LeShea B.
Yelp
Diverse crowd.
I've been 2 times.
I would've left this review earlier, but unbeknownst to me during my visit, the establishment was under public fire due to alleged racism/unfair treatment of a guest. (Do your research and make your own decision)
Dress code was posted at the door on a sign.
First time visiting, there was someone at the door checking dress code and ID.
Second time visiting, no one was there.
Arrival time: I suggest arriving before 5:30 for the best seating. They open @ 5.
Parking: I used to circle several times looking for parallel parking on the side, but now I simply park in the garage next to the restaurant State & Allen on the same street. It's a short walk. Some parking on adjacent streets is for the living areas only. Be mindful. I've seen people park in the parking space outside of state and Allen and go to Parliament and not get towed, but I didn't and wouldn't chance it.
Waitress: they're always pretty chill. I've seen only one work the full bar when I've been.
Gratuity: automatic 20% on each bill, no matter the party size.
Seating: limited.
Option 1: the bar top. I've yet to sit here, but I would prefer it. Maybe 10 seats around the u-shaped bar. 3 or so bar tenders.
Option 2: seating on the side. It's very low. My second visit, I sat here. The style is a "wrap the wall" community booth, with individual tables spaced out along the wall. You will have a separate chair or two for your section. I felt a little close to the party beside me when they arrived. There's like 3 of these seating opportunities on each side of the restaurant.
Some tables had "reserved" signage. Larger groups only.
Option 3: patio. It's covered, and on nice days, I could see it being a vibe. Several people walk by, so if you're discreet, avoid.
Option 4: The first time I visited, all indoor seating was taken, so I sat alongside the front wall at the small bar like table --it seats maybe 4 people from what I remember ? Very narrow ledge like table top. You wouldn't be able to sit much on it (see picture).
Drinks: yes. Yes. And yes. They pride themselves on the craft of cocktail making. The garnish game is on point. The prices? On point. The all day Monday, and every time it rains, and daily 5-8 pm happy hour? On point.
Peach smash was decent for the bourbon drinkers.
I don't recall the name of the reddish berry drink in the photo of this review, but I wouldn't reorder. It was $15, and not on happy hour. Not sweet. I just saw someone order it and liked the way it looked. My mom had a strawberry mojito ($15). She likes hers sweet, and requested it sweet, but it still wasn't sweet enough, so she ordered simple syrup on the side. I recommend requesting the exact ounce you want of simple syrup if you like drinks sweet. "One ounce of simple syrup. One ounce of strawberry puree" as an example.
I also had the mai tai, which I would reorder.
I had the old fashion which was $7 (so cheap) and one of the better old fashions I've had.
It was a vibe. Very low key.