Quick Shot
Perhaps the most simply named nightspot in the city, Avondale’s ñ is a hybrid of both Argentinean & Brazilian cuisine and culture, as well as a combination of restaurant, bar, lounge, and even sports bar. In summer, the small wooden sign intriguingly offering only “ñ” offers little insight to what lies behind the gray metal door but what you will find is a triangular lounge with a nice bar and about a dozen small tables in front of windows overlooking Elston. Here you can sample from a small menu of appetizers (get the empanadas or milanesa) and entrees (the Vocio is something to behold but avoid the short ribs that have more fat, gristle and bone than meat) and dessert (mil ojas: yum). Later in the evening, you’ll encounter Latin jazz (Tue/Thu) and DJs spinning in a backroom that also shows latin football (soccer) from time to time. The drink selection is highlighted by caipirinhas, mojitos and the Argentinean lager, Quilmes – you can’t go wrong with any of the above. ñ also features a sidewalk cafe, pleasant only when the factory across the street isn’t going full-blast (they quiet down around 7pm in summer). This edition from the owners of the ever-popular Tango Sur on Southport have done well with their smaller curiosity in ñ. There is no website so you’ll have to phone first for more information and note that the place opens at 6pm.
