Kevin L.
Yelp
Cute, kinda-hidden new (since February?) addition of a semi-casual bar to the neighborhood. We've only been once, but thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to returning to sample more of their menu. According to our server, Another Country took over the old Chat 'n' Chew space. I'd entirely forgotten that restaurant even existed; I don't think I've ever stepped foot inside once, after living and working in the area for more than a decade. I'm glad that Another Country opened here, though. Saying that it's an upgrade is a drastic understatement.
After stepping down into the entryway, you're immediately greeted by a substantial bar. The host stand is apparently just past the bar -- then the venue extends extremely far back; perhaps the entire street block? I was amazed that the hallway just kept on going and going. It's not obvious from the street just how expansive the space is.
We only had one drink each and some light bites, although I eyed several items I'd like to try in the future. The fried peanuts made for a savory bar snack, but I probably wouldn't order them again. The mortadella sandwich, however, knocked my socks off. Imagine the most classic crunchy grilled cheese sandwich exterior, but rather than gooey dairy in the middle, you have flawlessly aesthetic layers of meltingly tender mortadella and impeccably stacked pickles. Every bite was an umami bomb and offered an exquisite juxtuposition of textures and flavors. 100% would recommend -- we split one sandwich between the two of us and it was a perfect pre-dinner snack.
Drink-wise, I found the No Room for Squares to be a sound rendition of a mezcal negroni, but the Rufus -- with its unexpected combination of vanilla and cynar -- really stood out. The cocktail list isn't expansive, but whoever's behind the bar knows what they're up to.