Blank Slate

"This women-owned Montavilla cocktail bar has many highlights, including Champagne Jell-O shots and fresh baked molasses cookies served alongside a white Russian on the dessert menu. But Blank Slate also offers fun and fruity $8 nonalcoholic drinks like the Orange Dream Machine with orange juice, vanilla, rosewater, and oat milk; and the Rose Darling with hibiscus, rose and green tea, lime, and coconut milk. If you’re lucky, you can catch the pistachio eggnog before it disappears for the season." - Emily Venezky, Janelle Lassalle, Thom Hilton

"Seasonal drink lists rarely go harder than Blank Slate’s holiday martini menu, which this year distills the cast of It’s a Wonderful Life into an impressive slate of whimsical, well-balanced martinis. There’s the George Bailey, which combines Javanese peppercorn-infused Hendrick’s gin, vermouth blanc, and cucumber, and The Zuzu, which uses New Deal bitter chocolate-flavored Vodka, spiced pear liqueur and Sarpa di Poli grappa. Come for the cinematic mixology, stay whichever oddball pre-code Christmas movie is playing on the laser projector." - Ben Coleman, Janey Wong

"While many of the bars and cafes on this list have a distinctly retro vibe, Blank Slate mixes in some modern. There’s a turntable and a crate of records at the end of the bar, yes, but there’s also a cutting-edge laser projector on a mid-century credenza to match the tunes to visuals. And the hi-fi setup is more than window dressing: The bartenders bring their own vinyl and program weekly themes like “tropical goth” and “sensual Star Trek.” The overall design here is sleek, floral, and contemporary, with a bold color palette blending acorn hardwood with creme-de-menthe green. The cocktail menu features adventurous notes like hibiscus, cardamom, and Peche de Vigre, and there’s an expansive selection of mocktails, making this one of the classier first date spots on upper Glisan." - Ben Coleman

"This intimate-yet-elegant bar is the domain of owner and bartender Kierre van de Veere — against a backdrop of lush wallpaper and tunes courtesy of an extensive vinyl collection, van de Veere offers inventive cocktails such as the Laphroaig-ian Slip, incorporating Scotch, sherry, lemongrass, and lime bitters. But don’t hesitate to order classics like boulevardiers, Negronis, and sazeracs. Blank Slate is also bookable for private events." - Janey Wong, Nathan Williams

"A chic, cozy spot, Blank Slate has been quietly serving craft cocktails to the Montavilla neighborhood for a few years now. While it’s primarily a neighborhood bar, the cocktails — which veer tropical and playful with lots of rum and mezcal options — are worth the visit. Many drinks incorporate culinary elements with skill: For instance, the caraway notes of Brennivin blend with  tomatillo juice, lime, and cumin simple syrup for an inventive, captivatingly savory cocktail, while the Naked City uses a red wine gastrique to add an acidic note to Pisco and Cocchi Americano. Blank Slate is also a strong option for low-ABV and nonalcoholic cocktails, often customizable for those looking for something less intense." - Alex Frane, Eater Staff