The Bryant Food and Drink Co.

This is a celebration spot. Expensive, smug, and treating a variety of appetites, right up there with Black Sparrow and Town & Gown. The Bryant is right under the sublime RedSeven and above Cristos in this family chain. Fantastic burgers and unique shakes but be warned of the prices. A full bar, strong interior design, and modern tasty menu options, all adds up to very quickly to easily push fifty a person yet dishes can be surprisingly small. Local brews, good service, and a menu spread across fish, steak, and more make sense why this becomes very busy on weekends with the elite. I personally recommend Town and Gown first for its often quiet downtown mood, top drawer quality, and smart value due, also rarely a wait there. Ribeye Cheesesteak Egg Rolls have been my favorite here along with the gnocchi. They really need a rewards program across all their four brands.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Pan Seared Barramundi

I recently visited with a group of 10 friends to celebrate a birthday, and while we had a reservation, the experience was a bit mixed. On the positive side, we really appreciated that each person could have their own separate check – a nice touch that made things smoother. The food was delicious, and everyone enjoyed their meals, so no complaints there.

However, there were a few things that left us feeling a bit slighted. Early on, the waitress asked if anyone needed to go boxes while people were still actively eating, which felt a little premature. Toward the end of our meal, she came over and said, “I don’t mean to rush you, but we have a reservation coming in 10 minutes.” This felt a little uncomfortable, especially since there were open long tables around us, so it didn’t seem like they were in immediate need of our space.

Overall, the food was great, and the reservation process was smooth, but the rush at the end of the evening really put a damper on the experience. It’s the first time I’ve had a restaurant ask us to hurry up in such a way, and it felt a little inconsiderate. Would still recommend the food, but I hope they can work on the timing and guest experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 3

Reasonable service. The food was not that good. I asked for medium burger but it was overcooked, so it was super dry and not juicy at all.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 3

Make reservations.

Great food, but those prices are HIGH!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

This is my daughter's favorite place.
I had their stake burger. Not my favorite.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

I made a reservation for a work party and was told they do not like to book reservations on Friday nights, especially for parties larger than 12. That was right around what I was expecting; although, I may have had a few more. I made sure to get RSVPs from folks so I could pivot to a different location and cancel, if necessary. We ended up having 11 folks total in our party, so it worked out. They sent me a text the day before the reservation to ask that we keep the reservation limited to 2 hours or less (this would have been nice to know when I had booked ~3 weeks prior).

Move to the day of: I got there around 20 minutes early thinking they could seat me at the table if it was ready or at least seat me right at 6 pm, since that was the time the reservation was for. The hostess informed me that they would not seat me until at least half of my party was there; so, I went to the bar area and had a drink while I waited for other folks to arrive. The bar staff was friendly and prompt. I closed out my tab for the one drink and moved back to the hostess area around 5:50, when I expected other folks to start arriving. I sat on the couch, and the first few folks started trickling in. I informed them of what I was told, and we waited until there were 7 of us there before I approached and told the hostess that over half of us were present (around 5:59). There was another woman at the hostess stand, whom I'm assuming was a manger with the way she was moving about the establishmen, who asked me when I expected the rest of our party to arrive. I told her I expected everyone there within a few minutes. She informed me that they would start getting waters on the table and then they would seat us. I found this a little odd; but, it wasn't a deal breaker.

We ended up being seated about 10 minutes after our reservation was scheduled for. Again, I am flexible and understand that plans might need adjustments from time to time. Maybe they hadn't put the tables together yet for all I knew.

We got seated and the waitress got our drink and appetizer orders in. The waitress did a good job taking care of the large party and did what I needed her to with the bill (splitting it into two bills). Our food was delicious and the drinks were good. She was observant and was quick to get boxes for us as meals were finished. There were a couple desserts ordered: they arrived quickly and were delicious. Plates were being cleared around 7:50. A few folks may have wanted to order another drink or two; however, the lady manager proceeded to stop at our table around 7:53 to tell us they had another reservation at 8 and we needed to leave. Had they not delayed seating us and gave us a full 2 hours, I likely would not be leaving this review. I found the management rude for the amount of money that they were making in the hour and 45 minutes that we were there (over $550 was spent). In my opinion, kicking customers out of a dining establishment is not a good way to keep business. Although the wait staff and food was overall good, I do not intend on booking another group event at The Bryant: nor can I recommend it to anyone looking to book larger group events.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 1

My friend and I, both Asians, chose to dine at The Bryant to celebrate completing our first semester in the United States. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by what I can only describe as discriminatory behavior from the female receptionist.

Upon arrival, we lined up to be seated. The group in front of us was not standing directly in line, so I politely greeted the blonde receptionist with a simple “hello.” To my surprise, she completely ignored me, turned away, and addressed the other group, saying “this side came first.” I did not intend to cut in line, so I waited patiently.

When it was finally our turn, she led us to the worst table in the restaurant—a dark corner, right against the wall, next to both the kitchen. The restaurant was nearly empty at that time, with plenty of open, well-lit tables available. I politely requested to change to a seat by the window, repeating myself several times. At first, she had her back turned to us, and though I spoke clearly in a quiet restaurant, she pretended not to hear or deliberately ignored me.

The most upsetting moment came as we left. At most American restaurants, the staff typically offer a courteous farewell like “have a nice day.” Instead, the receptionist glared at me, rolled her eyes from head to toe. It was so rude, dismissive, and completely uncalled for!!

This restaurant is far from cheap, and for the price, I expect basic courtesy and fair treatment. Having to tip after such a degrading experience only made it worse. Discrimination has no place in hospitality or anywhere else. I will not be returning, and I hope management takes immediate action to address such unprofessional behavior.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 1

****Edit: Somehow my "does NOT recommend" was changed to "recommends". I do NOT recommend for group gatherings.*** I made a reservation for a work party and was told they do not like to book reservations on Friday nights, especially for parties larger than 12. That was right around what I was expecting; although, I may have had a few more. I made sure to get RSVPs from folks so I could pivot to a different location and cancel, if necessary. We ended up having 11 folks total in our party, so it worked out. The Bryant sent me a text the day before the reservation to ask that we keep the reservation limited to 2 hours or less (this would have been nice to know when I had booked ~3 weeks prior). Move to the day of: I got there around 20 minutes early thinking they could seat me at the table, if it was ready, or at least seat me right at 6 pm, since that was the time the reservation was for. The hostess informed me that they would not seat me until at least half of my party was there; so, I went to the bar area and had a drink while I waited for other folks to arrive. The bar staff was friendly and prompt. I closed out my tab for the one drink and moved back to the hostess area around 5:50, when I expected other folks to start arriving. I sat on the couch, and the first few folks started trickling in. I informed them of what I was told, and we waited until there were 7 of us there before I approached and told the hostess that over half of us were present (around 5:59). There was another woman at the hostess stand, whom I'm assuming was a manger with the way she was moving about the establishmen, who asked me when I expected the rest of our party to arrive. I told her I expected everyone there within a few minutes. She informed me that they would start getting waters on the table and then they would seat us. I found this a little odd; but, it wasn't a deal breaker. We ended up being seated about 10 minutes after our reservation was scheduled for. Again, I am flexible and understand that plans might need adjustments from time to time. Maybe they hadn't put the tables together yet, for all I knew. We got seated and the waitress got our drink and appetizer orders in. The waitress did a good job taking care of the large party and did what I needed her to with the bill (splitting it into two bills). Our food was delicious and the drinks were good. She was observant and was quick to get boxes for us as meals were finished. There were a couple desserts ordered: they arrived quickly and were delicious. Plates were being cleared around 7:50. A few folks may have wanted to order another drink or two; however, the lady manager proceeded to stop at our table around 7:53 to tell us they had another reservation at 8 and we needed to leave. Had they not delayed seating us and gave us a full 2 hours, I likely would not be leaving this review. I found the management rude for the amount of money that they were making in the hour and 45 minutes that we were there (over $550 was spent). In my opinion, kicking customers out of a dining establishment is not a good way to keep business. Although the wait staff and food was overall good, I do not intend on booking another group event at The Bryant: nor can I recommend it to anyone looking to book larger group events.

Since it came to West Lafayette, the Bryant has been the best restaurant in West Lafayette. Always crowded but meet the expectations overall.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

So glad we visited!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi, Chicken Sandwich

Andrew B absolutely killed our birthday dinner in the best way! His recommendations were fantastic! Get the yucca cakes! Thank you!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Macadamia Crusted Chicken, Scotch Eggs, Risotto

Saturday was an awesome day for lunch at The Bryant. It was our first time and what a treat! Food was different and special (and gooooood!) and the service was over the top! The ribeye egg rolls could very easily be a meal. White chicken chili was a unique pleasure. We’ll certainly be returning. Well done!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: L Spaghetti and Meatballs, Risotto

First timer; great service; food was great!
Our waitress was fabulous and made my grandson feel comfortable ( he's 6'11" and was in his Cubs uniform; he had a ballgame at Purdue)...and all around great time!

Wheelchair accessibility: It was a long push from the parking to the only accessible ramp...

Recommended dishes: Jumbo Pretzel, Bang Shrimp, The Bryant Burger, Chicken Sandwich

Excellent menu and modern decor. Burgers are ground short rib and brisket. Inferno burger had a slight sting to it, more than a kick and I like spicy foods. Large portions. The amaretto bread pudding for desert was outstanding.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5