Troy M.
Yelp
I decided to come by here after they popped up in my timeline for their Grand Opening about a month ago. I was greeted as soon as I walked in. I made a beeline straight to the bar. Make sure to have your phone charged as there was no paper menu at the bar (QR code). The restaurant has Happy Hour from 4:00pm - 6:30pm. House shots are discounted, there are select cocktails on happy hour for $10, and appetizers $11. I started off with a shot of house white rum. Hit a little harder than I thought it would. I had the Brandy's Bourbon. Strong! It put me in the mind of a Manhattan. They do carry wines (Robert Mondavi collection), and the beers are more on the lager side (Stella, Dos Equis, Heineken, Corona, Modelo, and Guinness Stout). I had the Shark Bites from the appetizer menu. Fresh taste, fried, and I think there was a shado beni based sauce to complement the bites.
I had the privilege of being served by Emily (Wed/Thur) who carried great conversation and was open to creating drinks with me during her down time. Angie who was also working that evening joined in with the fun! Of the drinks we made, I enjoyed a blueberry mint lemonade (vodka base) and a Paloma variation (tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, splash of sorrel, topped with club soda). Both were very refreshing.
Now, as far as critique:
I believe the bar can do with one less chair. The chairs are so close together there is hardly any wiggle room to get in and out the seat.
Music was nice and mellow and you will be able to carry conversation without yelling however, with the name "Bacchanal" I was hoping to hear some soca. Maybe next time or on a Friday/Weekend.
Bathroom was clean!!! Soaps were very nice. It's just that the air dryer and paper towels are far on the opposite wall which will invite a messy floor on a busy night.
I didn't see a dessert section! Maybe it will come with time. If I could offer an opinion, I think a partnership with Island Love Cakes (based out of Englewood, NJ) or Island Pops (based out of Brooklyn, NY) would be nice additions.
**This is a personal critique** More Rum! I hope there will be more rums as part of the selection behind the bar. Mount Gay and Brugal are definite favorites! Hopefully something like a rum flight or rotating rums can happen.
I liked that the owners were walking around and engaging with the patrons asking about their experience.
On this particular visit the vibe was not bacchanal by definition but! Definitely a good relaxing time. Bob Marley greatest hits played for most of the afternoon in to the evening turning in to Afrobeats.
All in all, I look forward to my next visit.