Two Drinks: OverTime

(Credit: Eric Rowley/Metromix)

The look: OverTime can be found in place of the now-closed Torroco! in Urbandale. Just south of the interstate, the new neighborhood bar and grill-style hangout was opened by Jerry and Kim Cobb in mid-March. The bar and restaurant areas have a very clean, modern look with little clutter and open, inviting seating. TVs line the walls, so you'll have a good view from any angle. A game room in the back caters to anyone wanting to play some pool, darts, shuffleboard or video games with their friends.

The crowd: The crowd on a Tuesday night was a mix of young and old, with some after-work visitors and others kicking off their night. Kristi Cobb, manager and daughter of the owners, said business so far has been great. "It's been super busy," she said. "We've had two and a half times the business we thought we would." Cobb said the restaurant is all ages until 10 p.m., when it switches to 21 and up.

The two drinks: With its heavy sports crowd, Cobb said beer is the obvious drink of choice, and OverTime does not yet have any signature drinks. She did, however, take the time to think up a couple of unique drinks for me to try. The first was a chocolate martini with bourbon. Now dubbed a Chocolate-Covered Whiskey Dick (with help that night from the staff), the drink had a kick and warmed the belly. Since Cobb said this is more of a winter drink, she offered up something on the summery side next, a Kiss of Death, also newly named. This is a vodka and cranberry cocktail with lime, specifically made with Hangar One lime vodka. The drink is incredibly smooth and strong, and would fit well on OverTime's patio.

The grub: OverTime serves a full menu until 10 p.m. that includes appetizers, sandwiches and pizza. A late-night menu of limited appetizers and pizza is also available 10 p.m.-midnight.

The verdict: As is the case with many bar and grill restaurants, OverTime can be a great starting off point for a weekend night. However, the place feels more bar than grill, and with the added amenity of the game room, could be a stopping off point as well. Add a friendly crowd and bartenders that know their stuff, and OverTime is a great place to spend some time.