This time of year is high season for Irish coffee. For those who haven't had the pleasure, it's traditionally a footed glass cup filled with a generous shot of Irish whiskey, black coffee and some sugar, the whole topped with thick whipped cream.
The problem in many bars is that the coffee is pretty wretched, that sour, stale stuff that was made hours ago and allowed to sit on a too-hot plate ever since. There is, however, a place we thought full of potential for a good Irish coffee, and within easy reach of the Grand Center Arts District.
Cafe Ventana turned out to be as good as we'd hoped. If there's a better Irish coffee around town, we haven't had it. The coffee is fresh and from Northwest Coffee, the bartender asks which whiskey is preferred, offers the option of decaf, and we're sure a request for a sugar substitute would be cheerfully filled. It boasts a crackling fireplace (gas, alas) and sofas as well as tables and chairs; the annex in the building to the west is even more atmospheric. Ventana's become something of a student hangout, thanks to its free Wi-Fi, but it's rare that we've seen only students there. Conducive to conversation, as well, and it's open until midnight, except Sunday when they close at 11 p.m. (And, yes, there's parking, adjacent and free.)
Cafe Ventana
3919 West Pine Blvd.
314-531-7500
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily, Brunch Sat.-Sun
Sun-Wed: 6:30 am - 11:00 pm
Thur-Sat: 6:30 am - midnight
by Joe and Ann Pollack
