Lydia C.
Yelp
I used to come here for their extensive classic cocktail menu when the location was Taste. Since I've moved away and then back, it has rebranded as a French bistro, with a smaller cocktail menu. Last night, my friends and I met up here to try some drinks and catch up. It was a bit of an odd, mixed experience.
First, I think the hostess took an instant dislike to us (maybe it was the beanie I was wearing? The weather April Fooled us and it is COLD). We (two who arrived first at 6pm) asked if three people could be accommodated, and no, we did not have a reservation, to which the answer was "There's open seating at the bar." OK, fine, we are here for the bar anyway. Sometimes, it's just nicer to talk to each other at a table.
We went back to the "Brass Bar" in the third room, which was about the same as I remembered from Taste days. Very cool vibes. I really enjoyed the playlist, which had like Beach House and Kings of Leon (?) on it. The bartenders were quite nice and patient with us as we deliberated over the menu. While we waited for the third party member, my friend went back to the hostess to see about making a 7pm reservation--in about an hour--and it seems like maybe she was reluctant about that? It's a thrusday night, and the place was by no means full. I genuinely don't think it's so upscale a place as to not be able to serve 3 three drop-in people small bites and drinks with a hour's notice?
Anyway, we enjoyed our first cocktails at the bar and chatted a bit with the bartenders about what to drink next (got a very strong recommendation for the Elvis drink with banana liquor and esspresso--maybe next time, if there is one). Servers brought us French bread style rolls (crusty but soft inside) and butter, which I wasn't expecting but certainly appreciated.
At seven, we went back to the hostess, and she took us to the back of the restaurant to a table right by the kitchens. Loud! I was thinking maybe we should have stayed at the bar afterall, which wasn't crowded and did allow food ordering, when she came back and said, "I made a mistake," before moving us to a back corner. We all MUCH preferred the corner, but I can't decide if the first or the second table was meant as a slight?? The rest of the night, no one was seated at the other table... (It could have been a genuine mistake, but all of my party felt unexplained hostility)
Anyway, our server was Michael, and he was delightful and attentive. Never felt slighted for us just ordering sides/appetizers/dessert and a second round. We weren't chased out of the restaurant and were left to chat. He even comped my cocktail when it was forgotten at the bar long after my friend's drinks arrived. It was such a contrast in treatment and raised both my estimation of the place overall and softened how I'm viewing the hostess.
Anyway, the fries truly are "like crack," to use Michael's words, which I remembered from before, and the two drinks I tried were delicious and strong as well. Maybe I'll come back for dinner proper one day (with a proper reservation even).