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Restaurant review: Bolton’s spices up Brainerd dining

My extra spicy catfish plate at Bolton's came with two slices of wheat bread, onion slices, pickles, fries and mac and cheese. It's a spicy, crunchy, delicious piece of fish. My extra spicy catfish plate at Bolton's came with two slices of wheat bread, onion slices, pickles, fries and mac and cheese. It's a spicy, crunchy, delicious piece of fish.

By Barry Courter February 9, 2017 5 min read

If you go

› What: Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish, 3202 Brainerd Road› Phone: 423-805-5357› Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday› Price range: $2 for sides, $3.75 for kids meals, $11 for grouper and tilapia plates› Alcohol: Beer

As a longtime Brainerd resident, I’m always happy to see a good new restaurant move into the area. And it’s even better when it is close enough to walk.

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish recently opened in the 3200 block of Brainerd Road in an area that, frankly, can use a boost in business and activity. It’s the bright red building just through the tunnel on your right if you are coming from town.

I stopped in twice last week and feel certain I will return. One way to tell if a place is any good is by studying the clientele. When looking for a lunch place in particular, if you see a lot of utility trucks parked outside, it’s a safe bet the food is good and plentiful.

While the restaurant was not filled with guys in neon shirts and vests for either of my visits, they were represented.