This is the first of a new section we’re starting here @ WhitlockAvenue.com, entitled, “Arts/Living.” Soon, the site will be redesigned with this new section available to access. Until then, enjoy the post by our newest contributing editor, Susan I. McNeel!

Every Wednesday, Shilling’s upstairs dining room “On top of the Square,” plays host to Martini’s and Music from 7pm-10pm. Their martini special features $5 martinis to be enjoyed while listening to the musical stylings of the Jazz Trio. I decided to check out this classier version of happy hour and brought along my friend. We could hear the relaxing tones of the band at work before we reached the top of the stairs. The tables were set for fine dining with white linens and full place settings. We opted to sit at the bar and found the bartenders to be friendly and extremely knowledgeable of the fare and history of Shillings. We upgraded from the $5 martinis to Grey Goose. I ordered mine “Straight up, extra dirty” and my friend went for the Cosmopolitan. Our drinks were perfect, one of the best martinis I’ve had anywhere in Marietta.

It was difficult to decide what to order; everything on the menu appeared to appeal to all the senses. We settled on sharing a couple of appetizers. Though their specialty appetizer is Mushroom and Artichoke Mélange, we decided to go surfing and order fried calamari and crab cakes. The calamari came out drizzled with a delicate teriyaki sauce. Instead of the standard marinara sauce for dipping, it was accompanied by a sweeter, fruit based sauce The crab cakes had a crispy crust and tender inside and were accompanied with a spring salad mix. . None of it could have been prepared any better. It was absolutely delicious.

Though the staff, food, and drinks were all amazing, the décor left something to be desired. The view of the square was hindered from the bar by a large valance over the window. The exposed brick lost some of its charm by housing some generic and obsolete artwork.

Despite the need for a design upgrade, the overall experience at Martinis and Music on Top of the Square was quite enjoyable. The band was entertaining. (Though, I didn’t find the opportunity to ask them why their name was the Jazz Trio when they ended up having four members.) The food, drinks, and staff were everything you could want from a dining experience. It’s not the best spot in Marietta for a happy hour scene, but it is ideal for a romantic mid-week date.

Be on the lookout for more news in the Arts and Living section of the site in the coming weeks!