Bluff Park residents Ben and Laura Smith had a dream—a dream for a place where you can watch the game and have a beer, where you can bring your kids, where you can meet your neighbors after work, where you can get a similar experience to going out downtown without leaving Bluff Park. And that’s just what they have brought to life at The Electric, one of the many restaurant names on Ben’s running list of concepts in his head that fit the vibe they were going for with this one. Stop by Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. at 2146 Tyler Road, Suite 212. You can also catch happy hour specials with $1 off beer and wine and $2 off house cocktails Tuesday-Friday 4-6 p.m., and you can talk to Ben and Laura about box lunches, catering and parties too.
Where did the idea for The Electric come from?
My husband Ben and I have a combined 32 years in the service industry. That’s how we met and it was both of our careers, and it’s been Ben’s dream for forever to own his own place. He is one of the owners of Paramount too. After we moved to Bluff Park six years ago, we saw Bluff Park needed a spot with a bar and good food that was super accessible. Ben just happened to meet our landlord Ken Harden and saw the potential for the traffic with the Pig where it is currently, and he was impressed with Ken and the location.
What are some of your favorite menu items?
My favorite is the Boardman, Ohio: pastrami, pickled red onions, house made ranch and house made beer cheese. It’s saucy deliciousness. I also really love the Camilla. It’s got chicken breasts, house made white barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and spring mix on sourdough from Birmingham Breadworks. The beer cheese dip is super popular, and right now we have chili and loaded chips with chili, beer cheese, chipotle crema and pickled red onions (pictured).
What about the drink menu?
We have one cocktail of each spirit and a full bar so we can make anything to order. My favorite is Velvet Elvis. With a George Dickel Rye whiskey, Montenegro, Hoodoo chicory liquer and cocoa bitters, it’s like a spin on an old fashioned. Our frozen guava margarita is the most popular though. We have all packaged beer and some local brews and domestics. We also have 9-ounce cans of wine.
What’s the look and feel of the interior like?
We wanted it to feel new vintage. I love anything from the ‘70s, so we wanted to pay homage that throwback with a lot of plates look like the ones you had at your grandma’s house growing up. We wanted that nostalgia, but we also wanted it to be new and fun so it appeals to all generations.
You have three kids, ages 12, 7 and 4. What are their favorite parts of The Electric?
My kids really like our outdoor area with giant connect four and Jenga. They love the grilled cheese and PB&J, and my 7 year old loves the TJ: ham, peperoni, Swiss cheese and slaw on a potato roll with garlic mayo.
