Whitehall Exchange recently opened in the Bishop Arts District, at the northeast corner of Bishop and West 7th Street. Billed as "bar and bites," this refurbished spot retained the old charm of the building and enriched it with stain glass and dark wood, giving it a swank feel.
Whitehall Exchange has an extensive wine menu, a dozen bottled beers and a cocktail list that rings of an era past with drinks like a Classic Gibson, Tom Collins and Salty Dog. Otherwise, mixed drinks are just call'em like you like'em.
The bites menu is written on the glass above the bar and can change daily, depending on what's fresh and perhaps what kind of mood the chef is in. Last Friday the offerings included charmoula and lime-fried almonds, spiced olives, crab cake, a cheese board and, the heaviest dish, a lobster risotto with citrus brown butter and truffle.
On nice days, those sidewalk barstools with the windows raised might be worth fightin' over.
