Angie M.
Yelp
AIN'T NO PARTY LIKE A GATSBY PARTY!
I first heard of the Marble Ring on NYE as I was bar hopping around Avondale. That night they were having a 1920s themed event. But unfortunately, we were not dressed for that. So we had to miss out on that party.
A friend of mine and I typically check out a restaurant that is new to us each week. Whether it's a fast food spot, causal dining or a brewery with a food truck outside. On this occasion, we decided on doing a little bar hopping around the Avondale area.
First we had a very nice dinner at Parkside on 5th and went from there. When ever we plan outings like this I try to incorporate a restaurant or spot that is new for him and vice versa for me as well. I was showing him Parkside as he was showing me Marble Ring.
Marble Ring, is one of the only Speakeasy style bars around. The concept is so simple, but also so fun. You walk up the stairs and find yourself in a run down looking restaurant. But not to worry it does not stop there. There is a police door and you walk in there. Right in front of you in a phone. You will pick up the phone and typically the person on the other end of the line will ask you a fun question. Example: how many hair cuts do you need? This is pertaining to how many people are in your party.
I have to give credit to where credit is due, they really do make your experience of stepping back in time something to be admired. As soon as you get off the phone and show ID. You literally step back in time. From the dress code of the marble ring employees, to the Zelda Fitzgerald themed decor, it is very clear that you are walking into a different era in time.
Back in the day there were some serious bands when it comes to liquor laws. Liquor was banned for a while, and that is where the idea of speakeasies comes from. People who still wanted to drink and have a good time even though alcohol was forbidden would come into these hidden bars and still be able to have a good time.
We got here right as they opened for the evening. It was busy, but not super packed inside. We were able to find a really good table. There was a small pully on the side of the table where you pull it and are able to get service by simply pulling the pully. Each table has a number and behind the bar there is a light that shines when each of the pullies are pulled. It was something so incredibly different and out of the ordinary.
For my drink of choice I ordered the Juan Valdez which is an expression martini. This was one of the first times I've ever had an espresso martini and I don't know why I have gone this long without ever ordering one before. It was sweet, caffeinated and down right delicious.
Another thing that I ordered as well was their pick five dessert tray. The dessert tray came with bite sized desserts. Red velvet truffle (a little dry in my opinion), dark chocolate covered strawberry, salted caramel macaron, blueberry cheese cake bite and a small cup of vanilla bean crème brûlée. Since these were bite sized desserts, I was able to take a bite and pass the rest to my friend so he could taste them too. We both agreed that the salted caramel macaron was one of the best desserts on the tray.
Before leaving the Marble Ring, we both headed to the bathroom. We knew that our last stop on our bar hopping ventures for the evening was at Moms Basement and the bathroom situation there is limited. When I walked into the bathroom I was amazed. The mirror was decorated so that it looked like shattered glass. There was a basket on the counter next to the sinks for women's essentials too. They really did think of everything here.
I loved my experience here. Would love to come back. It's bougie and classy without being over the top. The only thing I do have to say is one of the servers was definitely not having the best night. I asked her if she was okay and the response back was a simple "I'm fine" which in girl talk is code for she's not alright. Other then the Debbie downer server, the experience was fantastic. Would love to come back and enjoy more areas of this amazing speakeasy.