well prepared and offer something different than the normal chain-restaurant fare. It's worth a visit to Bar Louie on your next trip to Hamilton Place.