Big Shot: Cold-weather comfort with piano bar style

We get it. It's cold. And it's only going to get worse. For those of us who'd rather order in on a chilly night than battle the boozy club scene in uncomfortable shoes and dance gear, a new little piano joint might make the "going out" decision a little easier. Nestled among storefronts in Arlington Heights' cozy downtown, Big Shot piano lounge is in many ways the exact opposite of the space's dance-club predecessor.

Unlike The Boiler Room, which closed its doors some two years ago, Big Shot's mission is simply low-key wine-sipping and martini-sampling in the company of its resident pianists' cool jazzy sounds and warm, intimate surroundings. That's something even homebodies can appreciate when the weather forecast turns frightful.

Motif: The essence of a piano bar, in every romantic (if not stereotypical), brick-wall, white-linen, dark-accented and wine-and-cheese way. Our "piano man" for the night (the place is named after Billy Joel's 1978 single "Big Shot," by the way) was a sunglasses-clad bluester with long hair and a slick jacket. He exuded the kind of cool the owners must've hoped for when producing this classy joint, which feels like a smoky urban standard in the non-smoking confines of Arlington Heights.

Down the stairs off of Vail Street (you'll know the place by the piano music piped out into the doorway), the small foyer opens up into a room of cafe tables and a well-stocked bar to the right. Though Big Shot offers a diverse menu of small and full Mediterranean-themed plates, eating isn't mandatory, nor is it grossly pushed by the staff. Imbibing and foot-tapping is equally acceptable, if not more so. Oh, and the source of the soundtrack takes its place in the far corner.

Crowd: Though the casually dressed and uber-forthcoming maitre'd greeting the crowd this night looked to be in his early 30s, the crowd was decidedly older. Expect the demographic to shift younger, though, as news spreads about Big Shot's opening. The wine-bar mentality beckons young couples and old college friends, whereas the current crowd appears to reflect Arlington's empty-nester residents.

Service: Quite friendly and thoroughly sincere, the still-new wait staff was still navigating the landscape as of a few weeks in. That said, all orders were delivered correctly and with a smile, not to mention thoughtful inquiries about our time there and an invitation to return. Plus, our server really knew the drink list, which is a feat in and of itself since the cocktail menu's wine and martini list is extensive.

Liquid consumption: Extensive and comprehensive, but still keeping pace with Big Shot's overall swank feel, the list of drinks at the table covered all bases within "piano bar" repertoire. Need a red, white or sparkly? They're available -- in glass or bottle form, between $7 and $8 per goblet. And martinis! Pick a flavor and Big Shot just might have it. The Jolly Rancher and Raspberry Cheesecake stood out among the rest.

The bar offers up mixed drinks and plenty of bottled and draft beer. Or check out the tea selection. We couldn't help but notice the blackberry variety.

Sounds: All piano, all the time. Well, almost all the time. Equally jazzy tunes are played while the piano man of the evening takes a break. Nonetheless, there's rarely a break in the action, and sporadic claps and full-on applause tends to break loose during the evening. We hear the weekends have welcomed request-driven entertainment and even a few sing-a-longs when demanded. Make no mistake; management never intended this to be a karaoke bar. But if a Billy Joel song happened upon the ivories, we'd probably sing along, too.

Food: Caesar salad, spring rolls, buffalo chicken lettuce wraps, tomato basil soup, seared salads and a nice array of flatbread pizzas, including portabella spinach feta and shrimp avocado -- yeah, this menu pushes the creative menu while still being snacky enough to enjoy as palette easers with wine. Don't come starving and expecting a quick meal; Big Shot's management definitely wants you to stay a while and savor the drinks and music. And don't be afraid to share; even full-plate options beckon family-style swapping -- and lots of dipping.

Parking: If you're lucky, you'll score a street spot on Vail, but we suggest taking advantage of the big, warm parking garage right next door. Spots on the first and top floor are free as the breeze.

Bottom line: Big Shot had big shoes to fill by taking over The Boiler Room space, which garnered its fair share of partiers. Turns out the piano-bar concept is a perfect fit, not only for a quaint, walkable downtown in Arlington Heights, but for an area that needs a cozy, swanky lounge to cut the club/pub trend. Big Shot is still very early into the fold, but as long as word gets out about it, we predict it'll stick around for quite a while -- in warm weather and cold.

Big Shot is located at 2 S. Vail, Arlington Heights. For information, call (847) 670-6890.