Located above the Avec River North location, Bar Avec channels the Iberian Peninsula with a breezy, open-air patio on the 8th floor and a menu inspired by the seaside cafes of Spain and Portugal. There's no sea (or lake) in sight here, but the 1,200-square-foot space is decked out with summer-ready coastal decor that does a serviceable job of mimicking the real deal.
As for food, the ultra-fresh roasted beet and strawberry salad with burnt chili vinaigrette, smoked yogurt and lentils offers a refreshing crunch on warm summer nights. The falafel-seasoned fries with harissa aioli are also a crowd-pleaser, as well as the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates with bacon and piquillo pepper-tomato sauce. Complete the experience with a round (or two) of cocktails. We recommend the popular Side to Side, featuring Banhez mezcal, aperol, grapefruit jarritos and habanero shrub, or the fruity Ibisco D’amorita, crafted with hibiscus-infused tequila, Mallorca melon, urfa pepper and lime.