We’ve been meaning to get out to Browns Social House in West Lethbridge, but sometimes the West side is just so far! Now that there’s a location open on the South side, we didn’t have an excuse not to go. They opened the new location on August 20, so we made it in for opening weekend.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t actually crowded for 1:00 on a Saturday, I think most people were doing “out-doorsy” stuff.  The decor is rather dark, with pops of light colors (including the chrome of the open kitchen.) We were seated at a table near the bar.

We started with drinks, a good Caesar made with horseradish infused Clamato and a fourteen ounce Social Lager, smooth and full flavored, not at all bitter

For our appetizer we chose our usual standby, calamari. Their calamari has a light crispy coating and is slightly chewy, exactly how I want it to be prepared. Even the tentacles are crispy, but not over burnt.  Paired with a couple of sauces, first a creamy tartar sauce, with a touch of spice, and the cocktail sauce was the first one that my husband actually liked (not overwhelmed by horseradish like so many are.)

Moving onto entrees, we ordered the Fish & Chips – the beer battered halibut (more social lager) is deep fried, but not greasy. Fish was still flaky. The coleslaw is prepared to highlight the cabbage’s strengths, its crispy texture and its ability to carry flavor. The dressing complemented the cabbage so well, sweet with just touch of tang. The cilantro in the slaw gave it just an extra little zip!

Next, we ordered a PUB Burger – Havarti cheese, smoked bacon and a 6 ounce patty, throw in special sauce and the soft, but sturdy bun and you’ve got two hands full of yum! About the special sauce, I know what flavors I tasted, but suffice it to say it’s slightly sweet and perfectly suited the burger.

Both entrees are served with Browns’ hand cut, double cooked fries. Wow… those are some good fries. Very crispy and lightly salted without a single hint of burnt (you know I hate burnt fries).

We didn’t have room for desert, though in retrospect I’m not sure they have desert. We weren’t offered any.  I will definitely come back here again. Certainly with a group of people, but not for date night. Might be a little too loud for that, however, I think the high ceilings might absorb some of the noise.

For a newly opened location, with new staff, I give them kudos. They have their ducks in a row, getting food out fast and attentive service. Our server Jenna did a great job making sure we had what we needed, when we needed it.

Check them out, and let me know what you think!

Browns Social House – 10-19 Southgate Blvd. Lethbridge, AB T1K 6S5