LOUIE’S ON MAIN in Garde Grove (OC Tribune photo).

This is the bar for the no-bar folks.

Does the image of the classic watering hole with boozy customers slumped over their brewskis and a menu that runs from beer nuts to pretzels make you want to hurry past such a place?

Here’s your alternative: Louie’s on Main in Garden Grove.

This is a local institution that has changed with the times. Started in 1953 when Main Street was Euclid Street and when there was yet no city there, this place has evolved past its Rainbow Room days.

To our surprise, this is a friendly, appealing and entirely satisfying restaurant and pub. In our recent visit, we found the staff to be attentive and knowledgeable. The bar is on the north side of the building and seating on the south and along the west wall. There’s not a lot of seating, but what there was is comfortable.

A half-dozen large screen TVs over the bar provided entertainment – if you’re a sports fan – and the entire room was appealingly decorated.

PASTRAMI and fries.

Louie’s On Main features over 30 varieties of beer and a full bar with a bartender willing to lend you an ear.

But, for us, the key was the food.  It’s good. It’s really good. Despite a small kitchen, there is a broad menu with salads, burgers, steaks, sandwiches and even tacos, fish and chips and hummus. Prices are moderate and the food arrives fast.

Jim had the pastrami sandwich and pronounced it one of the best he’s had outside of New York City. Marilyn had the Argonaut (bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and 1000 Island dressing) burger. She selected it, in part, because every Argo burger sold means a $1 donation to Garden Grove High. Big, moist and meaty was her verdict.

To further accommodate its eating (and drinking) clientele, plans have been drawn up to add fresh-air dining outside the front door, providing seating for 16 more patrons. Another Louie’s is planned for Long Beach.

Good chow, low-key vibe and lots of choices. Don’t pass this one by.

Louie’s on Main is located at 12942 Main St. in Garden Grove. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. to midnight on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday.