Good for the Sol

Sol Cantina (408 East 31st Street,
816-931-8080), the newest bar to join other Union Hill drinking establishments, has rejected the see-and-be-seen “Martini Corner” concept in favor of something a little more laid-back. The place has huge garage doors for open-air seating and a large patio in back, so these first few sunny months ought to prove profitable for the tequila retreat’s owners, Chris Ridler and Aaron Confessori. We have to wonder whether their clever slogan (“It’s far too hot in here to be a meat market”) is a friendly dig at their next-door neighbors and whether the new Thursday-night, two-for-one drink special at the Velvet Dog (400 East 31st Street, 816-753-9990) is an effort to keep that patio the busiest on the block. Double up — on drinks and options — starting at 10 tonight.

Thursdays, 10 p.m., 2006