In the last few years, we’ve seen some interesting new restaurants and bars opening in Northside, giving locals more dining options than just really great tacos. But now there’s a place for those who want to watch the big game while eating good in the neighborhood. No, I’m not talking about the mythical Northside Applebee’s. I’m talking about a new sports bar called Second Place.
While it’s a funny name for a sports bar, Second Place is aptly named. It’s the second establishment opened by the partners behind The Littlefield — the bourbon bar and restaurant that shares a block with Casablanca Vintage and Arcade Legacy: Bar Edition on Spring Grove avenue.
Second Place aims to be a place to watch sports, while not beating you over the head with a sports bar theme. Unimposing TVs above and around the bar show football, basketball and soccer games; but there’s also a pool table, dart boards and a bookshelf full of various board games and card games. Instead of TV commercials and referees’ whistles assaulting your ears, there’s actual music playing, chosen by the bartenders.
In terms of ambiance, both establishments represent a departure from the divey charm typical of many Northside bars and restaurants. Having been renovated so recently, they just feel a bit fresher.
At Second Place, the attractive and inviting storefront leads into a long and narrow space with a large bar and several tables. Further inside, you’ll find the pool table and dart boards, then a back door that leads to a nice patio. The original tin ceiling in the front room along with the exposed brick and leaded glass window lend historical character to the otherwise modernized interior.
Sports trophies and medals fill up every extra shelf and ledge in the place, adding a kitschy dose of self-referential humor. They aren’t championship trophies — they sport the name of the bar: 2nd Place.
Recently my brother and I headed over on a Sunday night to watch some sport game, but I was really there to try their signature Bourbon Slush ($6). I’ll try any bourbon-thing once. I expected it to be something like a frozen Jack & Coke — a grown up version of an ICEE. But it’s more sophisticated than that, made with orange and lemon juice, ginger beer, black tea and bourbon. It’s served in a glass with a straw; no dome-shaped lid.
The ginger and black tea flavors really come through and complement the assertive bourbon flavor well. Sounds weird, tastes good. It hit the spot, even in December.
We also sampled most of the food available, which is walked over from The Littlefield’s kitchen. For a bar with only a small food menu, the fare was clearly not an afterthought. Other than the wings and free popcorn, it’s not your typical bar food. But speaking of the Hot Wings ($9): They were a little disappointing. The six wings had a nice aroma, but were lightly sauced and lightly flavored. Aside from the lack of heat, they were also a little chewy. A couple pieces of carrot and celery are included, along with a deliciously smoky blue cheese dressing.
The other offerings include a Smoked Meat Sandwich, Meatloaf Sandwich, Pickles and Smoked Cornbread with Cheddar. We started with the Pickles ($3), which were great — zesty and crisp pickled radishes and other vegetables that came in a little cup.
My brother ordered the lion’s share, though, which I sampled from. The Smoked Meat Sandwich ($10) was the MVP: a heap of meat and a pile of slaw on a sturdy but soft bread. The meat was tender, moist and flavorful. The slaw was crisp and fresh; not the creamy white stuff you can buy at the store.
The large piece of Smoked Cornbread with Cheddar ($4) was dense, like cornbread should be; not cakey. It was good, but the smoke and cheddar could have made more of a showing. Overall, the food was quite satisfying. You don’t get bar food like this at most places.
Whether you watch sports or not, you’ll find something to like about Second Place. On weekend nights the space fills up with Northside bargoers taking advantage of the large draft beer selection and well-made cocktails. During other times, it’s quiet enough to shoot pool with friends or strike up a conversation with your neighbors.
SECOND PLACE is located at 3936 Spring Grove Ave., Northside. More info: secondplacebar.com.
This article appears in Jan 4-11, 2017.
