Second Bar + Kitchen is bright, open and modern. I think they were a bit confused when I wanted a table for one, but after the initial awkwardness, I was seated, delivered a glass bottle of water and began to pore over the menu.

Located in the Second Street District, Second Bar + Kitchen combines seasonal ingredients with local artisan products to create a true farm-to-table experience. Second Bar + Kitchen offers small plates for sharing, locally-recognized salads, delicious pizzas, entrees and desserts to enjoy. Second Bar + Kitchen is open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

From the bar, Second Bar + Kitchen offers a wide selection of finely crafted cocktails by Director of Bars + Beverage Jason Stevens, an approachable wine program from Wine Director Paula Rester and a selection of eclectic beers.

So, the Congress Burger is the must-have. From Eater:

The sumptuous blend of brisket and chuck comes nicely seasoned between a thatch of Gruyère and shallot confit. Making it extremely easy to customize are sides of leaf lettuce, tomatoes, and sweet pickles, not to mention two ramekins with sharp mustard and homemade ketchup.

The Congress Burger has: ground brisket + chuck · shallot confit · gruyere · greens · tomatoes · horseradish pickles. I got truffle pomme frites to go with it. Yummm.

The burger is great. They are simple ingredients - but high quality, and that makes all the difference. Every individual piece was tasty, and combined, great. The truffle aioli sauce that came with the fries was divine, as were the sharp mustard and homemade ketchup.

While it's nothing completely strange or out of the ordinary, it nails the solid burger category and has the perfect fry complement.

Grade: A