Bad Wolf is a restaurant and game store located in Belle Chasse, Louisiana. It boasts over 4,000 square feet of gaming and dining space just 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans with a huge retail selection and amazing food, cooked from scratch.
Bad Wolf popped into existence as a bar in January 2015, in Marrero. Quickly outgrowing its original location, they moved to Gretna in June 2017 and added a game shop. Wanting to grow the restaurant portion of their business and expand to cater to customers of all ages, they settled in their current location in Belle Chasse in November of 2020.
“Bad Wolf has taken a journey from a dive bar in Marrero to a fun family restaurant and game store,” Alicia said, adding that their sons, Ben, 13, and Joseph, 7 played a role in that decision. “We wanted our kids to be a part of our business and be able to be here with us. And now we are excited to welcome the next generation of gamers and nerds to join their parents as part of the Bad Wolf family.”
Bad Wolf has a 20-seat dining area set amid the game shop, and features two additional rooms that are open for gaming and can be reserved for private gatherings.
With a focus on from-scratch cooking with nothing but the best ingredients and locally sourced seafood, the Bad Wolf menu features appetizers, a variety of loaded hand-cut French fry options, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, salads, and a kids’ menu, as well as daily specials. Dishes sport clever nerd culture names, such as “The Shire” (fries topped with melted cheese, bacon, and two over-easy eggs) and the “Chocobo” (two smoked chicken tacos). Delivery is available in Belle Chasse, and kids eat for half off when dining-in on Wednesdays.
Beverages include a wide variety of sodas, flavored waters, and energy drinks. And for those of age, the full bar also includes a selection of beers, cocktails, and specialty drinks, such as their signature Coffee Bomb, made with whiskey, Irish cream, and cool brew coffee. Drinks are available in a 32-ounce to go collectable cup.
Tim and Alicia have spent over 5 decades combined in the service industry. They have made a promise to put their employees first and always make sure their entire staff is adequately compensated. That is why they have made the decision to add an 18% service charge to all food and beverage purchases (not retail). Customers are invited to tip additionally if they would like.
“We really want to change the culture of how restaurants pay their employees. We want to see a transition away from the culture of servers relying on the generosity of customers and huge front of the house and back of the house wage disparities. This is the solution we came up with and people seem to really like it so far,” said Timothy when asked about their policy.
The full game shop offers board games, role playing manuals and supplies, dice (including special Bad Wolf dice), miniatures and painting supplies, and huge Warhammer, Star Wars Legion, Marvel Crisis Protocol, and Magic: The Gathering selections, just to name a few items.
The Dardars encourage customers to make it an afternoon/evening out at Bad Wolf.
“We want people to feel like they can come here, have some food, hang out, play some games,” Alicia said. “This is a place to come have some fun and spend quality time together.”
Board games can be rented for $3 or are free with any food purchase. There are also organized on-going in-house events ranging from regular Magic: The Gathering and Warhammer play dates to RPG socials to monthly arts and craft fairs. Check their monthly calendar for these events as well as to find out when local artisans offer arts and craft workshops for both adults and children such as watercolor painting, resin working, miniatures painting, etc.
Additionally, Bad Wolf partners with local charities for fundraisers and hosts special events such as BarCon, a mini-comic con featuring activities for the whole family, performers, vendors, performers, bands and more.
“Bad Wolf is and always has been about the community,” Alicia said. “We have worked hard to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can feel welcome and accepted. Whether you play games or not, the Bad Wolf Family is always willing to welcome you with open arms. We believe in making the world better, one nerd at a time. #nerdlife.”
Bad Wolf is a restaurant, bar, and game shop located at 1454 Woodland Highway in Belle Chasse. Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 504-613-4887, email [email protected], or visit www.thatbadwolf.com or www.Facebook.com/thatbadwolf.
