Maison

French Restaurant Maison Serves an Outstanding $8 Martini | Eater Carolinas

"Opened in 2019 by former Ordinary chef Vandy Vanderwarker and former Fish bartender Will Love, this neighborhood-style French restaurant delivers classic Parisian dishes and consistent, relaxed hospitality. It works equally well as a dress-up date spot or a quick after-work stop for a drink and a snack, and my go-to solo order is the so-called “It Girl Dinner”: hand-cut frites that are brined overnight, cooked twice in clarified butter, and served with chilled bearnaise; a simple salad of lettuces like bibb and romaine in a Dijon vinaigrette with fresh herbs that’s light, refreshing, and never overdressed; and a martini. During happy hour (4:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and all night on Tuesdays), martinis are just $8, as are most house liquors, and the quality is solid, with Citadelle as the base gin. The relaxed room, with black-and-white bistro touches and hexagon floor tiles, feels reminiscent of old-school Parisian cafes, and a seat at the cast pewter bar offers a view into the kitchen plus chill service from bartenders who are happy to chat when they’re not busy. An insider move is to come on Wednesdays for the super decadent burger made with duck sausage and hanger steak, topped with gruyere, caramelized onions, garlic aioli, and a duck-fat milk bun, then drenched in sauce bordelaise, which turns it into a messy but fun dish to share with friends." - Erin Perkins