I don't typically leave reviews. But someone should know... U of I Homecoming weekend. Downtown packed with people and multiple live music venues. Some places packed to the brim. ONE BARTENDER
Grant Gonzales
Remarkably stunning cocktails from an unassuming bar that simultaneously has a great tap list and good vibes all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah Cherian
Great atmosphere. I love sitting out in the patio area on summer evenings. The expanded cocktail menu really works well for non-been drinkers like myself but there are still plenty of beer options for others
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Sean H
I don’t like to rip on local businesses because I know it’s hard out there, but unfortunately I didn’t have a great experience in my first time visiting Hound’s Court.
Came in on a Monday night and instantly felt like we were a burden to the bartender as she reluctantly got up out of her stool to greet us.
Sorry for coming in? Not asking for a Jimmy John’s style greeting or anything, it was just very obvious the bartender would rather be anywhere else. so that was a fun way to start our brief introduction to Hound’s Court.
First draft choice was low/out and while we got a free “half” glass on the house, we coincidentally ended up ordering the replacement draft from the same tap later on, which had freshly been written on the menu, so we assumed it was readily available- but I guess they never bothered to change the keg in the 45 minutes or so we were on the patio sipping down our first beers. Maybe they hoped no one would order it? Idk. Just strange, and we had to wait a good 7-8 minutes as they switched kegs and cleared the lines and again, while the bartender was apologetic during the swap, it still just felt like we were a burden being there and having to serve us.
I dunno if it’s unusual but No one came to check in with us or bus tables on the patio. maybe we get spoiled at places like Riggs or Bunny’s where you can’t go more than 5 minutes without getting acknowledged by staff. Just was different than many other places in town now especially since only 8-10 patrons were there, tops, at the time. Can I tip myself for good service?
I did like the cute dog related artwork around the place. That was a nice touch. However, The patio felt a bit unkept, with some plants overgrown and hanging over some of the tables, which is a shame as they have one of the best patio locations in town in my opinion.
30 or 40 minutes later, After our second round, we went inside to close the tab and the entire place was empty. Had to search the bar to find the bartender, and eventually after 5 minutes or so, we found her outside smoking. she was apologetic for the delay in settling up, but it just kinda capped a night where I decided I probably won’t be back, as it really felt like they didn’t want customers that night for whatever reason and didn’t put much love and care into the little things that make a local bar truly great.
Didn’t really have the same issues at Hound’s rest over the prior weekend, although they were also out of the one drink on tap that I really wanted to try.
Weird vibes aside, I was a bit disappointed by the drink selection. Not many (if any?) local offerings, which was one of the best parts of the Blind Pig. And two out of four drinks I tried to order were out between the two locations, so maybe it wasn’t a coincidence after all? Woof.
They literally didn’t have to change a thing from the iconic Blind Pig days and I would’ve been happy. Sad to see it. Just disappointing all around. Maybe I’ll give it another try down the road, but in the meantime, I Guess I’ll just stick to Riggs and Bunny’s. I know for sure they are at least happy to see us. 😭
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Kate Farris
Lovely patio and good beer selection!
Selena Gonzalez
A casual drink with flies mixed in… common courtesy man
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
P (K)
This is a very nice place to get drinks with friends. I really like the atmosphere here. They have a good selection of beers and cocktails. Cool!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Matt W
Staff more knowledgeable than hounds rest can at least make an old fashioned but again the prices are overwhelmingly expensive. Most people I know aren't going to pay 8-9$ for a single beer.
Great bar to unwind at
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
I don't typically leave reviews. But someone should know... U of I Homecoming weekend. Downtown packed with people and multiple live music venues. Some places packed to the brim. ONE BARTENDER
Remarkably stunning cocktails from an unassuming bar that simultaneously has a great tap list and good vibes all around.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere. I love sitting out in the patio area on summer evenings. The expanded cocktail menu really works well for non-been drinkers like myself but there are still plenty of beer options for others
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
I don’t like to rip on local businesses because I know it’s hard out there, but unfortunately I didn’t have a great experience in my first time visiting Hound’s Court.
Came in on a Monday night and instantly felt like we were a burden to the bartender as she reluctantly got up out of her stool to greet us.
Sorry for coming in? Not asking for a Jimmy John’s style greeting or anything, it was just very obvious the bartender would rather be anywhere else. so that was a fun way to start our brief introduction to Hound’s Court.
First draft choice was low/out and while we got a free “half” glass on the house, we coincidentally ended up ordering the replacement draft from the same tap later on, which had freshly been written on the menu, so we assumed it was readily available- but I guess they never bothered to change the keg in the 45 minutes or so we were on the patio sipping down our first beers. Maybe they hoped no one would order it? Idk. Just strange, and we had to wait a good 7-8 minutes as they switched kegs and cleared the lines and again, while the bartender was apologetic during the swap, it still just felt like we were a burden being there and having to serve us.
I dunno if it’s unusual but No one came to check in with us or bus tables on the patio. maybe we get spoiled at places like Riggs or Bunny’s where you can’t go more than 5 minutes without getting acknowledged by staff. Just was different than many other places in town now especially since only 8-10 patrons were there, tops, at the time. Can I tip myself for good service?
I did like the cute dog related artwork around the place. That was a nice touch. However,
The patio felt a bit unkept, with some plants overgrown and hanging over some of the tables, which is a shame as they have one of the best patio locations in town in my opinion.
30 or 40 minutes later, After our second round, we went inside to close the tab and the entire place was empty. Had to search the bar to find the bartender, and eventually after 5 minutes or so, we found her outside smoking. she was apologetic for the delay in settling up, but it just kinda capped a night where I decided I probably won’t be back, as it really felt like they didn’t want customers that night for whatever reason and didn’t put much love and care into the little things that make a local bar truly great.
Didn’t really have the same issues at Hound’s rest over the prior weekend, although they were also out of the one drink on tap that I really wanted to try.
Weird vibes aside, I was a bit disappointed by the drink selection. Not many (if any?) local offerings, which was one of the best parts of the Blind Pig. And two out of four drinks I tried to order were out between the two locations, so maybe it wasn’t a coincidence after all? Woof.
They literally didn’t have to change a thing from the iconic Blind Pig days and I would’ve been happy. Sad to see it. Just disappointing all around. Maybe I’ll give it another try down the road, but in the meantime, I Guess I’ll just stick to Riggs and Bunny’s. I know for sure they are at least happy to see us. 😭
Atmosphere: 2
Service: 2
Lovely patio and good beer selection!
A casual drink with flies mixed in… common courtesy man
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
This is a very nice place to get drinks with friends. I really like the atmosphere here. They have a good selection of beers and cocktails. Cool!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 4
Staff more knowledgeable than hounds rest can at least make an old fashioned but again the prices are overwhelmingly expensive. Most people I know aren't going to pay 8-9$ for a single beer.
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