By Chad Koenen

Publisher

The word little may be in its name, but stepping inside the Little Bar and Grill feels like anything but a small experience.

From the fresh look, new menu, big crowds and even a brand new kitchen, the Little Bar and Grill in Battle Lake has already turned into a popular destination for local patrons looking for a bite to eat—just two weeks after opening its doors.

After the Rusty Nail in Battle Lake closed, Marv and Cheryl Andersen purchased the restaurant, and for the third time in Otter Tail County, transformed a once desolate dining establishment into a hub of activity for people of all ages.

“We are kind of the bar recovery in Otter Tail County,” joked Marv, who previously remodeled Oakwood Supper Club in Henning and the Woodshed in Ottertail, before selling both of those businesses to other local owners.  

In fact, Marv said he almost likes transforming bars and restaurants into something new more than he likes running them once they are open. He said it’s the ability to take something that has seen its better days and bringing his vision to life in order to give a community a new place to hang their hat and get out on the town for a burger, beer or just catch up with old friends that he enjoys the most.

“I just like turning it into something that is workable again. I like being able to put a place back on the map and going into somewhere and turning it into a nice place again,” he said. 

With 46 years of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, Marv has a knack of creating a fun atmosphere that is highlighted with unique twists on classic dishes. For example, all of the onion rings on the menu at the Little Bar and Grill are handmade and the appetizer menu features items like meatballs. 

There are a variety of craft burgers, entrees, baskets and a kids menu to appease even the youngest of patrons. Marv described the menu as an “upscale dive bar with a hometown feel.”

The name is a play on one of Cheryl’s favorite restaurants in Florida. After Marv picked up the name of the Woodshed, which he got from a pile of wood he saw near Frazee when they purchased and later sold the Ottertail bar several years ago, Marv said it was Cheryl’s turn to pick out a name. 

Almost ironically, perhaps, the couple was in Florida when they officially decided to purchase the Battle Lake restaurant. Since Cheryl’s favorite bar and restaurant in Florida is called the Little Bar, the couple decided it would only be right to name their new establishment the Little Bar, but give it a twist at the end emphasizing what they hope will be a big and inviting atmosphere. As a result they came up with the Little Bar With a Big Atmosphere. 

In addition to a fun and inviting atmosphere with affordable food options, the bar has free peanuts and a patio dining area.

Marv said without the help of their local friends and contractors they developed from over the years they would not have been able to complete the job of remodeling their new establishment. Marv said it was amazing how much support they have received in not only getting the place remodeled, but from the community since they have opened their doors. 

Those who have dined or went to one of Marv and Cheryl’s establishments in Henning or Ottertail in the past will likely notice a number of familiar faces. Marv said their staff members have become like family to them over the years and they are excited to have many of their former family members come back to join them in this new experience.

  The Little Bar and Grill will be open seven days a week at 11 a.m. and is located at 123 Lake Ave S in Battle Lake. For more information, contact (218) 864-2929.