Upscale, yet homey, is how manager Liz Vollbrecht has always described the North Bend Bar and Grill.

The popular downtown hangout made a subtle update to its chalet feel last month, recently finishing an upgrade that added a few new features to its dining area and lounge.

Extra table and booth space were added to the lounge area, while a nook with seating around a fireplace and widescreen television were put on a blank rear wall. Staff refer to this area as the “conversation corner.” It’s meant to flow customers around the bar, and is one more warm, welcoming place for people to gather.

The lounge received extra wine taps and a granite countertop, while the front counter got an extension of much-needed work space.

With North Bend Bar and Grill celebrating its 15th anniversary last month, “we wanted to make it nice for another 15,” Vollbrecht said.

The bar and grill closed for a week to get the work done.

General contracting was done by Charles Billington, with work by Josh Wyrsch Mark Stanton and Steve Lilliberg.

North Bend Bar and Grill is located at 145 E. North Bend Way, and is open 8 a.m. to midnight, 360 days a year. See the menu at www.northbendbarandgrill.com.