Whether to watch your favorite team play or grab a bite to eat, you’ve probably been to a sports bar. They are a fun place to watch a game with your friends and enjoy food. A new restaurant opened up just off on Harrison Street. Ref’s Sports Bar, let’s diners enjoy all of these activities in a very traditional setting.

The reviews for this restaurant are mixed. Some people say that it had atmosphere, home cooked meals, and a great place to meet up with friends. Others disagree with these statements and said the food was horrendous and they didn’t know how the food could be sent out like that. Overall, the reviews were very high with an overall rating of 4.5/5 stars. I had high expectations when I went to the restaurant.

My first impression of Ref’s was it looked like every other sports bar I’ve been to. There were light up signs that had different drink companies on them. When I entered the big restaurant, I was struck with many TVs playing reruns of games and current games going on. It had your typical sports bar feel. When I found my seat I was greeted by a very kind server that took our orders. Throughout my time at Ref’s she was very nice and was always available when we needed her.

As I looked at the menu I was surprised by the unique names that labeled each section. For example, the fish section was titled “Swim Team,” appetizers were “Warm-ups,” and the kid menu was “The Little League.” I think this added a nice touch to the restaurant and made it its very own. I ended up ordering fried pickles, a Philly cheesesteak and a side of fries. 

Our food came very fast. The appetizer came in about eight minutes and our main course was within 20. We started with the fried pickles and were quite disappointed. The pickles were cold and the batter was soft. I was unpleasantly surprised to see that they were almost whole pickles, not just chips. Overall, I would give the fried pickles a 2/5. I think they could make the pickles much smaller like usual fried pickles and take away some batter to make it crispier.

As the main course came I still had high hopes. The cheesesteak and fries made up for the underwhelming appetizer. The cheesesteak had well-seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and a nicely toasted bun. I would definitely recommend this and get this again. I would give the cheesesteak a 4.5/5. For my side I got fries and they were an easy 5/5. They had the perfect amount of salt and were super crispy. They were the perfect side for an amazing sandwich.

The price was very good for the amount of food we got. Between the appetizer, my sandwich, fries and my dad’s meal, the total game out to about $35. I think this is a very fair price for how much food we got.

While Ref’s is very good, no restaurant is perfect and there are some flaws. As I mentioned earlier the appetizer was cold which did not make for a pleasant experience. To add, when my dad got his drink there was a piece of paper in it. Our server was very apologetic and got a new one right away.

All in all, Ref’s is nothing special. It was your typical sports bar with games going on and bar food. While the service is very good, some of the food does lack. The decorations are basic with light up signs, husker memorabilia and TVs lining the walls. There is nothing that sticks out to me that would make me freak out over this place. I would recommend this place and go here again.