Hooters

Hooters has been in business for over 25 years by using the time-tested adage that sex can sell anything, in this case below-average food. Put one of those in every city and you've got yourself a million-dollar idea. Back on our ball tour, Hooters comprised about 25% of mine and Erik's non-ballpark meals, if for no other reason that it's a familiar chain restaurant that is comfortable for any wayward gentleman, and a sort of running tally that every guy keeps. Men can be very forgetful, but I will guarantee you that every guy knows how many Hooters' he has been to, and in what cities. When you're a young man, going to Hooters every week can be a rite of passage, as girls are still exciting and new, and chances are most high schoolers haven't really talked to one yet. As you get older, I find that Hooters starts to change from a hangout, to a place to stop or meet. And then as you get even older, it's a place a husband can drag his family so he can engage in a creepy conversation with a 19-year old scantilly clad waitress and give her a generous tip to help her pay for college, all while feeling your wife's heavy stare. One thing always remains constant - guys go there to compare waitresses, even if subconsciously, no mattter how good anybody ever tells you the buffalo wings are (which they are not).

This past weekend, I met up with Erik and a couple other friends at the new Hooters location in Brookfield, about 20 minutes west of downtown Milwaukee. I've been to at least 20 locations, so the motif is not something I needed to see again to describe. It is a lot bigger than most I've been to, featuring 35 flat-screen televisions and a large island bar. I always get either the wings or the grilled cheese platter when I go, depending on how my stomach is doing. I can honestly say it's one of the best grilled cheeses I've ever had, and along with the curly fries and some ranch dipping sauce, it's a pretty solid meal. The buffalo wings are a popular food option to default to, because wings, beer, sports on the TV, and girls just go naturally together. I've always been afraid to venture too far out into the rest of the menu, just because I doubt the quality is any better than bar food at best.

Our verdict - girls are, um..."friendlier" than the Greenfield location, and the defunct Grand Avenue Mall location. We had a few beers, got a chance to catch up, and shared stories of terrible and awesome Hooters experiences. You pay for the atmosphere when you go to Hooters and not the food, but it was still a great meal with good friends.

rankings and stats:
ambiance - 5
beer & wine selection - 7
food variety - 5 (mostly bar food)
service - 9
accessibility - 3 (Brookfield is far away)
design - 3
taste - 4
price - $

Would we recommend? For the food, no.
Style - American sports bar
Dress - casual
Location - 17105 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield WI
http://www.hooters.com/