Cherylynn N.
Yelp
Swanky new tequila bar...
With a Filipino chef...
In Napa?!
I'm here for it!
I don't drink wine so when I read about Chispa Bar (from the owner(s) of Cadet), I had to pay a visit during a Napa staycation. Walk-in only, no rezzies. They have indoor and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
M E N U
Cocktail bar with an extensive tequila selection from small batch brands. Signature cocktails: $13-$18. There's a $10 Chispacho shooter (tomato juice + tequila) and 100% of the funds go towards the staff's education fund.
Seafood centric food menu with an Asian bent.
Link to drink + food menu: https://tinyurl.com/m3pyd9yx. There's a separate book with the spirit list.
No HH specials.
They charge a $1 for block ice and $1 service charge for using a credit card (without giving you a heads up). Yes, it's only a $1 but IMO, it should be built into the already premium pricing.
D R I N K
* Fortaleza Blanco Still Strength ($22/shot + $1 ice): https://tinyurl.com/2xz5kukn
Fortaleza is my fav but it's incredibly hard to find in SF and in still strength, forgetaboutit! It's soooo smooth and easy to drink with earthy, citrusy, black pepper notes. Doesn't have the vanilla notes like the regular blanco.
* Tesoro Highball ($13 x2)
Couldn't decide between the Cascahuin or El Negocio with club soda, and our server recommended the Tesoro Highball on the menu since they have it on tap.
Light on the alkie but it's just what I needed to stay hydrated. Love the strong effervescence of the club soda...so refreshing!
F O O D
* 1/2 Dozen Oysters ($25): https://tinyurl.com/yksk7kh7
The Kumamoto oysters were fresh but some weren't thoroughly shucked as they were stuck to the shell. Served with a tangy mignonette and tequila infused cocktail sauce.
* Lumpia w/ pork, sweet chili sauce (3 pc - $15): https://tinyurl.com/3h3hxe4t
Hot, golden brown, and crunchy with a savory, moist pork filling. Loved that it was crowned with a slice of pepper for heat and served with a punchy sweet and sour sauce. $5/lumpia is steep but it's so good and made with quality ingredients.
* Silvanas Meringue cookies w/ pistachio, buttercream, vanilla, craham (sic?) cracker crust ($8, charged $10 on the bill): https://tinyurl.com/3m64ef2b
Usually Filipino desserts put me in a diabetic coma but I was curious to try their take on silvanas, a Filipino frozen sandwich cookie inspired by dacquoise, a French cake.
Instead of the traditional cashew meringue wafer, graham crackers are used so you get that extra crunch (chef's family recipe). It's filled with a rich, frozen buttercream that's balanced by the savory pistachios. Deliciously satisfying and not overly sweet.
S E R V I C E
Friendly and knowledgeable. If you're new to the tequila world, the staff is there to help guide so don't be shy to ask questions.
Chef Mac came out to thank us for visiting which was such a nice touch! He's so kind and humble.
My only recommendation is to show customers an itemized bill. We were just shown the total on the handheld pos and didn't catch the price discrepancy of the silvanas until after I received the receipt via email.
A M B I A N C E
Swanky, trendy cocktail bar with open sliding doors for that indoor-outdoor feels: https://tinyurl.com/yyhsnn6t. There's overhead heat lamps in the patio area. Great place for GNO or a hot date since there isn't anything like this in the area.
P A R K I N G
Easy street parking since it's off the main drag.
Overall, Chispa Bar is a welcome addition to Napa and if it was closer to me, I would be a regular...on payday because it can get $$$. If you're a tequila or craft cocktail enthusiast, def hit them up!