Last weekend, a friend invited me to attend an event at Second City comedy club with him. Being his physcological-fatty friend (I like this term better than “foodie”), it was my job to find the place for grub before the laughs. I do not often venture to Old Town area (or not many areas east of Western Avenue for that matter) because it’s a pain to drive there, parking is ridiculous, and I cannot usually justify spending a good chunk of money on valet, as I would rather spend it on more drinks or food. I asked around for some suggestions and as always, my trusty chef friend came up with a brilliant idea – Old Town Social.

I managed to make a same-day reservation for dinner prime time that Friday night. Surprisingly, driving to Old Town wasn’t as terrible as I often make it out to be, and valet was a reasonable $10. Upon giving the keys to the valet, he mentioned that he would “find us in the club” if he left before the place closed down, which I did not understand until we left after the meal, weaving through a crowd of younger folks getting sloppy to thumping bass (a transformation that seems to take place around 10:00 p.m.).

The host greeted us with a warm smile and promptly gestured for us to follow her. Winding around high-top bar tables in the front bar area, I took in the dark, cozy, intimate atmosphere filled with groups throwing back a few at the bar and couples snuggling in curtained booths built into the walls. A few separate parties lounged at long communal tables, clinking glasses and nibbling on bar snacks. We sat in a dining area near the back of the restaurant equipped with a second bar (more a service bar than for patrons to gather at). Compared to the front bar area, where we ate was calmer and overall more enjoyable.

While waiting for our water and initial server contact, I panned the beverage menus, eyes widening with each page. Old Town Social, true to its watering hole reputation, has an impressive beverage list. A beer index outlines not only the selection, but also the inspiration, taste, statistics (ABV percentage, etc.), and production methods behind each brew. A limited beer flight menu offers adventurous drinkers  an opportunity to try three unique crafts for $7. The wine list is plentiful and the cocktails are inventive and vibrant – from The L (a tribute to the CTA trains that features spiced rum, orange liqueur and fresh lemon) to a shot-sized Pickle Back that highlights both the bite of Jameson and a signature house pickle brine.

When I stepped outside for some air, a man smoking a cigarette and slightly swaying in place mentioned that “this place has good food – for bar food.” I later wondered what menu he was eating off of. The food was fantastic for “bar fare,” with many options one would not likely find in your average bar – like upward of twenty different house-cured charcuterie selections (a cheese list to match) and duck wings so tender and smoky they fall of the bone like baby back ribs (served with a cucumber dill dipping sauce).  Yes, they serve expected bar delicacies like marinated olives, mac and cheese, tacos and a BBQ brisket sandwich, but all of a much higher caliber than a majority of Chicago bars. Other treats that I must return for include house-made hot dogs, Belgian mussels, a bibb lettuce salad and a pork belly “Reuben.”

And it’s getter  – they serve brunch! I’ll be back without a doubt.