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a'Bravo Bistro & Wine Bar
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- No
9 reviews for a'Bravo Bistro & Wine Bar
9 reviews in English
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Review from Leslie R.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
Amazing pasta, amazing wine, amazing decor, amazing...Donald Driver sitting at the bar? Yeahhhh, I'll be back.
-
Review from Wendy B.
Green Bay, WI
5/18/2012
I'm torn with this because I actually like a lot of what a'Bravo serves. The sandwiches are good, the breakfast offerings are tasty and eclectic, and they are actively TRYING to be something more than your typical Green Bay venture. But something is still not clicking, and after ten years in business, I fear it will never really click for them.
First, what is a'Bravo exactly? It says on the sign that it's a Bistro and Wine Bar, except that the wine offerings aren't stellar and in fact, are pretty one note. I get that whoever is buying the wine knows what they like, but some of us like more than merlot and white zins. I realize, though, that this makes me sound extraordinarily snobby, but the overarching attitude of a'Bravo's staff seems to be "We know what you like better than you do".
Then there's the decor. I don't know why this bugs me as much as it does, but it's like someone went to World Market and Pier One with an unlimited spending account... twenty years ago. The place could be SO cool with a little restraint. Those acid-washed glossy concrete floors are just amazing! The wall colors are fantastic. But it's the classic Coco Chanel advice of taking off one accessory before you walk out the door. There are just too many assertions that a'Bravo is Quirky with a capital Q.
My other big issue with a'Bravo is the service. As mentioned in other reviews, the service is beneath "lackluster" and venturing into "Neglegent" territory. Expect to wait forever for your food while watching the staff demonstrate absolutely zero sense of urgency. Is the kitchen perhaps understaffed? It didn't LOOK like it, but maybe they haven't done enough prep work, or perhaps the diverse menu doesn't allow for a streamlined process. I'd love to see what Gordon Ramsay would do with the place (although one would hope that the level of cleanliness at a'Bravo would far exceed Ramsay's usual rehabs).
All in all, a'Bravo is interesting, and I usually take friends there when I know I want a long time to sit before the meal and talk, but if you're even a little hungry or in a hurry, then probably a better idea to go elsewhere. -
Review from Daniel C.
Green Bay, WI
7/1/2011
Their Sunday brunch is the best. We had stuffed french toast and crepes. All the accompaniments were also delicious. I've also heard great things about their dinner.
The only downside would be the price, but I guess you're paying for the quality. -
Review from Erin B.
3/7/2011
For being a restaurant in (basically) a strip mall, i give major points for ambiance and decor.
The cream of mushroom soup was incredible, and their raspberry chicken salad was pretty good.
In general I was happy with my experience there- the server was friendly, the food was good, etc. But perhaps I'm a snob, because I wanted more....character?
I can't quite put a finger on it. If I wind up in Green Bay again, I'd definitely go for lunch again and try more of the menu. But I'm not sure if this would be a spot I'd try dinner. -
Review from Josh G.
De Pere, WI
One of the best burgers in the area.
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Review from Jack P.
Green Bay, WI
1/1/2009
Where to start?
Well, we have been A'bravo many times. Every time I am leaving after dinner or lunch, I say I will never go back. However, as noted in the last sentence, I have been there many times. I think the reason for this contradiction, is they actually have some dishes on their regular menu that are pretty good.
My dinner companion usually gets the marinated mozzarella salad. I have never had it before but she seems to love it. We always get what's called the "trio", which is A'bravos spin on bruschetta. This is crusty bread with large slices of mozzarella cheese, a huge slice of tomato and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and basil. They have other options for toppings but we usually just stick to this. I joke when the salad comes out with its gigantic portion of yet more mozzarella cheese, that by the end of the night, my companion would have consumed an entire ball of cheese.
The one item I do like on the regular menu is their smoked turkey pasta salad. The smoked turkey and dried cranberries make for a great combination when mixed with cheese filled tortellini.
Ok, so that's what brings us back, now let's talk about what makes me say I won't go back. One word, service! First thing that aggravates me is that you can't transfer your bar tab to your dinner tab. I know that's petty, but come on, this is a small place that doesn't have the volume of one of those bad food factories (I won't mention names), and not being able to do this is just an inconvenience to the customer. I understand all the excuses; bar is managed separately, but figure it out people!
Environment; the owner did a great job moving to the new location a handful of years ago, the interior is half industrial, with concrete floors and exposed duct work and trusses on the ceiling, and half casual trendy with some tables tucked away inside of middle eastern tents. This is where it stops.
The music does not go along with the vibe at all. I have been there many times and they are playing Casey Kasem's Top 40. On the topic of music, we went there for New Year's Eve dinner because a DJ friend of mine was going to be spinning down tempo house music, finally a refreshing change for this place. When we got there, the house was smooth and cool and everyone seemed to be enjoying it. Then, it changed suddenly, back to the some ordinary airport sounding music. I was waiting to hear my name being called to gate B5 or something. I heard later that the owner didn't like what the DJ was playing and asked him to change it. I guess they didn't know what house music was when they hired him.
A few other mistakes; there is a TV above the bar usually playing either sports or the food network. They don't even turn it off when they have live music which is in bad taste to the artist performing. The TV is a distraction to the type of place (I think) they are going for. Loose the TV! Bar and wait staff needs some work too. The bar tenders are usually pretty slow and have a hard time handling large crowds. Not to mention being pretty dry in the personality department. The wait staff is always nice, but forgets the little details.
Note to wait staff: If there is an empty glass of wine on the table and still some left in the bottle, please, replenish the glasses. Also, please take my dirty dishes when you come by, don't let them pile up on the end of the table. And lastly, if you break a cork, go get a new bottle and never ask me to cork it for you.
Sit down lunch it is, fine dining it is not. They have some work to do. I give it 2 stars. -
Review from Kelly B.
Elgin, IL
8/30/2011
Awesome little gem. Great food. Average Wine list - nothing local or unheard of.
We had the Cuban and the margarita pizza. Both were fantastic! Great place to stop and have a cocktail and some good food. Fabulous atmosphere -
Review from Jon H.
Watertown, MN
1/5/2011
Ordered lunch in from here at work once, really good sandwiches and pasta salads. Would definitely go back
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Review from Tabatha R.
Green Bay, WI
12/19/2009
This place isnt amazing, but isn't awful. Outdoor seating is pleasant in the summer. I'd rather go for breakfast versus lunch or dinner.
