Chris Warkocki | Places to Go – Social Urban Bar and Restaurant

Privileges shoot @ Social

Before I found photography as my outlet for creativity I used to cook good eats at Oscar’s Pub for the hungry drunken masses and it was once my one true passion. If you haven’t noticed I sort of love food, especially good food, and if you’ve ever gone out to eat with me I typically stay away from the mundane tasteless places that most of the cities residents patron. One of those places that I frequent has some of the best food I’ve ever let pass my gums.

One fateful photoshoot last summer led me to a location that not only looked amazing on the inside, but the menu looked so delectable I told myself that one day I would return. That place was Social Urban Bar and Restaurant. Located at 509 East State, Social is a remarkable establishment that is so far beyond anything on the east side of town that comparing it to something would be fruitless indeed.

Matt doing his thing

The first thing that you’ll notice is the great design and gorgeous modern look that Social prides themselves with. To the beautiful wood tables to the bar top that glows from underneath, it’s just a gorgeous place to walk in to. When you finish soaking up all the visual amenities take a seat and be prepared to be greeted by the most knowledgeable and friendly staff you’ll find in the area. The crew, headed by Matt Odorowski, know more about making a cocktail than a surgeon knows about making an incision. The drink menu contains various classic cocktails like a real Tom Collins, oh my goodness is it delicious, to some of the mixologists own concoctions. I’ve sampled about two-thirds of the drink menu and they are all so amazing it’s hard to pick a favorite. Typically I partial to the Tom Collins or the Vow of Silence, a cocktail containing two different Chartreuse’s, a raw egg white and other mystical goodies. I can’t help but continue to sample all the different cocktails especially since they use nothing but the best liqours on the market, so nothing but above top shelf in this place.

Andrew Pouring a Blue Bourbon

When it comes to the eats this place takes cuisine up a notch like no other in town, except Brio which is the bigger brother to Social. From the 3 day brined pork chop to the all the seasonal fares that feature local produce and farmers it’s amazing to see what Bob, TC and the rest of the kitchen crew create for our palettes. I’m a huge fan of the pork chop and truly believe it’s better than any steak I’ve ever had in my life… Bold statement yes, but you have to try it! My favorite seasonal item so far was the Heirloom tomato pasta. Local heirloom tomatoes, homemade cornmeal fettucine and a light basil sauce. It was amazing and the flavors were perfect. Oh, I can’t forget about the pork tacos! I try to stop by Social twice a month just for the tacos. I don’t know what they put in them to make it so addictive, but they are by far the best tacos I’ve had. The price is right and the flavor is amazing!

The Selection

I could write endlessly about all the great experiences I’ve had at Social, but it’s pointless unless you get away from your computer and go out there yourself. Take my advice and make your next delicious meal and extraordinary cocktail from Social Urban Bar and restaurant. You’ll probably catch me there writing my next blog or planning my next photoshoot there in the neat future.

Stay tuned for other great places to frequent as I explore the local cuisine and dine at the lowest of lows and highest of highs throughout the year! If you need some recommendation now I do use Yelp and you can read all my local reviews here.