The Great Grizzly Bear

14 of us for lunch. 10 of the orders were wrong. Waitress was cute. Barmaid a knockout. Food average at best.
Still were unable to get them all right. I had never been there but the organizer of the luncheon get together said «We don’t come here for the food»
Decide what your priorities are and go from there.

Made this a stop on a bar hop for a friends birthday and am not going to lie, wasn’t too impressed. First off, there was no indications outside the building that it was even open — no music blaring, nothing. Got inside to a dead crowd and the «band» resting. Ordered drinks from a bartender who wasn’t too happy to be there and sat for a few minutes. The band eventually got started again but we didn’t stay long as the atmosphere wasn’t hopping.

I was here earlier this week to grab some dinner before our Paint Nite which was scheduled here. Food and drinks were more than reasonably priced. Food was fine for the price but didn’t stand out to me. My sister ordered the po’ boy and I ordered a grilled buffalo chicken Sammy with waffle fries. We had no complaints about our service but some of the other tables (note: during paint nite) seemed to have issues getting attention. The really stand out part about this bar, to me, was the patio. Very spacious and just a pleasant alcove in the city. They also allowed dogs out there when we were there — not sure if its a full time policy but I appreciated getting to pet some adorable dogs.
As far as a venue for a Paint Nite event — tables are slightly cramped and it’s not the best lighting but certainly doable. The ambiance of the inside is very interesting too given all of the wood detailing.

Good food, atmosphere and a place to handout. I really liked their buffalo chicken burger and gigantic nachos on a baking tray.

This is another good neighborhood pub in Soulard with a nice outside patio. They often have live music in the front room and the place can get packed on the weekends. Outside of the weekends it’s more of local/​regulars type of bar that has an extensive menu. I have eaten here several times and the food is just ok (think typical bar food quality but with much more to choose from). The patio out back is great in the warm months and has it’s own bar. If you plan on catching a game at Busch or Scottrade The Grizzly Bear runs a shuttle to and from each game so this is a good place to gather before and after.

We came here as park of bike/​bar trolley tour. I really wish they would of picked some different places than the average ones we went on. The bartender was ok. They didn’t have anything that popped out at me. I’ve heard they have a good menu with lots of Mardi Gras style food. This is the area where the St. Louis Mardi Gras is every year. 2^nd biggest in the Nation. I gave it the extra star for the effort in staying historic. Give me a beer and it’s on to the next one.

Interesting place. Really like the atmosphere and the patio is top-​notch. It’s like a secret garden with booze. Food was tasty, nothing special, though. Fair food pricing.
Pros: Service, feel of the place, shuttle to sports games.
Cons: No draught beer! (well, bud light I think, but that doesn’t really count, let’s be real.) No specials on drinks after happy hour

Cool atmosphere and location but the food wasn’t too spectacular. Pretty average pub grub that was unmemorable.

Great intimate bar nestled in the heart of Soulard. They were kind enough to allow our volunteer organization, Angels’ Arms, to host a happy hour there to raise money for the cause and to solicit interest in upcoming events. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. The appetizer selection on our buffet was great because it included the classics– toasted ravioli, jalapeño poppers, wings. They had a neat twist on pretzels… bite sized pieces quick fried with beer cheese dip… YUM! They also had the new craze of flash fried green beans and these wonderful, little bite sized jalapeño stuffed potato puffs.
They also have a shuttle down to every home Cardinals game… just an FYI if you get to Llewellyns & they are full!

A fun bar in Soulard. Give this place a shot and you’ll be glad you did.

Pretty good food, not too expensive. Service can be sketchy, though. I usually get the cajun sandwich. No complaints, and would recommend it.

We waited almost 15 minutes (when it wasn’t really busy) then left to go somewhere else.
I wouldn’t say it’s usually like that, but seems to be becoming the norm with this place.
Food is good (grizzly balls!) and the beer garden is pretty cool.
Not sure if they have good specials on drinks though…

I love this place’s cozy patio. The food is all really tasty and definitely bad for you. This is a perfect place to start or end a night of debauchery.
A few notes. The beer menu is just boring domestic stuff. They did have a goose island ipa that I liked. Basic bar cocktails served. Our waitress was definitely a stripper on her side job. She was flirting hard to get tips. Anyway, I dig this place a lot.

You’re never too old to go on a bar crawl, especially in Soulard!
Mandie M. was a little aghast at my lack of familiarity of the good bars in Soulard (previously defined as, «Social House IS in Soulard, right?» And yes, you can laugh at that.), so one night she and I decided to go on a bar crawl. The details get a little fuzzy because I am a heavy lightweight so you’ll have to bear with me.
This was our first stop, and it was pretty empty when we first arrived. We went straight to the patio, which apparently is the place to be. It has the feel of someone’s backyard, someone’s hi-​tech backyard, as it’s rigged with a projector so you can watch ESPN while drinking. I like. Lots of mosquitoes that night, I remember, because the closer I got to finishing my beer, the more I wanted bug spray and citronella on the tables. Otherwise, it’s like Soulard’s Secret Garden.
We did have to go to the counter to order, but that’s okay… I’m always a little confused at bars when they actually take your orders at the tables. Reading the other reviews, I’ve realized that I rarely go to bars just to eat, but I’m going to have to come back and have some Great Grizzly Balls! They didn’t have live music there that night, but I hear that they sometimes do, along with Happy Hour and the usual bar stuff, including a shuttle to Cards games, which I think is the best idea ever invented.
Oh. And FYI, there are STEPS when you leave the bar. Just saying.

«Great Grizzly Balls!»
That’s what patrons have been saying about The Great Grizzly Bear. This Soulard establishment is known for its signature appetizer and sell hundreds of them a day. At first glance, they look like hushpuppies, but when one takes a bit into these crispy critters, shredded chicken and heat is discovered. Spicey, crispy chicken balls? Sign me up!
The only thing that keeps me from being a regular at GGB is the distance, just a little over half a mile walk. May not seem like much, but consider the many options that are passed along the way.
I have been to GGB three or four times now, and I have enjoyed every meal. Recently, the owner went to a more New Orleans style menu. My last visit I tried the Cajun Mac & Cheese, which was nice, and another time I savored the Cajun Po’ Boy. However, it’s hard to escape those Grizzly Balls!
Sometimes the service can be a little questionable. Also, the workers can be somewhat out there, but all good things come to those with a some patience.

So I’ll start off by saying it depends why you’re going to the GGB. After eating here twice and cocktailing on several occasions I’ve come to the conclusion that this is much more of a bar than a restaurant.
My first experience of eating here was fabulous. Food came out quickly. The grizzly balls full of cheese were surprisingly tasty. My Reuben sandwich was nothing to brag about but the portions were good and the beer was cheap.
Well, last week after an evening of heavy debauchery, I set out to find something to settle my hangover. I figured I’d give the GGB another go but this time I ordered carry out. Big mistake. I placed my order and the waitress on the phone explained that 40 people had just walked into the bar and my order wouldn’t be ready for 30 minutes. No big deal in my mind. So I showed up after 30 minutes. No waitress in sight at the bar. I waited around for ten minutes before a woman walked out of the kitchen and asked how she could help. I explained that I had a carryout order to which she brought my ticket over and explained it would be out in a bit. So I sat, waited, and regretted the decisions I had made the night before. 38 minutes went by before my food finally came out. No apology from the waitress whatsoever.
Needless to say I have learned my lesson in ordering carryout from here. Next time I’ll choose somewhere else to coat the stomach with grease!

With a name like «The Great Grizzly Bear» how can I not give it a 5 star review! This local gem is nested in the perfect corner of Soulard! I had no idea how great their patio was until I showed up to meet some friends one night and I was blown away! The patio is so secluded and much larger than any other patio I’ve been to in a while. I can easily say that this is the Best patio in Soulard and I will continue to visit during the summer months just to enjoy a drink out in the back.
I know sports are really important to Saint Louis Locals and so it is also important for me to point out 2 things; 1) they offer a shuttle to all home games and 2) they have tv’s inside and a projector outside for games to be shown. This is great!
The service has been great and the bartenders are pretty awesome! I know it can get busy, and so I just caution you to go with a positive attitude and you will get great service! It might take a minute or 2, but it’s worth it. The locals who sit at the bar are friendly and will even help you get an order in if needed. table service is pretty good too, but on busy nights I prefer to just go up to the bar to save the waitress from having to fight the crowds.
I think the food is good, but I can’t really speak for any of it other than the fried zucchini sticks; which were delicious. I usually go to grab a drink, but next time I’m out there I’ll be sure to grab a meal and write a review on that! The beer is good and their drink specials are pretty decent.
Overall, I am pleased with the Grizzly and I think you will be too.

Great Grizzlies!.. Don’t get the gristle bear sandwich. A coupin brought myself and mister no name to TGGB Saturday afternoon for lunch and we asked the bartender, who was super nice, which sandwiches she recommended, and she said that the Grizzly Bear sandwich was her favorite and everyone comes in to get it. It was basically an open faced roast beef sandwich with cheese and jalapeño peppers.
So, I ordered it with onion rings. It came out with fries. The sandwich was covered in gravy, which the menu did not specify and I couldn’t find any cheese. But the worst part was the gristle edges on the beef. Normally if by chance, I happen to insert something inedible into my mouth in public, I try to just Fear Factor that shit down, but the Gristle Bear did not give me that option. Not once, but twice, I had to ‘napkin’ a bite. I ended up picking through each piece of meat, forced by a hangover that was unwilling to give everything up. Yuck.
Nameless ordered the 3 pound burrito, which granted he should have known better, but regardless it was pretty tasteless except for the ‘fried’ flavor of the tortilla.
The only saving grace were the bear balls. Whoever invented a deep fried hot chicken wing hush puppy is a genius level appetizer wizard, who by all accounts should be shucking his balls alongside Tyson or TGIF’s in the frozen foods section of Schnucks.

There was no welcome or «Hello, grab yourself a table anywhere and I’ll be right with you» when we arrived. After unsuccessfully trying to get someones attention at the inside bar to find out if we just grab a seat anywhere, we walked out to their back patio and I asked the bartender outside if we just grab a table and seat ourselves… which we did.
We sat for a little while unattended, until I decided to go find the menus hoping to send the message that, «Hey, we want FOOD». While I was at it, I stalked down the waitress, I think she was the only waitresses working, to make sure she knew we were there to have dinner. I have to give her props tho, because despite it being somewhat busy before the Cards/​Brewers game, she did a great job juggling all those tables and service wasn’t too slow.
The menu is a little different than their website, so don’t set your heart on something because it might not be on the restaurant menu. I went with the Turkey Cheddar Bacon Melt on sourdough with fries. The hubby went with their BBQ Bacon Burger and fries. My melt was similar to the Bread Co smokehouse turkey panini only on this one was on steroids. The amount of meat in that sandwich was unreal. Every bite was mouthwatering-​ly good. The hubby’s BBQ burger was a little overwhelming on the BBQ, we both agreed a plain ol’ burger is much better. Fries were okay.
Overall the food was better than expected for a bar, and the portions are hardy. But I think I’m still a little put off by the unfriendly first impression and the standoffish service.
It was nice to see that they have a free shuttle to all home games, too bad we already had parking or we would have taken advantage of that.

This was the place-​of-​choice for last night’s Book Club. When I showed up early to grab a table, the lights were on and there was a TV on inside but the door was locked. OK…
A gentleman came out and said they were closed. Then why is he here, watching TV and hanging out at the bar?
I asked if I could bring a group inside (so he could make some money!) and the gentleman was less-​than-​nice or helpful.
We went down the street to Joanie’s instead. And yes, I updated the restaurant info on Unilocal.Won’t be coming back…