When walking into University Sports Grill, next to 7-Eleven, the atmosphere feels no different than any other university sports bar. College and professional athletic memorabilia lines the walls, flat screen televisions play the night’s big game and a bartender pours beer from the tap.
However, instead of smelling burgers grilling and French fries frying, this sports bar has gone homemade Italian.
Owners Dave Seubert and Lyle Wilson opened the restaurant in November 2008. Seubert has been in the restaurant industry for over 30 years.
“Business was a little brisk through December, but now that students are back it is really picking up,” Seubert said.
University Sports Grill, open Monday-Thursday 10:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. and Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 a.m., serves up favorite homemade Italian dishes in a casual atmosphere and at an affordable price. Friendly bartenders and good service add to the dining experience. “Touch Down Entrees” and “Slam Dunk Parmesan” dishes average between $7 and $10. The food matches its prices; it is not an upscale Italian dining experience, but satisfies a homemade-food craving.
All dishes are homemade: the noodles, marinara sauce and complimentary bread. Spaghetti and meatballs, pesto, cannoli, Parmesan chicken, pizza, and meatball subs are just a few of their specialties.
Not craving Italian? University Sports Grill also serves chicken wings, nachos, burritos, sandwiches and salads.
Although the cuisine is a surprise, the atmosphere is not. It is suitable for a college nightlife scene. Every Monday-Friday there are two happy hours, one from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. serving $3 domestic draft pitchers, and the second from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. with $2 wells and drafts.
To add more deals into the mix, every night of the week has its own fun: on Sunday there are $1 hot dogs during any professional sports game. Monday has all you can eat pasta (spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccini) for $7; Tuesday offers $2 tacos along with trivia; Wednesday is ladies night, with $1 well, wine or draft; Thursday features beer pong from 10 p.m. to close and Texas Hold ‘Em from 7 to 10 p.m.; Friday is date night, with karaoke; and Saturday has live music and Texas Hold ‘Em from 2 to 5 p.m.
