Nova brings sports bar concept to new heights
Billing itself as a sports lounge, Nova's unique atmosphere makes it a place where you can go to watch the game with a burger and beer, then stick around to dance to the latest tunes. Boasting a stylish interior and well-crafted cocktail list, it's a spot that might be at home in the city, providing a solid alternative to heading downtown for a night out.
Motif: The combination of orange and black is typically relegated to Halloween decorations, but it works surprisingly well as Nova's color scheme. Brightly colored paintings depict abstract images of sunsets or just splashes of color reminiscent of fiery stars. The space is lit by hanging orange lamps, and candles line the table space in the evening. With 13 50-inch plasma TVs around, it's easy to keep up with the plays.
A lounge area with its own bar can serve as a place for private parties. On busy nights it often holds overflow seating, with groups looking for conversation retreating away from the dance floor on the opposite end of the space. A fenced-off outside patio features a few tables and chairs along with a pair of couches. The area is full service but there are plans to add a third bar there so that orders can come out even quicker.
Service: Nova is a labor of love for co-owners Mike Perez and Gus Koukoutsakis, and you'll constantly see them buzzing around the bar getting involved in everything from finding room for big parties to making sure there are enough menus to go around. Service is attentive and friendly, and the bartenders seem to always be curious about what people think of the drinks they've mixed or their favorite menu items.
Crowd: Since opening in April, Nova has been bringing out an eclectic mix of sports fanatics and clubbers. On a Saturday night you can find anything from guys in T-shirts to groups of women dressed to impress.
Liquid Consumption: The Supernova martini is the signature drink at Nova and it lives up to its status. The bright pink cocktail of Absolut Mandarin, X-Rated and orange and cranberry juice is refreshing and citrusy. Cocktails can be mixed with house-marinated fruit infusions, and drinkers with more of a sweet tooth can try the Banana Split, a complex concoction where you can distinctly taste banana liqueur and the Godiva dark chocolate in one sip.
If you're drinking on a budget, stop in Thursday or Sunday night for $2 domestic drafts and bottles and $3 imports. Bottle service is available, and even designated drivers can find a treat in the form of blended gourmet iced coffees.
Food: The menu is a mix of conventional sports bar food with more upscale options. You can order up burgers or ahi tuna sliders. Even the wings have a little gourmet flavor. The crispy white meat boneless bites can be served with hot sauce or more unusual coatings, like wasabi. One of the best picks on the menu is the angry calamari, crispy fried squid served drizzled in olive oil with cocktail sauce for dipping.
Sounds: DJs spin a mix of Top 40, house, electronica and rock music Thursday through Sunday nights. Sets usually start around 10 p.m. but may kick off later if sports games run late.
Parking: Valet parking is available and there are plenty of spots in a free lot.
Overall: While it has the feel and perks of a high-end bar, the prices at Nova are reasonable enough to make it a regular hangout.
Nova
701 W. Lake St., Addison, (630) 628-5800
Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday