Recently, during a trip to Southern Indiana, I had the pleasure of revisiting French Lick after many years. My previous memories of French Lick were of a town that had seen better days, a place that felt somewhat rundown and lacking in vibrancy. However, I was delighted to discover that French Lick has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a thriving destination. The catalyst for this revitalization appears to be the introduction of a new casino and resort, which has attracted a significant influx of tourists. Adding to the allure is the beautifully restored West Baden Resort and the charming French Lick Railway, collectively establishing French Lick as a must-visit location in Southern Indiana.
Downtown French Lick was bustling with energy on a recent Saturday evening. The area boasts a delightful mix of bars, restaurants, and unique shops, all while preserving its historic charm. It’s a truly enjoyable place to explore, and I am already planning a return visit to spend more time in this revitalized town.
Outside view of 33 Brick Street Restaurant in French Lick, Indiana
For dinner, we chose to dine at 33 Brick Street, situated in the heart of downtown French Lick. 33 Brick Street presents a welcoming atmosphere, functioning as both a lively pub and a family-friendly restaurant. The interior decor is tastefully done, adorned with local photographs, memorabilia related to basketball legend Larry Bird, and other engaging items. The decorations create a pleasantly engaging environment without feeling cluttered or overwhelming, striking a nice balance for a relaxed dining experience.
Close-up of the breaded tenderloin sandwich at 33 Brick Street Restaurant, French Lick
My primary reason for visiting 33 Brick Street was to sample their renowned tenderloin sandwich. In line with my established practice for evaluating tenderloins, I began by tasting a small piece of the tenderloin on its own, without the bun or condiments. My wife and I both concurred that the breading was exceptionally flavorful. However, we also noted that a portion of the meat was somewhat dry. Interestingly, this dryness was not consistent throughout the sandwich; the remaining portion was pleasantly moist. The breading, on the other hand, maintained its excellent quality across the entire sandwich – wonderfully seasoned and consistently crispy from the first bite to the last. The sandwich was prepared with my preferred toppings and, in an unexpected yet delightful twist, served on a Kaiser bun. Initially, I was uncertain about the Kaiser bun, but it proved to be an excellent choice, enhancing both the texture and overall taste profile of the sandwich.
Rating this tenderloin sandwich presents a bit of a dilemma. The dryness in one section certainly impacts the overall score. Taking everything into account, I would rate it a 3.5 out of 5. It is definitely above average, and I would be inclined to order it again in the future, hoping for a more consistently moist experience.
For her meal, Holly opted for the grilled fish tacos, accompanied by a side of coleslaw. Holly praised the coleslaw as being outstanding, highlighting its finely chopped cabbage and a remarkably well-balanced dressing – neither too heavy nor too light, achieving just the right consistency and flavor. The fish tacos, while acceptable, were described as lacking a distinct flavor profile. They were served with typical taco toppings of shredded lettuce and diced tomato. With a little more attention to detail, perhaps incorporating a special sauce or a vibrant Pico de Gallo, these tacos could easily be elevated from ordinary to exceptional.
33 Brick Street is conveniently located at 33 Brick Street in French Lick, Indiana. For more information, you can visit their website at www.33brickstreet.com. They also maintain an active presence on both Twitter and Facebook, offering further avenues to connect and stay updated.
