City Beat

City Beat is an interesting kind of bar. Most of the people we talk to around here don't even know what it is, or where it is. When we went the first time, there was almost no one there, and the bar tender chatted us up. We liked the friendliness and were intrigued by the promise of good food, but really weren't blown away by anything else at this place. To me it feels like a post-flood remodel that has a nicer interior for an old building and a following of locals who have discovered the bar, and not told anyone. The second time we went, on a Sunday, they were closed. The third time we went, there were quite a bit more people. The bar was full, the outside patio was being utilized, and a few of the tables were occupied. The bartender hopped right over from the bar to our table to get us drinks and offerend menus. We opted to try the food since it was hyped up last time. It is expanded bar fare, sandwiches and wraps mostly, but they were pretty good. It all felt a little hodge-podge in the sense that food isn't their main business, which I guess is good for a bar, but I was hoping the food would be outstanding to match the hype. Maybe I set myself up for failure, but I thought it was just mediocre. The beer was good, and so was our bartender. On a night with a full bar, I don't expect them to constantly come to a table to check for drinks, but he was over before we even thought about walking to the bar. Props there, we tipped accordingly. This, like most bars though suffers from the neighborhood bar syndrome, but also suffers from a lack of immediate neighborhoods to pull from. If this bar was on 2nd street a few blocks on the other side of the river it would probably do well, but with a much different crowd. They do advertise live music, and have a spot designated for it inside, but in the few visits here, we haven't seen any. If you are looking for a chill spot without much going on, check this place out. This is a bar that definitely knows it needs to serve anyone who walks in the door to stay afloat, and it definitely felt reasonably welcoming to newcomers.

The Grades:
Atmosphere: 8
This place is bar first, restaurant a very distant second.  It is remodeled well post-flood, and is fairly well kept.  Dark lighting, and a classy looking bar area.
Service: 9
The service was great.  I think probably the most attentive of any bar we go to.  I have yet to find an all elusive "10" server, but this is a solid 9.
Food: 6
Appears to be bar food with a little bit of an expanded lineup.  Might be good for lunch or for an early evening quick meal, but definitely not the type of place you take a date for dinner.