Matt C.
Yelp
The handcrafted cocktails and chic decor deserve a round of applause, but the service dampened our overall experience.
I love frequenting high end, hotel bars around the country. After four action-packed days of SOBEWFF, a coworker brought our group of five here. She knew my high (almost snobby) bar for craft cocktails, and I knew she wouldn't let me down.
The bar program impressed me due to its presence of classic cocktails, yet many with contemporary twists. My eyes locked with the Barrel Aged Mezcal Negroni.
Montelobos Mezcal
Casamigos Reposado Tequila
Aperol
Sweet Vermouth
Coffee & Cocoa Bitters
The addition of deep, rich bitters paired perfectly with the sweet vermouth. If the cocktail just contained mezcal it would've been a miss. However the combination of reposado tequila with the mezcal provided the right balance of smokiness and vegetal characteristics. The Aperol cut through exquisitely. 5-star cocktail from beginning to end.
Unfortunately, after being seated at the high top table and our server taking our orders, we waited over 20 minutes for our cocktails. If they were busy, I wouldn't have minded. Yet, there were three people behind the bar not making drinks with not many patrons in attendance. Our server apologized for the wait. However for the steep prices, you expect to be taken care of much quicker. The fact that I watched three bartenders moseying around for 20 minutes left a sour taste in my mouth.
Overall, a beautiful space that should impress almost anyone. If you are looking for a quick drink on South Beach, this might not be the place. If time isn't of the essence, sit down and order a stiff drink from Bar Collins.