Mundelein's Loaded Buffalo more than a little bit country
The owners of Mundelein's Mavericks took on a new partner to help them remodel the country-western bar, which reopened in November as Loaded Buffalo. While dancing remains the primary focus, the spot at 2061 W. Maple Ave. aims to attract more customers with an expanded food and drink menu.
Motif: The huge space opens into a dining room and game area featuring two pool tables, a bags set, a boxing game and video gambling machines. The tiny tables are set with red tablecloths and the bar is decorated with aluminum siding. Come spring, Loaded Buffalo plans to add outdoor bags and ultimate beer pong and host bags and pool tournaments.
The other side is dominated by a massive dance floor, which is bordered by counter space and stools if you just want to have a drink and watch the action. An elevated area in back is perfect for parties with guests making use of a second bar. Walls are decorated with beer signs and electric guitars, plus some western-themed art.
Food: Everything on the new menu is made in-house, including the smoked pulled pork and brisket. The loaded tater tots are the most popular dish to share, topped with chicken or beef, melted cheddar, tomato, red onion, jalapeño, salsa and sour cream. You can also get the same topping on nachos. For something lighter, opt for a basket of crispy fried green beans served with chipotle ranch dressing.
On the entree side, the ramen noodle salad is a huge serving of shredded crispy napa cabbage, sliced almonds, chives and crunchy noodles tossed in sweet soy dressing. The black and blue burger was overcooked, but the buffalo sauce and blue cheese gave it a nice flavor, and the crisp fries were a great side. Dishes are served in to-go containers so you can just pop a lid on what you don't finish. If you come during the day, the recently launched lunch menu offers cheap eats including a burger or two hot dogs with fries and a drink for $5.
Liquid consumption: The new menu features an expanded selection of wine, craft beer and cider including Vander Mill Totally Roasted and Tighthead Irie IPA. You'll still find daily drink specials if you're looking to save money.
Crowd: The spot tends to pick up around 7 p.m. as country fans come in looking to show off their moves on the dance floor, but the crowd can vary wildly based on what's going on. There was a 60th birthday party when we visited taking up much of the seating near the dance floor, but the bar has also hosted bashes for 21-year-olds.
Service: Our friendly server was happy to make recommendations and checked in regularly.
Music: DJs spin every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, and the bar plans to start hosting live music in late February or early March. The focus is on country music on Wednesday and Friday, when you can come at 6 p.m. for a dance lesson covering swing, couples and line dancing.
Parking: There are plenty of spots in the huge parking lot.
Overall: Loaded Buffalo lets you come for dinner then get in some dancing while taking breaks for drinks and games.
Loaded Buffalo
2061 W. Maple Ave., Mundelein, (847) 949-0858, <a href="http://loadedbuffalo.com">loadedbuffalo.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday and Tuesday; 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday