Outpost Bar & Grill

This place is just a damn good time. Whether it's for drinks after work, dinner with the family, or a night out with friends, every single time we have had a great time. Lots of friendly regulars with enough new people coming through to keep it interesting. The drink specials are great as well, and change enough to keep things interesting. The kitchen pushes out consistent quality and flavors that are amazing. Not greasy bar food, but legitimate quality meals from quality cooks that are proud of their work.The owners (Dave and his wife) are extremely attentive and pay attention to the type of place they want the bar to be. They have a very refreshing "No BS" attitude and don't put up with idiots that try to tarnish the vibe or cause trouble. They are frequent visitors to the place, and make it a point to actually meet their customers. The bartenders are extremely friendly and attentive, and quick to squash any temper flareups and repeat offenders are banned. Your glass is rarely empty, and are quick to learn to enjoy hearing a respectful and non-pressuring "you want one more?".Every year they have a "customer appreciation day" with free food and drinks for a number of hours, and all tip proceeds go right to the staff. The place is standing room only, and everyone on the payroll attends and works. It is a great way to say thank you to the customers, and the employees get a very well deserved "bonus" of sorts. I mean, who even does that kind of thing for their employees and customers anymore?!?!?Couple tips: If you are coming for Friday fish, plan some time because the place is packed early and through the evening. The servers do amazingly with the rush, but its a popular place. Also, they have draws every Monday, huge monthly draws where the prize is often north of $1000, meat raffles the like that also bring large crowds, so plan on extra time if you are visiting during those events.

Not sure why this place has a high rating for their fish fry. Very average at best. Felt like the fish (perch) sat in a pan and steamed too long and lost its crispness. Then we ordered the potato pancakes which were actually a tatter tot right out of a bag. If we go back we will get a baked potato or fries. The cocktails were good and the service was above average . I wish places would get the mentality if you can't make it from scratch then take it off the menu.

I tried this little place because I love fish fry Friday's, it is my end of the work week treat. Their fish is disgusting. It was definitely frozen out of a bag. It was tough and chewy somehow. I had no clue cod could be tough and chewy. It was dry and when I told one of the employees I didn't like it, they apologized and I paid 16$ for the 1 piece of fish I tried. Their cod is the kind of fish you get at a cheap Chinese buffet. It should have been comped for sure. Their onion rings were fine and the mini fried tacos are what you can get at Kwik Trip. The salad bar was fine, a little sad, could have used some carrots or something. The decorations were typical and it was clean.

We came here after dinner as it was close by brother's house. We just wanted to play a few darts and have a few drinks. Bartender was quick and handled an unruly client professionally. Prices were ok on drinks, but I was most excited to see the menu and people getting food delivered to their tables. Oh my goodness. Food looked so good, even through I was stuffed. I want to come back to check out their menu selection.

We're new to Wisconsin from AZ. My husband and I took our two small kids to dinner there a few days ago when we were too tired from work and moving to want to cook. The staff was really friendly and attentive. They were kind about the mess my 1 year old made.The food was pretty good and I had a decent beer. It was honestly just a relief to get out of the house for a bit and have someone else handle dinner. So thank you. That was a good experience for us. Too often we forget to praise the good while we're busy complaining about our first world problems.

Good food, great prices, small town bar. Went with the whole family tonight (my husband, myself, and 3 children-11, 15, 18). Everyone liked their food and we were pleasantly surprised by the prices!! They have a nice area outside where you can play bags or eat your meal.

The atmosphere was great, it reminded me of an up north kinda place. The staff and customers were friendly and great service. The drinks were spot on, we each had two Southern Comfort Old Fashions. We enjoyed an average salad bar prior to our fish fry. I ordered the 3 perch and shrimp combo with potato pancakes and my wife had the 2 piece cod with a baked potato. We heard great things about the fish fry however we were disappointed with the fish. The cod was very thin and curl and my perch were the same, not flakey at all. The potato pancakes were more like tater tots that were flat.

The Friday fish fry is an area winner. Dave takes care of his customers and employees. Always a good time.

Fantastic food, best patty melt I've had in 40 years. My husbands bacon cheeseburger was delicious. Definitely marked this one to go to when ever we are in Cottage Grove

Great hometown atmosphere and good food! Very good value for the money as well right in the heart of downtown Cottage Grove!