Brio - Andover

Had dinner at Brio for the first time earlier this week. I have been to Brio several other times for just coffee or breakfast. For a Thursday evening, the restaurant was not busy. Very laid back vibe in there. It was 6:30 and only 3 or 4 other tables were in use. Our server was friendly although it seemed like she was kind of new. She explained the menu and specials to us. We ordered several beers and an appetizer (Minnesota Nachos) while we waited for the last member of our party. The Minnesota Nachos were pretty good, basically homemade chips with a hamburger helper style hotdogs and cheese all over it. I ordered the Gouda burger. My wife ordered the steak frites. The Gouda burger was very good, was cooked to how I ordered (medium). The caramelized onions were perfect as was the cheese and bacon. It came topped with 3 huge onion rings. Very tasty chipotle mayo on the side for dipping the onion rings and burger in. The steak frites ended up being just a regular steak. My wife ordered medium. While it looked ok on the surface, when she cut into it, the steak was quite rare. The server did not come back quickly, so we had to ask at the counter. We asked for a new steak and they gladly went back and cooked one, although we asked for it to go because everyone else had already wrapped up eating. My knock on the experience was that they took a while to check on us, making my wife wait to get her food for a while. I would give the place a second chance because they fixed the situation and took half of the steak off the bill. The other food was solid and I liked the atmosphere and beer selection. Worth checking out for dinner or a beer and appetizer if you're in the area.

The variety of coffee and drinks here is insanely awesome. Me and my boyfriend love coming here and trying out new drinks. One of these days we will have to come to the bistro part and try the food. I've heard it's just as good. Just a note--while they welcome laptops during the day, you cannot work here during the evening. We found this spot earlier this summer and have been here on average at least once a week since. We love it!

After going here for dinner without disappointment we decided to stop in for breakfast and unfortunately won't do that again. The quiche tasted reheated from days ago and the cooked to order carmel roll was rubbery and difficult to cut through. Not what we expected at all from a place that does such a great job at dinner.

People are so darn critical of this place...I think it is great and we need more places like this in the area. I'm sick of the chain restaurants so this is refreshing!!! The food is good and the coffee is too. The 4pm rule is because the restaurant is trying to be unique in the fact they turn into a fine dining in the evening. Get a grip people.

If you want to pay $11 for a 'burrito ' (tortilla with scrambled eggs and cheese in it), and get handed napkins with food stains already on it, this is the place for you!