The owners of I’m Eddie Cano, the mod Italian-American restaurant that’s become a neighborhood favorite over the past three years in Chevy Chase, are close to opening a seat-free, European-style bar next-door where customers can down a quick digestif and talk soccer.

The new place, simply named Italian Bar, models itself after Roman businesses where people congregate to chat over quick morning cappuccinos, light pastries, gelato, Italian snacks, and day-time drinks. The plan is to open Wednesday, December 1, pending permit approvals, at 5008 Connecticut Avenue NW.