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Printer-Friendly ModeHarvey’s raises bar, grills competition
September 14, 2009 —
In an area where Applebee’s and T.G.I. Friday’s are prominent dining options, a place such as Harvey’s Bar and Grill is similar to spotting a body of water in the middle of the desert.
If you’ve been near the corner of Bay and Tittabawassee lately and not keeping your eyes on the road, you’ve probably noticed Harvey’s and its perpetually jammed-packed parking lot.
As impressionable as I am, it was only a matter of time before I caved and tried to see what all the hype was about.
Unfortunately, my maiden voyage several weeks back to Harvey’s ended at Los Cuatros Amigos. It would seem several millions of people were trying to see what the hype was all about, since there wasn’t a single open space in either the main parking lot or the overflow lot. Or across the side street at Bennigan’s.
I actually saw the inside of Harvey’s on my second attempt, automatically making it a greater success than the Packed Lot Massacre, as I’ve come to call it. Not that anyone else thinks that’s a good name, but that’s neither here nor there.
The first thing that will strike you about Harvey’s - if you can actually find a parking space - is the sleek, modernized aesthetic. Even packed with customers, the interior never feels cramped or busy.
TV sets populate the walls without making the place feel like a sports bar. Step inside the men’s bathroom and it’s obvious some serious market research went into its design. Why? Because you can answer nature without ever straying from a TV.
A small TV set is located above each urinal. There’s nothing quite like using the facilities and being able to watch John Stockton and Karl Malone highlight reels.
Our time inside was limited, though, as we took up the offer to dine on the patio. Like the inside of the restaurant, the stone patio is complemented by metal tables and chairs.
The patio atmosphere is strong enough to make you forget you’re sitting down in Saginaw. Until you catch a glimpse of the majestic fivedollar car wash and brand new Dollar Tree, anyway.
Our genuinely affable server was yet another distinction from other restaurants with servers that typically turn on the charm only when the tip portion of the evening approaches.
But all the posh chairs and TV sets don’t mean anything if they aren’t backed up by a killer menu. And Harvey’s is up to that task.
Favorites such as burgers, chicken, and sandwiches are offered, but in ways that keep them from a generic existence.
I told sensibility to take a hike and ordered the Red Hot and Blue Burger. This massive creation introduces a giant beef patty with hot sauce and what looks like a genetically modified onion ring that holds blue cheese crumbs. The cornerstone of nutrition comes with a pile of fries that’d make any Atkins advocate quiver in fear.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the experience was the bill. Based on the atmosphere and hype of the place, I expected my meager bank balance to take a swift kick. To my surprise, the prices are comparable to the bland food you’ll find at other chain restaurants in the area.
I’m usually quick to deflate anything with hype, but with Harvey’s, it’s just not possible. Affordable, delicious food, a great atmosphere, and getting to watch TV while you use the bathroom are all worthy of hype. Actually, that’s pretty close to my ideal afterlife.