Why: Hooligan’s Sports Bar and Grill recently opened in the long-vacant building where TGI Fridays was in Vancouver. After getting off to a rough start with extremely long ticket turnarounds and food-preparation problems, the kitchen underwent some changes to improve efficiency and the menu was trimmed down to match the kitchen’s new capabilities. The owners of Hooligan’s also own Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill in Vancouver.
Hooligan’s welcomes all ages until 10 p.m. After that, it’s restricted to patrons 21 and older.
What I tried: My dining companion and I selected the spinach artichoke dip to start our meal. I settled on the Reuben sandwich for my entree, and my dining companion had the California chicken burger made with a grilled chicken breast, avocado, Swiss cheese, bacon, lettuce, pickles and mayonnaise. Instead of fries or tots, we both opted for a side salad.
Except for the spinach pieces, the spinach artichoke dip was a bit thin in its consistency, and it was not quite as cheesy and rich as other versions I have tried. The dip is topped with red onions and grated Parmesan cheese and served with pita bread, tortilla chips and celery sticks. Overall, I thought it was best on the celery sticks and surmised that this was likely due to the saltiness of the celery, which was just what the dip needed to bring its flavor to life.
Hooligan’s Sports Bar and Grill
Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.
Where: 8220 N.E. Vancouver Plaza Drive, Vancouver.
Contact: 360-314-2322 or www.hooliganssportsbarandgrill.com
Health score: Hooligan’s Sports Bar and Grill has received a pre-opening inspection, for which a score is not available, and is scheduled for a routine inspection in the near future. Zero is a perfect score, and Clark County Public Health closes restaurants with a score of 100 or higher. For information, call 360-397-8428.
The Reuben is made with fresh rye bread and a generous amount of moist and lean corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island dressing. I was surprised to discover that the sandwich was not grilled. Although this did not immediately detract from it, the bread became soggy with moisture from the sauerkraut.
My dining companion enjoyed the chicken burger, which was expertly made with juicy, grilled chicken and flavorful accompaniments.
The side salads consisted of garden-fresh romaine lettuce topped with a medley of chopped tomato, cucumber and croutons.
Atmosphere: If you have been to Charlie’s Sports Bar and Grill, you immediately will notice the similarities between the two establishments — the walls and tabletops are decorated with the same airbrush-style art, seating is tall and TVs abound. The bar at Hooligan’s is featured in the center with blue down-lighting and wrap-around seating. Pool tables are toward the back corner of the sports bar and allow ample space for playing.
Menu highlights beyond what I tried: Appetizers include battered and deep-fried mushrooms, and chicken wings. The Hooligan burger is stacked high with American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions and Thousand Island dressing. Among the chicken burger selections is the Buffalo chicken burger, made with fried chicken, blue cheese crumbles, Frank’s Redhot sauce, lettuce, tomato and diced celery. Sandwich options include a BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado) and a honey ham melt on sourdough bread. A few pizza choices are on the menu as well. Hooligan’s has a large selection of local and craft beer on tap.
Other observations: Hooligan’s provides a fun, casual and spacious place to meet up with friends and pair a meal and drinks with a game. The waitstaff is friendly and still exhibits some signs of training in process. In spite of its rough start, I believe time will prove Hooligan’s a favorite of many as all of the elements become refined.
The noise level is high with a full house.
Outdoor seating is available.
Cost: Appetizers range from $6.99 to $14.99. Burgers cost $8.99 to $22.99, and sandwiches cost $8.99 to $11.99. Pizzas are $7.95 to $21.99.
