Vince M.
Yelp
Summary: Good, but non groundbreaking, Throwback cocktails in a dim and almost confusing atmosphere.
I came here after dinner at Lonesome Rose. The back alley entrance alluded to a more exclusive place, although there is definitely a sign letting you know where you are. When we first walked in our eyes had to adjust, because it was bright and sunny outside, and it was VERY, very dark inside. It's called Golden Teardrops, so I though there would be a bunch of gold everywhere, but really it's mostly blacked-out decor and this black marble with gold swirls (I'm guessing these our the teardrops), and very dim lighting, so if you got vision problems in the dark, this is not for you. If you are a vampire, recently had eye surgery, or are looking to make yourself seem more attractive with dark lighting and booze as your friend, then this is DEFINITELY for you.
I had the Alaska cocktail, and my wife had the Jack in the Box. Both were good, but these are some old throwback cocktails that definitely lean more booze forward and less fruit, herb, or aromatics involved. They also had Budweiser on the menu and I think I saw Hamm's as well, along with a few other craft beer selections. Overall, they keep the drink selections minimal; which I'm okay with.
My biggest issue is that the bar's atmosphere is confusing. You have these grandpa generation cocktails, in a dark lounge that could be from the 70's, with a bar that looks like it came from a 20's speakeasy, but with a neon "Weddings & Funerals" sign; and then the drink selections have blue collar mix-ins, with soul and 50's & 60's music in the background.
The bartender was a little pretentious and made some snobby remark about how he doesn't drink wheated bourbons anymore when I asked his opinion on the Weller bourbon he had in the cabinet. There was also a hostess, I think, that didn't look like she was doing much besides standing behind the bar and talking with the bartenders.
I'm sure some people will like this place, but I doubt most people will love it, especially with all the other choices for great cocktails and atmosphere in the city.