Andrew Jenson | Crumbs
If you’re in the Palouse Mall on Pullman Road and expect to find Quiznos or The Sugar Bowl Ice Cream shop by the Super China Buffet, you’re in for a surprise. A new eatery by the name of The Side Bar and Grill has opened up where the sandwich and ice cream shops use to be, and it’s ready for business.
The Side Bar and Grill, which is primarily a hamburger eatery, has only been open for around three weeks, but have established themselves as a premier eatery in Moscow. It operates as if it’s been there for years, with a kind and professional staff.
While the name is rather generic, the food isn’t.
It’s not spectacular or unforgettable per se, but it’s still enjoyable and tasty. If you’re in the mood for a burger and you don’t want it from a fast food place, the grill is a good place to go. They’ve not only got good burgers, but good fries, wraps and desserts as well. You won’t be upset or dissatisfied with the food or service.
Be aware, this isn’t the place to go for a quick lunch or dinner. You still have to order and wait for your food like in any other restaurant. This is the place to go if you have some time on your hands and you want something relatively heavy.
There are two distinct problems with the eatery. The first problem is prices. For college students, the food isn’t affordable. Hamburgers cost around $10 a piece, but the cost does include a side of fries. It might be fine for a visit or two over a semester, but likely no more than that.
Additionally, the restaurant is rather small. It’s not the place to have a large gathering for a meal, if you wanted to dine with family or friends. The bar is similarly small and quiet. While not terrible, this probably isn’t the best choice for those with a large group of friends. There are other options in Moscow that are likely more relaxed or fun.
That being said, the environment at The Side Bar and Grill is great. There’s a certain quiet air about it that is really inviting, especially since it’s in a mall. The mall can get crowded and noisy, but the restaurant still maintains that same atmosphere.
On top of the atmosphere and food, it looks nice. It’s bright and cheerful with some unique and interesting decorations. It’s a nice place to sit down and eat. And if you get bored looking around the restaurant, you can always catch the baseball or football games in the bar.
Overall, The Side Bar and Grill is a restaurant you should check out. While there may be better choices for college students, it’s still worth a visit or two.
Andrew Jenson can be reached at [email protected]