Velvet
"First impression? Velvet's interior looks like its name: low-lit, low-slung, and smooth. The bar is home to a half-dozen or so chairs, perfect for solo drinkers, while there are several booths ringing the periphery to curl into with friends or lovers. Dark walls and upholstery keep the mood intimate and focused on drinks and conversation, and the restrained amount of tables guarantees that while nights can get buzzing, the mood will never be overly raucous. How’s the crowd? The crowd here are well-dressed, in-the-know locals—plus a few tourists who have done their research. Some tables make a night of it, others come in for a pre-dinner aperitif, but given the price point and the craft behind the menu, everyone is here to appreciate their drinks. How are the drinks? Truly crafted and creative cocktails are the name of the game here, with a menu that changes weekly and that is based on seasonal plants around Berlin (previous menus have included foraged ingredients.) Velvet is a place to ""sip the local season,"" as the menu declares says, and all the seasonal syrups, liquors, distillates and extractions they use are housemade. Menus break down each component of the drink so you know exactly what you're getting, and they're also not afraid to break the mold with some imagination: A recent example is the ""Holunderblüte"" featuring gin, elderberry liquor, dry vermouth, tequila blanco, verjus, jasmine, and cardamom. The menu showcases not just the cocktails but also gives the mixologist behind them a byline, which adds a nicely personal touch. If you don't see anything on the menu you fancy, or you just want a classic cocktail, the bartenders are happy to concoct based on your preferences. If there’s food, is it worth ordering something to eat? No food here! Bottega No. 6, a tiny Italian place nearby, is the perfect place to soak up any overindulging (they do a mean lasagne). Did the staff do you right? The bar staff are attentive, welcoming, and down for a chat if you're at the bar. It's a small operation with multiple talents coming together for the menu, so their passion shines through the service and genuine friendliness. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? It's the perfect elevated spot for a promising date, a catch-up with an old friend, celebrating birthdays with an intimate group of friends — or for the cocktail-curious seeking an imaginative something beyond the standard old fashioned." - Krystin Arneson
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