New lounge a delightfully mellow entry in St. Charles bar scene
Á Salute Lounge & Grill took over East Side Pub & Grill's former space in December, transforming the St. Charles sports bar into a mellow hangout. Drawing in an older crowd, the space at 2400 E. Main St. offers solid dinner options and cocktails along with room to dance.
Motif: Half booths opposite cube stools take up one side of the space, with black tablecloth-covered tables on the other. The tables and long marble and granite bar are both set with red candles. Bold colored martini- and wine-themed paintings line the walls. You can watch sports on seven sets. Bands play against the windows and the chairs are moved aside to create a dance floor.
Food: The bar serves house-made Italian fare including bruschetta and flatbreads. The most popular dish is baked clams, which are big and buttery and covered with crispy breading. The stuffed mushrooms are also a hit, juicy and topped with melted cheese and lightly toasted breading. If you're looking for something heartier, try the pillowy gnocchi with a big tender meatball and plenty of garlic bread.
The bar regularly changes up its menu to try new things and offers daily food specials. On Mondays you can get pasta with garlic bread for $5.99, and Sundays bring $2 hot dogs and 50 cent wings.
Liquid consumption: Á Salute offers a menu of signature cocktails including the Key Lime, a sweet and sour mix of Absolut vanilla, triple sec, lime and cream with crumbled graham crackers on the rim. If you don't see something you like, the talented bartenders are happy to whip something up to your tastes using the bar's selection of high-end spirits.
Crowd: The late night spot was empty when we came in at 7 p.m., but an hour later was starting to pick up with a few 35-and-older couples. The bar still caters to the sports fans that came to East Side by showing three games at a time and offering plenty of specials. When bands are playing, you can get 50- to 60-year-olds showing off on the dance floor.
Music: Karaoke on Thursday brings out a big crowd, including some singers with great voices. DJs spin Fridays and every Saturday the bar hosts live bands from genres including blues, Motown, rock and country. Other times you can choose your own tunes from a digital jukebox.
Service: The bartender was quick with recommendations from the menu along with offering to make us drinks she learned while working elsewhere. She checked in regularly to update us on our food, while owner Gus Donzelli walked around mingling with all his guests. Since the music is a big draw, he'll also call to let diners with reservations know if the band cancels.
Parking: There are plenty of free spots in the strip mall lot.
Overall: Sports and music fans can relax with a martini and hearty appetizer at Á Salute.
A Salute Lounge & Grill
2400 E. Main St., St. Charles, (630) 549-0181, <a href="http://asaluteloungeandgrill.com">asaluteloungeandgrill.com</a>
<b>Hours:</b> 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily