Sportsman's Bar and Grill in Clayton 1-6-2023

 I'd give this a 3/5 but I think Mike would give it a 4/5

On the suggestion of Nina O'Daniels (one of the librarians at our school, who is also a foodie type person) we tried this place.  She said it was so good that she and her husband went two times in one week!  

We had been to Lester's Bar and Grill across the street a couple of times but didn't know about Sportsman's.  Both places are sports themed, but there is a definately more old, established vibe to Sportsman's.  Lester's feels like it could be a chain.  Lester's feels like maybe Albert Pujols could have actually come here and signed the big painting of him.  It has a Ladue/Frontenac feel to it.  

It was full when we arrived at 6 pm.  We were very lucky to get a table (very close to other tables...I could've easily entered their conversations) against the back wall.  I know waiting for a table is a typical thing.

The menu is mostly burgers, sandwiches, and some local style pizza.  It is bar food.  Mike got a cheeseburger and tater tots and I got a fish sandwich.  

Mike was surprised when his cheeseburger came that it had absolutely nothing on it...no lettuce, tomato, pickle, onions, etc.  There were ketchup and mustard on the table.  He doesn't know if it was a mix up or if you have to ask for those things.  But even lacking these items, he said his burger was really good.

BTW, Mike is wearing his new Battlehawks sweatshirt!

My fish sandwich (I asked for it with no tartar sauce) also came with no lettuce, tomato, pickle, etc.).  It was fried and it was a little dry.  It didn't have a great batter, so there really wasn't much taste to it.  It was OK but not great.  

There must be some reason this place is so packed.  I think we may have to go back and I'll have to try something else.  I will say the service is good.  The waitress was "on it" and made her way deftly through tables that are too close together.