Ophelia M.
Yelp
Press & Pony is the tavern equivalent to that British synth pop sensation "Just Can't Get Enough" by 80's alt-band extraordinaire Depeche Mode.
Which, is to say--they're my jam.
Not that the atmosphere is remotely 80's vintage. No...it's far more vintage than that. In fact, it borders on the antique--with its low lit copper topped bar haloed by old fashioned lanterns. Even the bartenders with their suspendered, mustachioed charm harken to a simpler time.
Which, let's face it, is just plain cool.
But, hey--atmosphere and bartender style aside--how are the drinks?
My people.
Masterfully crafted--inventive with classic underpinning--tongue tingling ambrosia
Which, is to say--exceptional.
I have had occasion to try a few of their cocktails. Their Old Fashioned is an ample, distinctive, luxurious delight. The Denim Blazer is the pumpkin twist to that audacious flaming phantasmagorical wonder--the Blue Blazer. Their classic Manhattan is spot on perfect.
But, where they really rocked my liquid loving socks--was with their La Manzana. Here's the thing--I dig tequila. But, what I've found, is that many of the upscale lounges that specialize in inventive mixology--do very little with the spirit. Vodka? Check. Gin? Check. Whiskey, Bourbon, Scotch, Rye? Check, check, check, CHECK! The best you can hope for with tequila is some obligatory, salt-rimmed, variation of a margarita. Hey...I'm not knockin' it. Who doesn't love a good margarita?
But, I'm always left longing for a bit more. A cocktail that will take tequila's pithy, pronounced pungency and weave it into an alchemists dream.
La Manzana does just that. Light, lovely, and lemony, with the lush elegance of elderflowers and autumnal apples--La Manzana is silky sublime indulgence
It's just. that. good.
Beyond the atmosphere and drinks--their bartenders are incredibly knowledgable about the spirits they mix, certainly, but also about the history and evolution of alcohol. Not often do I walk away from a repartee with a bartender with recommendations to add to my "to read" list.
In short?
Press and Pony is the total package.
Get to it!