What exactly is a potato bat? It's a spiral cut potato, threaded onto a skewer, fried until crispy and infused with some standard smattering of flavor: salt and vinegar or garlic parmesan, for instance. The potato bat will certainly catch any diner's eye upon stumbling into the Precinct (1900 Locust Avenue; 314-588-8899), Jim Edmonds and Mark Winfield's rebranding of the former Jim Edmonds 15 Steakhouse that boasts the slogan, "the safest bar in town."
See also: The Precinct Hopes to Transform Former Steakhouse into Cop Hangout
As reported by Gut Check in early October, the Precinct gets its name from the neighboring St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department headquarters stationed next door. And while the decor takes on a decidedly corresponding theme, the flair doesn't detract from what the Precinct aims to do best: classic bar fare "with a nicer twist" -- in this case, of the potato variety.
And what sports bar would be complete, of course, without spacious seating, framed jerseys and plenty of high definition TVs? All of the above await in the dining room.
Upon arrival, wait staff arrives with a basket of complimentary buttered popcorn to whet appetites. From there, the diners can select from a double-sided, one-sheet menu that includes a build-your-own-burger option, a hot dog bar complete with numerous condiments, a variety of sandwiches and even a hot wing eating challenge.
Originally named the "officer down" eating challenge and since re-named the "hot pursuit challenge" for its controversial nature, challengers are faced with a pound of wings in fiery hot sauce and a draft beer. Winners get a free meal and losers pay up the full price of $15.
The Precinct's current hours are Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. For more information, visit Facebook page.
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