"First impression? A European-inspired "adult snack bar?" Color us interested. Local chef Tiffany Faison has made waves across Boston with her large-scale, destination dining restaurants such as Sweet Cheeks and the late Tiger Mama, and this intimate space serves as a smart counterpoint. If you're in the mood for a fantastic cocktail or a glass of wine and some elevated bar snacks before catching a game at Fenway Park, this is where to do it. How’s the crowd? When this spot originally opened in 2018, it was a standing room only affair, so there were a lot more drive-by's and quick customers. Since reopening in 2022 after a pandemic-era refresh, there are now sixteen seats and a small outdoor patio for the warmer months, so guests take a little more license to linger. Still, it feels like a spot you go to before or after somewhere else, so you're likely to see date nighters, folks on their way to Fenway Park, and young professionals who occupy this neighborhoods numerous new condo developments. How are the drinks? Cocktails are where this bar menu shines, with both shaken and stirred offerings, as well as more indulgent "nightcaps" (the Grasshopper is a delightful throwback). That being said, don't sleep on the wine list, and make sure to ask for the day's handwritten menu of selections. Although this is a small venue, its wine buy benefits from being a part of Tiffani Faison's larger restaurant group. If there’s food, is it worth ordering something to eat? A tight offering of nine or ten snacks keeps things tasty without going overboard. Things like spring pea and pecorino arancini, salumi of the day, and brown butter toasted Marcona almonds make for indulgent snacks to pair with your cocktails and Fenway people-watching. Did the staff do you right? It's a small space designed for people to be quick-in, quick-out, but the friendly staff never make you feel rushed. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? It's a unique, intimate experience where every drink and every snack feels perfectly curated. Consider it a tasty alternative to the sidewalk hot dog stand before the Red Sox game." - Todd Plummer
