Bar Avignon

Southeast Division has developed into the stuff a devoted food lover’s dreams are made of, and Bar Avignon is a perfect fit for the neighborhood. Stylish yet pleasingly rustic, intimate but innately convivial, blessed with two expert owners at the helm, gracious service, and a kitchen that turns out consistently delicious small plates, Bar Avignon has the looks and personality too.

Stylish yet pleasingly rustic, intimate but innately convivial, blessed with two expert owners at the helm, gracious service, and a kitchen that turns out consistently delicious small plates, Bar Avignon has the looks and personality too.

Their wine list is superb, the full bar turns out excellent Sazeracs, Hot Monkey Ritas and Foghorn Leghorns, and the happy hour is one of the best in town. If you’re craving light bites, like some top-notch cheese and charcuterie, Bar Avignon has a sterling selection of artisan cheese and charcuterie paired with the appropriate condiments, like the pecorino sardo with cherry conserva, housemade chicken liver mousse with red onion relish, or Fra’ Mani salametto with cornichons.

Chef Jeremy Eckel’s uncomplicated menu showcases the best of our region’s produce and meats in simple Mediterranean-style small plates and entrees. Graze on crunchy just-roasted Freddy Guys hazelnuts rolled in paprika, tender wild boar ribs with a spicy peach barbecue sauce and sprinkling of crisp cilantro, Washington mussels bathing in a rich tarragon-infused cream sauce that will have you burning through your supply of soaking bread far too quickly, and divinely simple lemon juice-kissed baby greens wrapped in proscuitto–a vividly colored Italian salad roll of sorts. Heartier eaters can tuck into entrees like the summery risotto verde with fennel and golden chanterelles, or the seafood stew, a savory collection of rockfish, clams and squid in a saffron-tinted tomato broth. Don’t miss the flourless chocolate cake for dessert–the number of servings are tallied on the kitchen chalkboard at the beginning of the evening and each order is crossed off until the cake countdown reaches zero, then it’s no more cake for you.

Bar Avignon is equally charming in the warmest of times or the coldest of times–sip wine and watch the rain pelt the big front windows as you cozy up with someone special in one of the  black booths along the bar, or sunbathe with friends at a sidewalk table and count the people streaming in and out of neighboring gem Nuestra Cocina.

Details

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Executive Chef: Jeremy Eckel

Owner: Nancy Hunt and Randy Goodman

Pastry Chef: Jessica Woods

Atmosphere: Sophisticated, modern decor with a European feel, feels animated but still intimate, the sort of place you could hang out for hours with a good friend, or a lover, or a good friend whom you’d like to be your lover

Outdoor seating: Sidewalk tables facing SE Division & SE 22nd are put out in nice weather

Best Seat: A booth

Noise Level: Energetic

Dress Code: Anything from casual garb to your Ann Taylor suit

Bring the Kids: No

Bathrooms: In the back, straight past the bar, to the right of the large table

Parking: Free and easy to find on surrounding residential side streets, on a busy night you may have to walk a couple blocks but it’s not a big deal

Cocktails: Full bar, and a signature cocktail list ($5-$9)

Beer: A good selection of local, domestic and foreign beers

Wine: A very nice selection of predominantly European and West Coast bubblies, pinks, whites and reds by the glass ($6-$11) and bottle ($24-$195)

Corkage: $20 per 750mL bottle

Coffee: Stumptown

Tea: Foxfire

Vegetarian Friendly: Yes

Vegan Friendly: Yes

Good for the following occasions: Romantic Date, After Work Drinks, Out With Friends

Group/Private Party Details: The semi-private table for 12 is a great choice for a wine-centric dinner with your supper club

Reservations: There is a semi-private table for 12 that can be reserved, otherwise it’s walk in only

Take-Out: No

Delivery: No