Let’s Hear It for Big Sissies!
The Bar and Grill, I mean. It’s new, it’s on Rehoboth Avenue Extended, has free parking, a great big bar, dining room, comfort food menu, home cooking from Chef Russ, and great prices. And it’s not just for big sissies. If you say, “What could be bad?” You’re right. All good.
I wandered into the place because I saw an uncharacteristically busy parking lot last Sunday night and decided to check it out. The bar was busy, with lots of folks I know from around town, mostly guys, but a few gals too, with gays, straights, and some on the diversity continuum. The welcome mat at Big Sissies is out for all.
Since they were not even “officially” open, having a “soft” opening as they say in the food biz, I really had no intention of sampling their fare for publication. But I had such a good meal and fun time, I figured why not write about it ASAP. So I guess this is a scoop.
And I can report having enjoyed a lovely cocktail at a very reasonable price, followed by the Big Not-So-Sissies Prime Rib Sandwich, piled high with thin-sliced beef au jus on a Kaiser roll, accompanied by sweet corn on the cob, and coleslaw. Delicious. I got a glimpse of the Meatloaf Sandwich across the table and it looked like the real deal, home-cooked version, high on my list for next time.
According to Chef Russ Simonds (formerly the genius making awesome drinks behind the bar at Saketumi. Now I know that his true calling is as chef!), the meatloaf is just flying out of the kitchen, and he’s having trouble keeping up. Go, Russ!
A peek at the rest of the menu really piqued my interest. Appetizers like Jerk Chicken Tacos, Fried Pickles with Sriracha ranch sauce, or Big Sissies Wings are in the $5.95-$7.95 range, with the six Grilled Shrimp in garlic oil at $9.95.
They have a varied choice of salads ($5.95-8.95) including House, Caesar, Homemade Chicken Salad, etc., with chicken add $2 or shrimp add $3. The BBQ rib-eye salad takes the house salad, dresses it up with bacon, a char-broiled rib-eye, onion straws, and a BBQ drizzle for $9.95.
There is also a full list of dinner entrees—BBQ chicken, Fetuccini Alfredo, Russ’s Meatloaf, Fish and Chips, etc. (in the $8.95-11.95 range), with freshly made desserts, and specials in the works like Italian Night, and other special events. And here’s good news: the place will stay open for food, with many menu items available until 1 a.m. Love that! They will be open every day, 3 p.m.-1 a.m.
The proprietors making this all happen are five Rehoboth regulars: Joey Amato, Robert Hicken, Mickey McGraw, Greg Grevere, and James Humes. They have done a splendid job on the interior of the place, which used to be the gourmet store Nourish—and yes, it turns out that’s there’s lots more room in there than you think. Nice TVs for watching sports, or as I was sure was about to happen last Sunday, the Tony Awards.
So I thank the folks at Big Sissies for letting me sneak in during the soft opening and enjoy dinner and drinks among the crowd. Between the reasonable price point, the satisfying menu selections, the cute waiters (some of my Reho faves!) and friendly crowd, Big Sissies has a big future ahead here…see you at the bar and grill, sissies!
Big Sissies is located at 715 Rehoboth Avenue Extended.