Hot Spots: Mind Your P’s & Q’s
Revisited a mid-town stalwart recently—Pen & Quill on Charles Street in Station North. Something about the cooler weather makes this bar and restaurant a favorite go-to in the wintery months.
There’s something about settling into one of the welcoming leather banquettes…
…and tucking into some roasted chicken, steak frites or a crunchy chicken sandwich with chow-chow relish that is the definition of satisfying.
The big bar with its sturdy marble top is always brimming with friendly patrons and the bartenders are on-point with a sophisticated cocktail program.
The featured special cocktails are always uniformly creative, and yummy bar snacks include deviled egg halves and soft pretzels with porter cheddar cheese sauce.
Other areas that make the place special are the big communal lounge areas up front…
…and a side dining room that occasionally undergoes thematic transformations…
…last summer – for a month – it became a tiki-styled oasis, complete with a special tiki cocktail menu.
There’s interesting artwork throughout the space, including colorful painted wall murals in the lounge area.
…and even fun pieces hanging in the restrooms.
Apropos of the colder weather, my cocktail of choice was a perfectly made Manhattan, the bourbon and vermouth combining to create a warmth…
…that was matched by the atmosphere of the barroom. {Pen & Quill, 1701 N. Charles Street, Station North}
