City Council, which took over the space formerly known as Boxwood Tap & Grill, is a bright and welcoming Uptown bar with solid cocktails, a menu with light fare options, and a name that means business. Fortunately, the place is way less uptight than its name would suggest and manages to strike a nice balance between casual and classy.

Uptown’s City Council strikes a balance between casual and classy.

The Atmosphere: City Council is very well-lit and exudes a wholesome, friendly community feeling. The walls are mostly exposed brick with scores of hanging lightbulbs overhead. There’s a nice-sized bar with flatscreen TVs, a corner with plush couches, and plenty of tables for dining. When I visited, the outdoor patio was under construction – I was told that it was being outfitted with couches and possibly a satellite bar to give it more of a lounge feel.

What to Order: The drink selection includes beer, wine, and nine cocktails with government-flavored names like the Dirty Politician (bourb...