Square One Bistro

By Sherrill Mogonye

An old soul with a new face.

That is what Square One Bistro has accomplished with an updated interior combined with the same local charm. A striking new red interior, wine bar, and an updated menu are a few ways the owner, known as “Charlie Mac,” is reinventing a Bryan favorite.
Last Saturday my date and I ventured to downtown Bryan for dinner. After a call-ahead reservation, a table awaited us next to a painted brick wall. Modern art pieces were strategically placed throughout the dining room with dim, romantic lighting. The large windows at the front gave the room an open feel just as sunset approached. The setting, the soft voices and contemporary music set the mood for our great experience.

Their locally grown tomato bruschetta tasted as if it was just picked from the garden. I chose the walnut crusted chicken breast, which was perfectly crunchy and incredibly juicy! It was served on a bed of mashed potatoes with a zucchini-squash-and-onion trio, grilled to perfection. The truffle oil infused macaroni and cheese is the perfect marriage. Other intriguing items on the menu include a chicken fried ribeye and the SQ1 signature bread pudding.
As we wrapped up our dinner, had the extra food boxed up and paid our server, the manager stepped to the front and held the door open, following us outside. He thanked us for coming and asked us about our experience. He was genuinely thoughtful and wanted to know how the food and environment added up. We explained that the food was delicious and experience was remarkable. The familiar music was fun, but we hoped to hear something jazzier. He explained that changes are in the works. They intend for the scene to transition into a lounge-like wine bar where people will kick back and enjoy the evening after dinner hours.

Here are a few more things we should have told Mr. Charlie Mac. As a former server of a well-respected food chain, I am always very critical of restaurant service. Square One’s wait staff passed the test. Although young, they were courteous, suggestive, and attentive. It is also nice to see such passion and enthusiasm from a restaurant manager. Square One does a great job of feeling like a hometown dive while delivering a product of high quality.
Square One holds the reputation of being one of the best places to take a date in the Bryan-College Station area, and after our visit I think this still fits the bill, but it has also become much more than that. I encourage you to visit Square One for a fun evening out in downtown Bryan. This is the perfect place to take a small group of friends and segue into a night of entertainment. Stick around at their wine bar as the tunes are cranked up, lean back, and stay a while.
Take my word – Square One is back and better than ever. You will not be disappointed.