Quick review: Pi(e) Lounge

If there’s one thing that Fondren has been lacking in recent years, it’s a vibrant nightlife.  That’s strange, given the neighborhood’s undeniable hipness on all other fronts.  The recent opening of Sneaky Beans was a welcome step towards remedying this situation; another is Pi(e) Lounge, which is part of the pizza/ice cream juggernaut that is Sal and Mookie’s.

The lounge was created in the room that once served as the ice cream shop (which was, in turn, moved into the restaurant area).  It’s a rather small room and would have trouble accommodating a large crowd, but that somehow turns out to be a good thing.  The atmosphere is quintessential Fondren–cool, yet welcoming at the same time.

The beer selection is excellent, with bottles and drafts ranging from the keeping-it-real Pabst Blue Ribbon, to conventional boutique choices like Stella Artois and Abita Amber, with some obscure selections like Rouge Dead Guy Ale (from Oregon) thrown in for good measure.

There’s also some innovative options, with a three-draft sampler available as well as layered “concoctions” like a “Black & Pecan” (a combination of Guinness and the Mississippi-brewed Southern Pecan from Lazy Magnolia).

Pi(e) Lounge also excels in its selection of wines and specialty drinks, with about sixty vintages available as well as cool drinks like the chocolate martini and the “Bada Bing” (Absolut Citron, Peach Schnapps, and Triple Sec, mixed with orange and pineapple juices and sweet n’ sour mix).  Naturally, there’s also a great selection of ice cream-based beverages.

Prices are not what you would call cheap; for example, a bottled Heineken that would cost no more than $3.75 at most other metro-area bars will set you back $4.25 here.  Their daily drink specials can, however, ease the pain considerably, particularly their $1-off draft beer special on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Overall, let’s give kudos to the folks at Mangia Bene for adding to their record of eating and drinking establishments that add character, quality, and fun to the community.