The best way I know how to describe the transformation of Lake Brazos Steakhouse to Lake Brazos Bar & Grill is to state that it used to be George Strait, maybe a little Hank Williams Jr., and now it's Jimmy Buffett.
I'm going to assume that if you are reading this blog then that makes sense and I don't need to unpack the analogy any further.
But I do want to give a little more background on the transformation of this longstanding Waco restaurant. Once upon a time at a location different but not too far from Lake Brazos' current location, it was one of a triangle of similar restaurants which also included Heitmiller and Lone Star Tavern.
Ordering at all three of these places meant picking up a worksheet menu upon arrival, circling drink, appetizer and entree choices and then waiting in delicious anticipation for the meal to arrive.
Lone Star Tavern is the only one that still operates in this way. That is why I love Lone Star Tavern. But it's nothing against Heitmiller and Lake Brazos, which have modernized, I guess.
Due to a fire a few years ago, Lake Brazos relocated and now it has been re-branded. I spoke with manager Costa Poulos, who told me the restaurant is attempting to draw in customers that might normally think of a steakhouse as being out of their price range on most nights.
The biggest change on the menu is the inclusion of a distinct beach motif, including items like the Beachcomber Burger (with the options of grilled mushrooms, quasi and bacon), Beach Buddies (fried calamari) and Waikiki Beach Chicken.
Apparently, the change to "Bar &Grill" to take hold at this point is the Mason Monday, which features a 32-ounce mason jar of draft beer for $2.99. Lake Brazos Bar & Grill offers that kind of drink special every day. Check out our Happy Hour & Specials page for details.
Olive Branch extends special offer
According to The Olive Branch proprietor Leah Stewart's blog, leahstable.com, The Olive Branch has a special offer for its customers tonight and Wednesday evening during its "Table Service Sneak Peek."
Customers can enjoy dinner at a discounted rate from 5:30 to 7 both nights as The Olive Branch puts on a dress rehearsal for its new servers and menu as it converts to table service. It's a training opportunity and the blog notes that The Olive Branch "will not be open for dinner on a regular basis."
I think this is an exciting change. The Olive Branch is one of my favorite places to grab lunch with a friend when we have business to discus. Table service should make it that much more conducive to those types of relaxed meetings.
Two more bites: There are two musical events on my radar on Saturday night. Jars of Clay will be playing at Common Grounds, while Beatnix is presenting the Pink Floyd cover band Beat to a Pulp.
