Marlene M.
Yelp
I have to say I'm surprised at the number of 4-5 star reviews. This is a VERY beautiful space and a great showroom for the furniture and home decor items that they sell but I would consider this a "pseudo bar". It looks like a bar and tries to function as a bar, and sells itself as swanky "New York" style bar but falls terribly short. As far as prices, they are probably the most expensive I've seen in Austin and I've been to all the best. They don't know their craft, but sell themselves as a craft cocktail bar, so really what are you paying for?? I ordered a Negroni, a very simple cocktail for a seasoned bartender (heck ANY bartender), and they looked at me like I was crazy and said "what's that? I don't know what that is." then they huddled together asking one another what it was. No one knew! One of them had heard of it but didn't know what was in it or how to make it. All it is is 1 part Gin, 1 part Campari, and 1 part sweet vermouth, served in an old fashioned glass over ice with an orange twist. EASY. They said " we don't know how to make it so you'll have to walk us through it". So I did. They place it in front of me and it's not gin. It's tequila (never mentioned tequila, I said the ingredients several times) so gross. They re-made it correctly after I pointed it out and they finally got it right. Now don't get me wrong, I appreciated their willingness to accommodate my order (only reason for that extra star) but if they didn't know how to make it they should've just said that they didn't make cocktails that weren't on their menu to have avoided this embarrassing display. Next shocker was the bill. $18 for one drink (more than any other craft cocktail on their menu by far) that would run $14 max at the most expensive bars in Austin. If it were me, and a customer had to teach me how to make a cocktail (that I should know since I am playing bartender) I wouldn't have the nerve to charge them that much. It's just basic customer service. My suggestion is to get REAL mixologists (or at least 1 to teach the others) or take some classes so that doesn't happen again, and to justify the exorbitantly high prices. If your looking for a true cocktail bar, skip this place and go to The League or Buenos Aires Cafe. Not as pretty, but They know their stuff and won't charge you an arm and a leg. If you're just looking for good ambiance, shopping for some unique home decor and esthetically pleasing surroundings then this is your place. Just stick to wine.