Ed U.
Yelp
I often walk around Pillar Point and make my way to Princeton where the waterfront eateries are. I've noticed this place along the way though it was usually at a time when it wasn't open to the public. On one particular afternoon, I saw there were people milling about with drinks in their hands, so I thought there was a private event. Did I just crash a wedding reception?
Turned out I was right as I took a closer look, but I also noticed a converted trailer serving cocktails and what's more, it was open to anybody. It even has a name, The Swell Lounge, an apt name because that was the first word that came to my head. Yes, I'm the type that still says 'Swell' or worse, 'Swellegant'. Cole Porter died after I was born, so I can't be his reincarnation, can I?
Anyhow, I was taken by the cute names. In the mood for a Moscow Mule, I ordered the $15 Paddle the Volga, an intoxicating mix of offshore vodka, lime, blackberry, sage, and ginger beer in the appropriate tin cup (photo: https://yelp.to/KHEpu3eT1m). I was able to nurse it in their large patio area where I kept wondering if I should've brought a gift. Silver tongs are always nice. They could use them to shake hands.
I was ready for a second drink, the $15 Humpback Migration, a margarita doppelgänger with blanco tequila, pineapple-serrano pepper juice, lime, and blackberry sage syrup. It came with a salty-spicy rim (photo: https://yelp.to/cHoT3VDW3Q). This one was quite tasty and almost had me consider the variety of appetizing small plates and desserts they make here, but I had to position myself for the bouquet.
COCKTAILS - 4 stars...nice libations with creative variations on a Moscow Mule and a margarita
AMBIANCE - 4 stars...even if it felt like an event space, it was still a nice setting
SERVICE - 4 stars...the bartender was attentive
TOTAL - 4 stars...a reason to chill in HMB
RELATED - Exploring the Pacific side of the peninsula? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3aiDR9I