Disclaimer: I was provided with samples of Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern's signature drinks and appetizers in exchange for a product review. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.
Media events are a lot of fun especially when the decisions of those in attendance help shape the future of the company that issues the invitation. Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern invited a number of bloggers to their Signature-Drink Tasting Event and Happy Hour last Wednesday evening. Each blogger was encouraged to bring three guests. I chose to take my husband, his best friend and his wife. Since they live in Indianapolis and the event was held at the Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern located at 8840 North Michigan Road in Indianapolis, we simply met up with them there.
When we arrived my first impression was favorable. The inside of Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern did not smell like alcohol. It was clean and bright. The tables were roomy too. We chose a booth near an interior window that allowed us to see the food being prepared. That was fun. A waitress immediately came to our table to take our drink selections. We chose their signature sodas to begin with.
Once the event began, Jeffrey, Mary and I chose to sample their signature-drink sodas which included black cherry (my favorite), root beer, cola and orange creme. I felt the orange creme was very sugary and could not drink it. The other drinks were good but weak. The favorite soda of those of us in attendance was the black cherry. I also drank some of their sweet tea which I really enjoyed.
Patrick Roth sampled a total of six of their signature libations. His favorite drink was the Portuguese Breeze which he said was fruity with a strong pear overtone. The exotic Orange Cooler they were heavily promoting that night had a strong orange taste he said.
We were also served a sampling of their appetizers. We received the Blue Buffalo Tavern Fries which were covered in pico de gallo, apple wood bacon, blue cheese crumbles and their signature Buffalo Garlic Sauce. We also received sweet potato chips and fresh-cut potato fries. We received three dipping sauces as well - buffalo, ranch and a honey sea salt cinnamon. I loved the buffalo sauce. Mary did not feel the ranch sauce was very good. Jeffrey loved the honey sea salt cinnamon but I felt it tasted more like honey than anything else.
We ordered sandwiches as well which we paid for. I chose the Great American Cheeseburger from the menu as did Jeffrey. I ordered it with just cheese - no condiments and a pickle on the side. It was very good. In fact, it was the best cheeseburger I had ate in a long time and the pickle spear was delicious as well. We all enjoyed our meal and the prices were reasonable. Jeffrey and I paid under $20 for the two cheeseburgers.
As we prepared to leave, we were given a Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern swag bag which included a t-shirt and a $5 gift certificate. We will be eating there again when we are in Indianapolis even if we don't have a gift certificate. I liked the atmosphere. I liked the food and the drinks. It was a great place and I can see how it would be an ideal for business lunches or dinners. The waitresses - although busy - came around frequently to see how we were doing and if we needed anything.
It was a great event and we all agreed we had a fantastic time. Be sure to check out Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern online for a location near you and follow the hashtag #ThirstyDave.