Algonquin's new Iron Horse a place to chill

When Jimmy D's in Algonquin closed, bartender and manager Mike Marcello decided to take over the space. Partnering with Joe Condo, the owner of Algonquin's Thirsty Whale, Marcello opened Iron Horse Bar & Grill on May 8, keeping the spot's regulars while attracting new customers.

Motif: Wooden shelves attached to the walls show off various bottles of whiskey, with a mix of wooden and neon beer and spirits signs decorating the space. Five TVs show sports games in the bar area, with three more positioned in the dining room along with a dart board.

Food: Going beyond your average pub grub, Iron Horse's menu includes goat cheese-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates, steamed mussels in red wine tomato broth, charcuterie and cheese boards, and poutine. If you are looking for something more traditional, you'll also find a customizable burger, jumbo wings and chili.

Liquid consumption: The beer menu is always changing with 12 on tap and 40 more available in cans or bottles. The bar's goal is to stock hard-to-find brews from area breweries including Pollyanna Brewing Co. and Pig Minds Brewing Co. The bar also periodically hosts tap takeovers. If you're partial to spirits, you'll find several higher-end whiskeys.

Crowd: The spot largely draws a 40-and-older crowd, with guys in T-shirts and polo shirts hanging out at the bar to drink and chat with each other and the owners while watching sports. The spot hosts periodic bike nights that tend to bring in local motorcycle enthusiasts. The bar is quiet for lunch most days, though it picks up on Thursdays and Fridays. Dinner brings in a solid crowd including more families.

Service: Marcello was tending bar when we visited and was happy to chat about the spot and the beers on draft while regularly checking in with everyone.

Music: Iron Horse hosts karaoke on Thursdays, appealing to fans of Jimmy D's where it was a huge draw. The bar is also kicking off live music with dueling pianos on Aug. 22 and a set from Jim and Justin Wojdyla of Modern Day Romeos on Aug. 28.

Parking: There are plenty of spots in the free strip mall lot.

Overall: Iron Horse Bar & Grill takes some of the popular aspects of Jimmy D's and expands on them to create a chill neighborhood spot for dinner, beer and some conversation.

Iron Horse Bar & Grill

3965 W. Algonquin Road, Algonquin, (224) 256-2341, <a href="http://ironhorsebar.com">ironhorsebar.com</a>

<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday