The happiest hour spent at Bar Louie

Bar Louie is not your average watering hole, according to general manager Timm Dumansky.

"I like to describe Bar Louie as a high-end, casual dining restaurant," Dumansky said. "Don't be fooled by our name. We are a restaurant that also serves drinks."

Bar Louie, which was awarded "Concept of Tomorrow" by Restaurant Hospitality, combines a hip club/lounge atmosphere with great food and drink specials.

For almost three years, Bar Louie has provided locals in the Dr. Phillips area with oversized food dishes, signature drinks and a laid-back atmosphere.

Specials include a Monday through Friday happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., which features $3 draft beer, $4 glasses of wine, $5 Martinis and half-price select appetizers.

Jon Whitmore of the Dr. Phillips area enjoys coming to Bar Louie after work.

"The happy hour is a great way to start off my night," Whitmore said.

Each Tuesday night from 5 p.m. until close, patrons can enjoy the full-size burger on the menu for a dollar. On Thursdays, Bar Louie offers drink and food specials from 9 p.m. to close to anyone in the hospitality industry.

"Bar Louie features something for everyone," Dumansky said. "We have 40 beers on tap and signature Martinis like the S'mores, Caffeinator or Strawberry Fizz. Our food menu features salads, 17 different sandwiches in addition to our large plate entrée choices. Also, all of our burgers can be made into a chicken breast burger, turkey burger or portobello burger."

The menu also features calamari, Bavarian pretzel sticks, fish and chips, chimichurri steak, sesame-encrusted ahi tuna, baked macaroni and cheese, tacos, wings and salads.

The sandwich section of the menu includes shrimp or fish po' boys, grilled veggie wraps, bacon and fried egg and blackened chicken muffuletta, in addition to seven different burgers.

For those with a sweet tooth, Bar Louie has four different desserts to choose from.

On weekend nights Bar Louie also features live entertainment, including DJ Brian Boughamer, who typically performs on Fridays.

"Bar Louie is [a] chill crowd. There are always a lot of people that come to dance and have fun," Boughamer said.

Boughamer said that the club consistently brings in an eclectic crowd, much like his music mixes.

The restaurant features an outdoor patio complete with its own bar and big-screen television. Inside, patrons will find a sleek décor, bolstered by comfy bar chairs and light green booths. The wood panel walls are adorned with large pictures of iconic figures, such as The Rat Pack.

The atmosphere, Dumansky said, is meant to welcome guests at all times.

"Bar Louie is a neighborhood restaurant where people feel comfortable no matter what time of day," Dumansky said.

Bar Louie is located at 7335 Sand Lake Road in the Dr. Phillips area, and is open from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. A detailed menu can be found at www.barlouieamerica.com.