Pounds downtown

All About Food | July 9th, 2015

I recently found out about Pounds, the new restaurant located in downtown Fargo, at 612 First Ave. N. Formerly the Beefsteak Club, the new eatery is still right next to Wurst Bier Hall and Drekker Brewing Co.

I was curious about the name, as I assumed that it meant the restaurant served huge hamburgers, but that is not what it’s about at all. To learn more, I had a nice visit with one of the owners, Alan Kasin.

First thing I asked Alan was when the restaurant was due to open, because as I looked around I saw nothing on the soothing gray-blue walls surrounding me. Alan told me that they opened on June 8, and that they, at this time, were not planning on putting much up on the walls. He said that the color was “a fresh and clean approach so the focus will be on the food and the people that come in, and the surroundings will shine through them."So what exactly does the name Pounds imply, I wondered? I asked our waiter, Michael, and he told me that there are items on the menu that people can order in the weight of a pound. In our case, my husband, Mike, and I tried the hoisin-flavored chicken wings, which came with a small taste of the Asian Slaw. It was very tasty. Other items that can be ordered as a pound have the restaurant’s signature logo, a burger, right by it on the menu.

I truly like the idea that Pounds is serving beer by local breweries Drekker, Fargo and Junkyard. It's nice that the different local venues support each other. Actually, I see this trend with a lot of our downtown restaurants. It is very cool.

Also, I like the fact that Pounds, Wurst Bier Hall and Drekker all seem shared, not only by the partnership of a street but through supporting each other and frequenting each other’s businesses.

For those who like to eat at these fun places but like a cocktail instead of a beer, Pounds also has a full bar.Alan said the restaurant is keeping its bar not as fancy as others with fancy drinks, but there are some interesting martini drinks on the menu. For instance, one is called Dirt ‘n’ Worms. I could describe this drink, but I really think you should check out this new place and get the info on the drink directly from the bartender.

Mike and I each had a different burger. I just had a normal one -- I say normal because they have quite a variety to pick from. My husband had The Orange Windmill burger and also the sweet potato fries with truffle oil, which are delicious.

I hope we all continue to support new restaurants as best we can. I myself go out about twice a month, usually to the same places. My pleasant experience at Pounds has inspired me to try to break that habit and spread my small amount of cash around to different places.

Here is Pounds on my good/bad criteria list for restaurants:

1. Location:

Easy to find

2. Parking availability

Lots of parking, as it is located downtown. However, your parking spot may not be directly by the restaurant.

3. Variety of menu, not too much and not too little:

Perfect amount

4. Wait staff:

Very pleasant, answered all of our questions with ease

5. Dining area:

Clean, with plenty of area for sitting

6. The food and presentation

Easy, yet interesting (in a good way)

7. The cost:

Affordable -- one can eat and afford a beverage

8. The bathroom:

Fresh and comfortable

9. Would I go back and would I recommend it:

Absolutely!

10. Most interesting fact about the restaurant:It has a can-crushing machine for recycling!Pounds donates the money they receive from their recycled cans to a charity. Customer vote on which charity Pounds donates to. Now that's AWESOME.

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