Earlier this month, American Bistro Branch 27 opened in a converted library building in West Town. Chef Bob Zrenner oversees the menu, which includes seared sea scallops with house-made pumpkin ravioli, chicken paillard with spring vegetable ratatouille, and flatiron steak with blue cheese-spinach ragout.
With exposed brick walls, black-and-white photographs, and wooden bistro tables lining leather banquettes, the entire restaurant seats 160. The main dining room, which overlooks Chicago Avenue through floor-to-ceiling windows, seats 80 and can host cocktail receptions for 100. The dining room leads to a glass-ceilinged atrium that seats 40 and can be curtained off for privacy. When combined, the atrium and the main dining room can seat 120.
The owners are in the process of developing special menu packages for prix-fixe dinners and passed and buffet-style appetizers.
