As the Shops at West End grow, so does the popularity of the top country hangout in Minnesota: Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill. Its tank-topped, cutoff-jean-wearing, cowboy-booted waitresses; hardwood dance floor; live music six nights a week; and food in enormous quantities are just a few of the qualities that make it one of the most popular places for country lovers and anyone with an appetite to dine.
Dominating the center of the restaurant is a 120-foot long guitar-shaped bar and Harley-Davidson motorcycle surrounded by leather-covered booths. The remaining space contains a hardwood dance floor and in-wall stage; the 20,000 square foot area is practically a barn turned patriotically classy.
Since more than 50 gigantic plasma screen televisions are spread generously throughout the restaurant, on any given night Toby’s becomes the place to watch football for fans of any team. If football is not on diners can be sure that the screens are put to good use by airing any other sport’s game they wish to see.
When simply looking for a place to eat, the food is reason enough to drop in. Appetizers vary from classic buffalo wings to a jazzy spinach dip. Every burger, complete with a mound of fries, is a monster; the “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” is a patty topped with the usual tomato, lettuce and onion, then piled high with bacon, cheddar cheese, Toby’s special BBQ sauce, and onion rings. Every night the dessert menu changes, with the exception of two staple items ? the deep-fried Twinkie and warm Ghiradelli brownie.
The menu’s variety doesn’t stop there; it also contains soups and salads that are just as delicious as the burgers, and entrées that originate from the deep south: fried chicken, fried catfish and chicken-fried steak.
With enormous portions for a reasonable price ? Toby’s items are less than $12, with the exception of their entrées such as the Sirloin, New York and Rib-Eye steaks ? the quality is not sub-par either.
More than just a restaurant however, Toby’s is simply an exciting place to spend a night out, whether it be on the weekend or a weekday. One of the newest, most thrilling restaurants around, Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar and Grill is something no one should miss.
