Monday, February 4, 2008

A tasty bar snack....56 degrees bar

In a most inauspicious location, tucked into a slightly shady strip mall on the east side of town, lies one of our favorite weeknight spots--56 degrees bar. This is the bar section of the restaurant Truffles, which will get its own review in its own due time...have some patience, we have JOBS here....

What is to love about 56 degree bar? It is NOT the location of the restaurant itself (aforementioned dingy lot), NOR is it the placement of the bar itself--directly in the line of blasts of cold air from the front door. And, admittedly, it is not the decor either, which, to our taste, is rather cold and unwelcoming, and a bit dated. BUT WAIT! There is something redeeming about this place, something which causes us to turn a blind eye to these other distracting characteristics.

The bar snacks.

This is a great place to get a delicious, non-greasy bite to compliment your martini (which, on Thursdays, are half priced). The prices are quite reasonable, and the food is very good. I have never had anything from the menu that I didn't like, although some things are better than others. The ultimate, in my opinon, is their version of a cubano (called something creative, like "cuban pork sandwich"), which consists of ham, pork, mustard, swiss, and dill pickle. Friends, there is nothing quite like a cubano--the saltiness and slight richness--to compliment an icy mouthful of vodka. And amazingly, such a combination is available just minutes from your front door--and you can even do your grocery shopping at Kroger before you head home. Now THAT'S convenience.

I should mention that they have other drink specials on other evenings, and thus it is possible to have an economical evening on many days of the week. The bar area has many tables, so you can go with a group or with your most beloved friend....there's room for everyone. Now if only they'd get rid of those harsh black tables....

Overall rating: 7.5/10
Food: 7/10
Pricing: 10/10
Ambiance: 6/10

Rating scale:
Food: 1=inedible, 10=unforgettable
Pricing: 1=totally unresonable, 10=worth every penny
Ambiance: 1=I'd better bring this home, 10=I want this to BE my new home

LOCATION: 1131 S. College Mall Road

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