Molly T.
Yelp
We came to Down & Out for a nightcap last weekend because I'm always looking for new mixology havens. There are always fun cocktail bars popping up in the East Village and this spot appeared to have an exciting menu that's upscale but approachable. Overall, we thought that the drinks were solid and good in theory but perhaps lacking a bit on specs or execution. I don't regret coming here and it's entirely possible it was an off night.
We came here at around 10:30/11 on a Saturday. It was only about a third full which surprised me, but maybe it's not that well known. I also know that its a seafood spot (we didn't get any food) so perhaps folks were all done with their oysters etcetera and had moved onto other things. In any case, we got two seats at the bar which is always my preference. I got the Sharp Knives
(Isolation Proof Mushroom Gin, Sherry, Chili, Sweet Vermouth, Allspice) while my partner got the Cloudless Sky in Winter (Vodka, Amontillado Sherry, Fig, Thyme, Lemon). We both liked them okay. I'm always intrigued by mushrooms in cocktails (I recently had an awesome one at Superbueno not too far from here) and I love savory gin drinks, so it seemed like the best option. I was expecting something bolder and I'm wondering if it was a bit watered down when it got to me, but I could tell that the flavors were in there somehwere. My partner liked his drink but it was quite sweet -- sweeter than one would expect just looking at the ingredients -- but he still enjoyed it.
Overall, an uneven experience, but there is definitely potential here.