Nestled in a lively neighborhood where locals and visitors alike gather for casual nights out, Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar has developed a menu that balances comfort food with refined touches. While the atmosphere may be relaxed and unpretentious, the food and drink offerings tell a different story one of thoughtful ingredients, clever pairings, and surprising quality. Whether you’re there for a quick bite with friends or an evening of craft cocktails and shareable plates, the menu at Shorty’s delivers flavor, fun, and a little flair. It’s the kind of place where elevated pub fare meets approachable prices, with enough variety to satisfy almost any craving.
Overview of the Menu
Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar menu offers a diverse mix of small plates, hearty mains, bar snacks, and inventive cocktails. The culinary focus leans toward American comfort food, often with a twist. Classic items are updated with fresh ingredients or unexpected seasoning, making them feel familiar but new. The drink list includes everything from local craft beers to signature cocktails that rotate with the seasons. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, showing the kitchen’s effort to be inclusive and flexible.
Small Plates and Shareables
The small plates section is designed for social dining, ideal for sharing among groups or sampling a variety of flavors in one sitting. These are the dishes that kick off the night and spark conversation.
- Truffle Tater Tots– Crispy golden tots tossed with truffle oil, grated parmesan, and a hint of garlic aioli on the side.
- Spicy Deviled Eggs– A house specialty with a smoky chipotle filling, crispy bacon topping, and microgreens for a fresh finish.
- Fried Pickle Spears– Buttermilk-battered pickles served with a dill ranch dipping sauce. Crunchy, salty, and addictively tangy.
- Korean BBQ Wings– Sticky, spicy, and sweet wings glazed in a gochujang-based sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
These offerings are balanced between salty, tangy, and spicy profiles, ideal for pairing with one of the bar’s specialty drinks or a cold lager.
Signature Mains
Though it calls itself somewhat fancy, Shorty’s doesn’t skimp on portion sizes or substance. The mains section of the menu features elevated comfort dishes that hold their own in both flavor and presentation.
- Fancy Grilled CheeseРA gooey blend of white cheddar, gruy̬re, and brie between sourdough slices, served with a cup of tomato bisque for dipping.
- Shorty’s Smash Burger– Two seared beef patties with American cheese, pickles, house sauce, and shredded lettuce on a brioche bun. A true crowd favorite.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich– Buttermilk fried chicken breast with spicy honey, cabbage slaw, and herb mayo, all layered inside a potato bun.
- Veggie Grain Bowl– A lighter option with quinoa, roasted sweet potato, avocado, chickpeas, greens, and lemon-tahini dressing.
These main courses are made to satisfy, whether you’re after indulgence or something healthier. The ingredients are fresh and often locally sourced, with great attention to flavor balance.
Bar Snacks and Late-Night Bites
For those looking to snack while sipping, the bar menu includes a variety of smaller, easy-to-eat options perfect for late nights or light appetites.
- Pretzel Bites– Soft, warm pretzel nuggets served with beer cheese and spicy mustard.
- Loaded NachosРTortilla chips piled high with cheese, black beans, jalape̱os, sour cream, and an optional addition of pulled pork or chorizo.
- Marinated Olives– A simple but flavorful mix of Mediterranean olives with orange zest, garlic, and herbs.
These items are easy to pair with drinks and work well for casual gatherings or a quick bite while watching the game on one of the bar’s many screens.
Signature Cocktails and Drinks
Shorty’s bar is as much a draw as the food. The cocktail list is where somewhat fancy comes into full effect. Each drink is carefully crafted with premium spirits, house-made syrups, and unique garnishes. While the list changes seasonally, a few mainstays include:
- Shorty’s Old Fashioned– Bourbon, demerara syrup, and orange bitters, served over a large ice cube with a flamed orange peel.
- The Fancy Mule– Vodka, ginger beer, lime, and a splash of elderflower, garnished with mint and served in a copper mug.
- Spicy PalomaРTequila, grapefruit juice, lime, jalape̱o syrup, and a salted rim.
- Cucumber Collins– Gin, cucumber, lemon, and soda water for a refreshing, crisp drink.
The bar also offers local draft beers, a curated wine selection, and several non-alcoholic options including mocktails, fresh lemonade, and house-brewed iced tea.
Happy Hour Specials
From Monday to Friday, Shorty’s runs a generous happy hour with discounts on select drinks and small plates. It’s one of the most popular times at the bar, drawing in a mix of after-work crowds, students, and tourists looking for quality at a good value.
Desserts and Sweet Finishes
No menu would be complete without a few sweet indulgences. Shorty’s desserts are comfort-driven and built to share or not, depending on your sweet tooth.
- Chocolate Stout Cake– A rich slice made with dark beer and topped with whipped cream and chocolate drizzle.
- Deep Fried Cheesecake Bites– Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with berry compote.
- S’mores Dip– Melted chocolate and marshmallow served with graham cracker sticks. Ideal for groups and nostalgic cravings.
While the dessert list is short, it’s thoughtfully selected and adds a perfect closing note to the meal or drink experience.
Atmosphere and Service
The environment at Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar is relaxed yet polished. Exposed brick walls, moody lighting, and vintage accents give the space a cozy, urban feel. The staff are known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to make recommendations, whether you’re unsure what to order or looking for the perfect cocktail pairing.
Live music on select nights and themed food events keep things fresh, making it a destination not just for dining, but for entertainment as well.
Shorty’s Somewhat Fancy Bar menu offers more than just bar food it’s a curated collection of elevated dishes, playful snacks, and handcrafted drinks that come together to create a unique, memorable experience. The combination of quality ingredients, clever presentation, and inviting atmosphere makes it a standout among neighborhood hangouts. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick bite or settling in for a full evening, this spot proves that a bar can be both laid-back and impressively delicious. With its creative menu and genuine charm, Shorty’s continues to win hearts and stomachs one visit at a time.