Luna Bar & Grill

I have no idea why I haven't reviewed this place until now.  It is probably the restaurant at which I eat the most.  Partly because it's downtown, which is close to my house, and partly because the food is always outstanding.  Not to mention, they have a great selection of beer and wine.  (Also, they let me use their bathroom when I'm running in this neck of the woods. )

Last Thursday, I had a business dinner, of sorts, with someone from out of town.  We wanted to take her somewhere local and unique.  Luna fit the bill perfectly.

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It's not possible to make a bad choice off the menu.  Appetizers I drool over include crawfish bread, spinach and artichoke dip, fried veggies with house made cosmic sauce.  Their salads are what make me such a fan.  Sandwiches include interesting combinations, with a few vegetarian options, and your choice of artisan bread. (My roommate loves their burger.) And their star entrees are steak and local seafood smothered in delicious sauces.    



 While the restaurant is a little crammed, it has a great atmosphere.  A bar runs the length of the restaurant, where great bartenders serve up whatever your heart desires.  There are a few draught beers, mostly from Lazy Magnolia brewery (sometimes, they show Abita some love), but the bottled beer selection is outstanding. Local artists' masterpieces adorn the exposed brick walls, along with posters of the owner's favorite bands. (He is a musician himself.)

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 What was once an ally between the buildings has been turned into an outdoor patio.  There is also a bar out there, but it's often unmanned unless there is a crowd.  They have butane heaters for chilly nights and fans for the more common sweltering nights.

I almost always order the same thing, unless I'm feeling indulgent.  The mega veggie salad with tuna. Well, Thursday night I was feeling frisky, so I opted for shrimp instead of tuna. I know, I'm a rebel. This salad is a huge pile of spring mix, topped with chopped zucchini, shredded carrots, red onion, artichoke hearts, Parmesan, and I always opt for the house made balsamic vinaigrette.  (All of their dressings are phenomenal.  Their cosmic is sort of legendary.  It's like ranch's beautiful older sister, who everyone loves and it gives ranch a complex.)

The shrimp were large and cooked and seasoned perfectly.  The few shrimp did look a little sad atop this massive salad, but believe me, I was plenty full when dinner was over. The vegetables were so fresh and crisp.  This truly makes for the perfect summer dinner.

Obviously, I will be returning to Luna soon.

 

 What restaurant serves your favorite salad?  What is more important when it comes to a restaurant, food or atmosphere?