Inside: Bar Louie Tavern & Grill in Novi

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Those wonderful service-industry people popped bottles, too

Status: This year the offerings at Novi’s Fountainwalk seemed to increase with each passing month -- think MBarGo and and the soon-to-be-unveiled Liquor Store. This time a year ago, it wasn’t a club that sprung forth but Bar Louie, part of a country-wide modern bar and grill chain.

Gear: If you think jeans and sports jerseys would be appropriate because of the multitude of flat-screen televisions, you’d be right. But with the cozy, cushioned half-circle booths, muted yellow lights and convenient proximity to a few clubs, fashion-savvy guests will be right at home sporting the latest designer trends.

Mood: One of six in the chain of Bar Louie taverns in Michigan, the Novi location boasts the same contemporary photography, mosaic tiles and wood-paneled walls as the nearly four-dozen locations throughout the country.

“It’s always a good crowd,” says Corey Wacker, 28, of Commerce Township. “There’s no fights and it’s a real chill place.”

The bouncer at the front door checking ID Friday and Saturday nights hints that parents should leave the kiddies at home, though the venue is undeniably receptive to families.

The dinner rush comes about 4 p.m., and Sunday brings an older clientele thanks to the Sunday brunch with free donuts and bottomless mimosas, say Bar Louie greeters Molly, Brittany and Megan.

The draw for 28-year-old Deon Swyer, of Northville who visits Bar Louise about three times a month, is “the atmosphere and the ladies.”

Pick me up: With more than 40 beers on tap at a cost of $5-$6 there really is something for all your brew needs. About 20 specialty cocktails, like the Louie’s Cosmo (Belvedere Citrus, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, white cranberry juice and a splash of pure cane syrup), are original to the bar.

Instead of the three Rs you learned in school, Bar Louie focuses on the three Ms – mojitos, margaritas and martinis. If the names of the 14 martinis aren’t enough entice you to give ‘em a try, then how about the price? For $6-$8 each, you can savor the Strawberry Fizz, Velvet, Dirty CEO, Honeydew, Caffeinator and more, says bartender Jaclyn Brandt.

Soak up the cocktail with small plate appetizers (spinach and artichoke dip, chicken nachos, potstickers, wings, etc.), salads, a variety of sandwiches (bacon and fried egg, smoked tuna avocado flatbread, etc.), pizza, burgers and large plates (Tuscan chicken pasta, mac & cheese, Bangkok stir fry, etc.).

Entertainment: Thursday through Saturday, Bar Louie will celebrate its one-year anniversary with $3 drafts, $1 Bud and Bud Light bottles, $5 specialty drinks, half-priced appetizers, cash prizes and live music. There are also about 19 flat screen TVs around the rectangular bar and throughout the venue.

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