When Bronson Bier Hall opens next week in the Ballston area, don’t go into it expecting A-Town.
Before it closed in December, A-Town Bar and Grill was the slightly-sticky crown jewel of a sprawling nightlife franchise that includes Don Tito and The G.O.A.T. in Clarendon.
But Bronson Bier Hall has taken pains to cultivate a fun but more subdued aesthetic than the rip-roaring A-Town, which was noted for its once-frequent appearances in crime report items.
The interior is composed of brick columns and copper countertops, with long tables and walls decorated with antique agricultural equipment.
“We didn’t want people to walk in and go ‘it’s A-Town’,” said chef and co-owner Mike Cordero. “This is more for sitting with a beer or playing some games. It’s more mellow and chill.”
Games at the Bier Hall include shuffleboard, darts and ping pong.
Cordero said the main focus of Bronson Bier Hall is having an “old world” feel. The beer selection is a mix of local beers and a collection of German imports.
The restaurant will also feature schnitzel and bratwurst, with a station where visitors can literally see how the sausage gets made.
The Bier Hall is a partnership between Mike Cordero, his son Nick Cordero, prolific nightlife and haircut purveyor Scott Parker, and Gary Koh. Cordero said the restaurant will open sometime next week, though a specific date hasn’t been chosen yet.
Another new Cordero venture, Taco Rock restaurant in Rosslyn, is also currently in the works.