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The Big Stick got its doors open just in time for the Winter Classic, serving up beers and sausages to hockey fans on New Year's Day. Were people impressed? Here's the early buzz on the new bar from the Justin's Cafe team.
The Place to Be: The Big Stick is earning 4.5 stars on Yelp right now, with seven reviews in. One from Paul M. says, "Was at TBS while home over the holidays... nothing but good things to say! I can see this being the place to be for Nats games and events at the stadium for a long time to come. The beer list is strong and the food my buddy and I ordered was outstanding - the curried chicken salad and the Ann Dewey sausage deserve special mention. Inviting layout and friendly staff made our experience all the more enjoyable." [Yelp]
The Disappointed News: Yelper Rachel A. says, "There are some great things about the Big Stick (the location and beer list) and I hope the kitchen issues can get resolved. I really really want to like this place, but I think in the future I'll just have drinks at the bar and avoid the food." [Yelp]
Opening Night Success: Yelper June M. says, "We ate there on the opening night and really enjoyed the half-smoke, german potato salad and Eggenberg hopfenkonig pilsners. The Big Stick has a nice bright atmosphere and attentive staff. Looks like a great place to hang out with friends!" [Yelp]
The Decor Review: Samantha F. writes on Yelp, "It's not that large but feels spacious and cozy all at the same time. There is one amazingly cool table off to the side --- complete with a sofa/fireplace. Definitely recommend getting their early to score that area. Otherwise, there's a lot of baseball memorabilla done in a tasteful manner - old bats cut and strung to make an art installation, a lot of wood (booths/bar, etc)." [Yelp]
The 'Great' News: On Facebook, Erika writes, "Great place! Great people, great menu, great drink menu! Will definitely be back!" [FB]
The Hockey News: Washington Post named The Big Stick as one of the best places to watch The Winter Classic. [WP]
The Cheese Curd Appreciation News: UrbanDaddy writes, This is a pregame place, plain and simple...Yes, that's an art installation made from sawed-up baseball bats. And yes, if you said the bar is "baseball-bat-colored," you wouldn't be wrong. Adding to your comfort: taps that gravitate toward pilsners and other European styles, and sausages that gravitate toward duck, beer brats and half-smokes. They've even got some Wisconsin-style cheese curds. Nice. [UD]
