Laid back bar with great cocktails. Go early and you won't have problems getting a table.

Sadly, a disappointment. Lovely ambience, great period music -- but it ended there. The cocktail (Rosita) was mediocre and maybe this is an Australian thing, and if so forgive me, but it came pre-mixed. I don't expect a $26 cocktail in an empty bar to be poured out of a pre-mixed jug. And the bartender was as surly as they come. Sitting an an empty bar, he didn't even say hello. The waitress took my order, relayed it to him, and he slapped in the counter as if I was ruining his night with my presence. (I was the only one seated at the bar; only one other party was in the place at 8:30 PM on a Tuesday night). There are places in the states where you pay for that sort of distain, but I wasn't expecting it here. read more

I highly recommend the mixology class at 1806. Matt was a phenomenal teacher and really knew his stuff. I learned a lot and made some pretty delicious cocktails. Perfect date night idea. read more

1806 is a great spot for an after work drink and I've now been here twice to celebrate birthdays - one that was mine and one for a friend. They make a mean cocktail and there is the menu to prove it. You may feel lost looking through such a large list of drinks, but ask one of the staff and they can point you in the right direction or make a variation of your favourite. The ambiance is an older speakeasy with dark lighting and leather seats. I wouldn't call it fancy but it has class. Late in the evening it would be a good date spot. Early on it's more casual and spirited. A place worth returning for a well made drink. read more

How fancy schmancy. This is one classy place. I really do like the idea, look and feel that 1806 gives off. It's like a cocktail paradise for those swanky drinking know-it-all's. Mind you, I say this in the most polite and envious of ways. The cocktail book they set you down with is quite a big one. One can easily spend some time glancing through, it's organized by era, which is a different concept. But if you don't feel like opening up good reading material, just leave it to the staff here. You could just tell them what you like, and they will create something sure to please you. That might be a good bet for some people, the staff their are really knowledgeable when it comes to tasting profiles. I love that when all the seats and tables are full, they won't let you in. If there even was standing room allowed, it'd take away from what 1806 is. It's a relaxing, classy, enjoy proper cocktails place. So just sit down and let the staff take care of you. I'd love to go back for one of their whiskey and cheese pairings, and their cocktail degustation sounds like the perfect present for any drink aficionado. read more

1806 could easily earn a 5 star review if it was located in, say, the US Midwest. But this is Melbourne and there's a lot of cocktail bar competition. 1806 has sexy seats and low lighting. However, the venue is long and open so it's neither conducive for an intimate tryst in a private booth or for socializing with the other patrons. I've also found the staff to be quite 'hands-off' when I've gone here. Even to the extent of it taking a ridiculously long time to get our bill when trying to leave. (When I sit at the bar, I prefer a bit of friendly banter with the bartenders or a chance to learn something new about what they're pouring.) I am also a big fan of novel-like cocktail menus and 1806 rocks a lengthy one. However, I find the menu's organization difficult to navigate. The drinks are categorized by date instead of by flavour or primary spirit. When trying to decide on a drink, I'd rather know if it's sweet, spicy, made with tequila, etc. than if it was popularized in the 1930's or the 1960's. Chalk it up to personal preference - I know a lot of people that really dig this bar. I keep trying, but 1806 just hasn't rung my bell. When I'm looking for fancy cocktails, I'd rather go elsewhere in the city. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Classic negroni cocktail with a single giant ice-cube. - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

The 1806 is one of the best cocktail bar in Melbourne ! Famous for the atmosphere 20's, burlesque and authentic. The bartenders are wearing suits and tie. The bar himself is decorate with theater curtains and an amazing balcony surmounts the first floor. You almost feel like a VIP. The cocktails are INCREDIBLE !!! A great menu describes the birth of cocktails, their origins and how we mix different flavor in it. We can also buy the recipes book of the bar with almost all the drinks we can imagine. The service is great, not overbearing but they can easily sit for a while at your table to listen to your preferences and suggest you the best of the menu. Definitely a recommendation. !!! read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

I adored 1806. A classic, theatre themed bar with old-school leather lounges and moody (flattering) lighting. Our cocktails were very nice, I had a dirty martini and negroni, both of which they did well and the girls liked their fruity cocktails too. The bar and waitstaff know their cocktails well and were very friendly. The cocktails aren't cheap but it is the standard price you would pay for a cocktail in major cities. What really impressed me the most was the music...they had an awesome playlist with mixes of Chilli Peppers, Pharrell and 80s goodies like push it and ice ice baby. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - The stage (bar) - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

This place is far from cheap but the drinks are great, as is the service and ambiance. There's a well-curated vintage vibe, but with comfy chairs. The place is table service only, so if it's crowded, I imagine you would have to wait. The cheapest cocktail is $19, but beer & wine can be had for less. (Still, it's a pity not to have one of their expertly-mixed cocktails described with a cheeky flourish in their menu, which is more like a book.) Great for a special night out or to cozy up with a romantic date. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - perfectly chilled martini - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Nice cocktails however beware of your personal belongings! High theft .. We 'd only just walked in on way to see a live band elsewhere, we ordered our drinks friend waited up on bar for them while I took a table nearby for us both ! I placed my umbrella on table to show we were seated there , waitress even saw me do this as she wiped down our table giving directions where toilets were located! Within 5mins returning back to table umbrella gone ! no one saw anything. Waitress can't remember denies seeing umbrella! Seriously!?? We took our drinks in shock ! we asked to see security camera footage! Bingo ! A couple seated nearby left to pay while my friend was waiting for our drinks and I was in the toilets ! The male brazenly picks up my umbrella hides it under females jacket they leave .. luckily wasn't a mobile phone or hand bag .. venue apologised offered lost property umbrella which I refused we just left disappointed .. we nearly forgot to pay for our drinks as venue reminded us we hadn't paid .. could've offered one free drink .. umbrella was an expensive sentimental one .. WATCH OUT FOR YOUR BELONGINGS as waitress won't ! read more

PROS Great excellent professional service Comfortable, unique, vintage ambiance Great cocktails and wide range of beverages! Definitely recommend it for soul out there who enjoy a good drink or two (don't mind having more) Fancy place and great to hang out CONS Pricey, I spend at least $100 for all my drinks and snacks Limited snacks option Limited seating and not for shots kinda place read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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I enjoyed a great night in a lovely contemporary bar. The hostess was very helpful and  confirm availability as I did not make a booking. We enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine, cosmopolitans, mai tai and  calippo which was delicious and at the recommendation of our waitress for the evening. Highly recommended I certainly will be visiting again. great ambience where you could unwind on a Friday night without having to push yourself through the crowds to enjoy a drink. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Callipo and cosmopolitan - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

When you have a few friends that are obsessed with wanky cocktail bars, you sometimes get bored of them cos you've just had too much of a good thing. I can see the attraction of 1806 with a tour of cocktails through the ages served up by some decent looking blokes in nice uniforms and a classy environment. But my experiences at 1806 have been pretty good but quite underwhelming when you reflect on what you expect for the price tag. I'd say Black Pearl and Gin Palace have the edge over them in terms of the cocktails I've tasted. Take this review with a pinch of salt as I'd probably prefer two different boutique hoppy beers over one of their killer cocktails. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Really awesome place for cocktails and a light snack. They have sooo many cocktails that are super strong and really tasty. At 6pm on a Saturday we were able to just walk in but it got really busy fast. The calamari and snacks we ordered were really good too. I'd return here. read more

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Its the bar you want to take your friends to and show off. Its table service, Its posh, its well deigned, its two levels, its history, its fun, its atmosphere. Its Melbourne and I love it. Such a sweet place. The staff are very knowledgeable, and treat you with such care. They make sure your happy and are checking on the group. We received great service and amazing drinks. My friends I was showing this place of to were really impressed and loved this place. Highly recommended. read more

Good place for cocktails. A little pricey but it is Melbourne CBD. The ambience was good and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable. Overall we had fun and will return when back in Melbourne. read more

Amazing cocktail bar with a drinks list that will confuse, amaze and make you salivate. The venue itself is an old theatre that has been converted into this split level bar and it certainly adds a sense of theatre to the whole environment. The service is old school with well dressed waiters coming direct to your tables and on the night we went, the service was a little slow delivering our drinks but it was a saturday and busy. While we didnt eat any food there, what we did see looked great. As the drinks are strong, food is worthwhile as you will need something to line your stomach. To really get into the vibe of the place, I recommend a seat at the bar or on the edge of the upstairs balcony. read more

Beautiful bar - we could definitely do with more bars like this in Sydney. The decor is just stunning and the best bit before I rave on about the drinks, is that they are table service only. This is great as they don't compromise on the quality of the venue with the masses. I arrived around 11pm on a Saturday and it was still absolutely buzzing. We got seats at the bar which was awesome for watching the bartenders do their thing. The most entertaining act of the night? The fire! So their mulled wine involves lighting up the wine (mixed with dark choc chips and butter) and then pouring the "fire liquid" from one steel jug to another. The drink was delicious. I also had a cocktail that night which unfortunately I don't recall the name of but it was good! The amount of "love" in these drinks is evident from the care and attention to detail shown by the bartenders. read more

Oh 1806. I have ended so many a night here that it's starting to become that trend where if I end up at 1806, I've probably had too much to drink already. Why so? Because it's open reeeal late...or early (around 5am!). It seems to be the instant place to go when the other cocktail bars have closed. Not to say that this place isn't worthy of a visit in a more sober state! Not at all. 1806 is a cocktail lovers paradise. Order whatever your heart desires from the HUGE list (while learning the history of each one) or ask the bartender to create something for you. Either way, you're in safe hands as these guys know their stuff. The big chairs are comfy, the vibe is always cruisey and it's my favourite late-night temptress. read more

Um what? I haven't reviewed here before? I must be going insane, and perhaps, more insane than I already am. 1806 is blimming fantastic, and for me is home to a great charlie Chaplin, clover club, and while I'm stealing some thunder, a Tom Collins. Finally and recently had the chance to sit upstairs for the first time in ages, and it was really good. Then again I've been here many times and tried a few or copious amounts of cocktails! It's a theatric style operation, and proves more entertaining here than at some other venues. Really hurt my wallet when I come here, as I buy top shelf stuff, but boy oh boy are these types of bar my preferred venue. Should I add, great skilled staff, quite great drinks when they arrive. Several occasions and visits later and I still like it. read more

A trip to Melbourne isn't complete without a visit to 1806. Popped in again over the weekend and while some of the staff have changed recently as they were no longer familiar faces from our frequent visits in the past, the drinks have certainly remained as fantastic as they always were. Sit at the bar for prime viewing of cocktail mastery in action :) read more

Great cocktails, good vibe, comfortable group seating areas with leather armchairs, and some good nibbles for sharing. Technically all you need for a successful cocktail bar, right? I've tried to dig this place but I find that it's always a mixed crowd and fluctuates with quantity and style of people which, when combined with the longish room and group oriented seating arrangements, means it's not a bar conducive to meeting or even brushing past the other patrons. SO... If you're already happy with the company, either a group or a one-on-one, then drink the night away in this stylish Melbourne gem. It's a great first or last stop if you're hitting the town! BUT... If you're looking for a bar vibe to pick up some fashion inspiration or maybe a new lover, then maybe there are better places to invest your cocktail budget. read more

I don't know. I love this style of classy cocktail bar with table service and professional staff but it just doesn't do it for me anymore. When you arrive, you wait to be seated. If you're lucky you'll get the great comfy couch or armchair. The staff bring over water and menus. The cocktail menu is a rather thick book organised by era. Cocktails of the prohibition era, 1930s, tiki era. It takes far too long to read through and make a decision, you feel like you're being anti-social. It doesn't work. Most bartenders wouldn't know when certain drinks are made so why organise such a long menu by such a trivial thing. The whiskey menu is done well. Information on some of the distillers then they list the variations that those distillers make. My favourite spot is up on the top floor overlooking the bar. It's flanked by large red curtains that make it look like a theatre show. It's always great to watch the cocktails being made. The staff are really friendly, helpful and polite. The venue looks great. The menu is just such a hassle it puts me off. read more

1806 is one of my favourite places to sip a cocktail. Their menu, now a cocktail book as well, is not only helpful it is a great read. I am a sucker for a Clover Club. They also run fun events like the monthly Murder Mystery, make your own cocktail events and cocktail degustations. Great cocktails and service. A regular spot if I'm after a cocktail. If you like your drinks, pay them a visit. read more

Now these lovely Bar men & women know how to mix a drink. The best Tom Collins in Melbourne lives here. read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

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Many a Melburnian has heard of 1806 - it was the year the word 'cocktail' first appeared in print and is the name of the CBD bar that won the prestigious Best Cocktail List award at the sixth-annual Tales of the Cocktail festival in New Orleans in 2008. How many places can you drink at that has that kind of pedigree? So we were all ears when Sharking for Chips & Drinks were invited to preview the new bar and cocktail menu on offer downstairs at The Understudy. A great name for a room hidden from view and given the same air of mystique as some of the hidden eating and drinking dens in London (such as Barts, a quirky late-night speakeasy bar situated in a 1930s apartment block on Sloane Avenue , Chelsea). Entry is via a faded green wardrobe door, the other side of which sits larger-than-life jesters, mad hatters, a ventriloquist's dummy, Venetian masks and a general array of bizarreness. Stepping through the doors you are met with a feeling of trepidation as you follow the white rabbit down the hole. The Alice in Wonderland décor is here, there and everywhere in a very small space. You cannot help feeling watched by the eerie puppet perched on the wall - cocktail glass in hand. But look to the bar and you will realise you are not dreaming as you have a Willy Wonka of a barman mixing to his heart's content. To whet our whistles we were served the Truffle Airmail - White rum, Champagne, honey, truffle that was matched with tomato roulade, prosciutto and goats cheese. The pungent truffle honey sent us back to Borough Market in London and the food stand that we would continuously sample until we were chased away by the owners. The palette cleanser Thujone Cocktail - Absinthe, Juniper, Sage, French vermouth was matched with a dish that I thought had more in common with a falafel than a cake: Spiced Macadamia, carrot cake, labne and caviaroli. A slight misstep in the texture department, but the cocktail was refreshing. WordMonkey has previously spent quite a chunk of time travelling around South America so when she spotted the next drink in the line-up , Szechuan House - Pisco, Szechuan, watermelon, lemon - she went a little mental. But after I and the rest of the table tasted it we knew we had probably discovered the drink of the day. Punchy, fruity, perfectly chilled by large, sparklingly clear custom-made ice cubes. Why not add some sake roast pork belly, corn puree and Szechuan crackle? That small serve disappeared quicker than you can say 'I'm Pisco'd'. So - would you order a cocktail where one of the ingredients was avocado? Yeah, me neither - but we were told this was a love or hate drink and the avocado was only added to give the drink an extra-silky smooth texture. So I give them points for trying the Nieve - Tequila, avocado, cinnamon, soy milk that was matched with ocean trout rillettes, betel leaf, lime. I preferred the bite more than the drop. The ago and the milk made for a smoothies consistency that just didn't sit right with the booze. Algonquin No.2 was another palette cleanser- Rye whisky, pineapple, basil, olive salt that sat well next to the 90-degree goat ragout, kataifi bun and candied beetroot pickle it was served with. What I thought was quite a dessert drink - Fraise D'Amour - Cognac, pine nuts, strawberry, orange was served with a non dessert dish, but that wasn't a problem as it was up there with one of the best dishes of the night - Squid ink brioche, prawns and sesame toast. And wow - did that alcohol hidden under the cream pack a punch. The final drink of the night just didn't do it for me. The Storm in a Tea Cup - Aged sake, tonka bean, PX sherry, jasmine just didn't jazz with me - the smell is so insanely smoky and rich. My booze-addled taste buds were telling me to drink but my brain was just saying no. I haven't experienced anything like it but it sure was intriguing. Drink aside, the sweet White chocolate mousse cone and pink peppercorn praline topped the night off well. I suggest heading down to The Understudy and chatting to the uber-talented and inventive mixologists. I can promise an (good) assault on the senses. And they don't just do cocktails, they also stock a carefully selected range of wines, beers and hard-to-find spirits. Make a journey through the wardrobe and see where it takes you - before the secret gets out. read more

Fantastic cocktail bar. I would always recommend getting the espresso martini and it's one of the best in melbourne. Their menu is organised into different eras of cocktails and is well worth a browse. If your having trouble deciding what to drink the staff are full to the brim with knowledge about their drinks and will be happy to suggest something. There is also a cheeky little bar tucked within this bar called the understudy. Just head into the basement and through a tiny door and you will find it. read more

I've been to 1806 a total of three times now, twice a great experience and once a very bland experience. It still remaims my 'go to' bar for fancy cocktails though. First, the drink menu and drinks themselves. You could spend a good half hour going through the menu. It is sorted by era, with decent descriptions of what each cocktail is. It mostly consists of the 'classics' though surprisingly you won't find a standard martini in the book! (and yes, the menu really is more like a book). From experience you can order off-menu if the bar tender is familiar with the drink. I've sampled many different drinks and will definitely go back to sample many more. Most recently I had a very smooth Negroni that I would highly recommend. The prices are a little on the high end (closer to the $20 mark than the $15), but I don't mind paying the bit extra for something that isn't just a standard cosmo. I love the atmoshpere of the place. Table service is great for a bar like this - when they have enough staff on. Remember my one dud experience? Yep, I went last Tuesday night and they only had 2 staff on for the whole bar. Which is enough staff to make the cocktails, but not serve people or clean. In past experience it tends to be one waiter for about 3 tables, which means you never go without a drink and they're always polite and up for a chat. I'm hoping the other night was just a one off because it was incredibly frustrating to wait 45 minute for a drink. I'm yet to try the food there, but it looks amazing. 1806 is comfortable and relaxing. A good place to hang out with a small group for a few nice drinks without having to battle a crowd. I would recommend it to anyone. read more

1806 is a place to go when you're looking for a great cocktail. The bartenders here know their drinks and make them well. The drinks menu at 1806 is quite interesting. The drinks are organized by era--e.g., 1650-1800, 1800-1850, etc. A little historical background is provided for each era, giving you a little context for why the drinks were created when they were. read more

Some of the best cocktails in the city. Sit at the bar and do a little time travelling through their impressive menu. Swankkkkk. ps. They also do 1920s themed murder mystery nights once a month! read more

Amazing cocktails!!!!!!! 1806 from the outside looks a little strange. red light and a slightlly creepy entrance but once you enter you will be surprised. it is an old theatre that has been transformed into a retro cocktail bar. the bar is the old stage and still has the curtains. It is table only service so the number of patrons is limited but this helps to keep the feel intimate. there is big leather sofas, leather armchairs, timber chairs and bar seating. There is more seating upstairs but i didn't go up to see it. The cocktail list is extensive and in 2008 won Best Cocktail List in the world!!! The staff are very informative and really know how to make a cocktail. They have food available on weekends like popcorn shrimp, dips and breads, hot dogs, and baked camembert. Unfortunately during the week all you can get is Jaffle's. They are tasty but not enough to fill you up so eat before you come or stay for a drink and then head out to dinner. Overall this place is amazing, cool music but you can still hear the people you are with talk. I guarantee 1806 will not disappoint you!!! I will be back again read more

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They made yummy drinks ($18 -$22 range). The décor is great for setting a mood of unwinding & relaxation. The play fun music of yester years - you'll know all the words!! They had a great menu of finger foods to nibble for enjoying with your drinks - lame it is only for weekends!! :( We were only able to have jaffles ( only one vegetarian option). Basically a toasted bread sliced in half with little filling - no side. I found that for a lone Tuesday night the few staffers weren't very attentive. I think that if it were the weekend - perhaps I'd have a better review but I have to go on what the performance I received. read more

Oh Melbourne, there is so much more to you than this. I was hoping for a wonderful experience at 1806 after dinner late one Thursday evening. We ordered two French Martinis and had to ask them to wipe our table. Then... the cocktails. Our French Martinis were like pineapple pops...okay I guess if you like your drink on the fruity side. Mine was pure pulp and I couldn't drink half of it lest I chew on a mouthful of pineapple fibre. I politely let them know when we asked for the bill. My friend's drink was okay, but mine was very pulpy. She let the bartender know. He sneered in our general direction and she came back with the bill. No apologies or excuses. Dear 1806, please let go of the 'tude. You play bad music and killed my cocktail. read more

Absolutely gorgeous cocktail bar and wow! what a selection they have. Even as a non-drinker I love this place. They even have mock tails, I had lemon cheesecake. The menu is presented as a book and the drinks listed in chronological order and arranged in eras, such as before and after the invention of refrigeration. It was actually quite fascinating. Someone has put in a lot of effort and research to come up with this menu. The bar is quite impressive and the decor is old timey. The service is excellent, so friendly and accommodating. We will be back! read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bar 1806 - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

To be concise, 1806 is impressive. The flashing lights above the door are quite misleading as the venue oozes a decadent charm, without being pretentious. The menu is elegantly written with a historical theme, the seating arrangements are perfect for catching up with friends and the bar staff are quite good-looking. However, the real focus is on the cocktails. A wise selection of superb cocktails throughout the ages leaves something for everyone. If the menu is too overwhelming, just ask the staff for advice as they are definitely experts in the field. And if you feel like something a tad more adventurous, 1806 hosts murder mystery nights too. Otherwise, I'm a fan of the French 75... gin and champagne to perfection. read more

Love this place, love the drinks, love the vibe. Stunning aesthetics. Cocktail menu massive!! Great spot

I have a suspicion that every bartender employed by 1806 is from the UK. The good bit of the UK,somewhat spread geographically, but the bit that produces handsome young men with sexy accents. 1806 is a bar that takes its cocktail knowledge very seriously, with each cocktail on the menu (arranged according to a timeline) designed to suit the various trends for each era. This is a lovely bar to take friends out for a catchup. The venue oozes class, but without the snobbishness usually inherent in such places. They also offer lessons (yes, LESSONS), ensuring that you can go home and set up a very lovely evening complete with smoking jacket and cigar (moustache optional, but highly recommended). read more

1806 Cocktail Bar - Bars Near Me - Melbourne, VIC

You would think that a bar dedicated to the art of cocktail making would be able to make a cocktail, right? I asked if they served bloody marys, which werent on their menu. The waiter says "of course! we just dont put everything we make on the menu". Being one of the most classic cocktails, you'd figure they'd do a fantastic job. The Scottish bartender (after an exaggerated pause to flirt with another customer) starts making my drink. I see him add red wine into it, and I want to kill him. Nonetheless, it's served up to me in all it's tall glass glory with a caveat from the bartender- "oh i make mine really spicy, thats how I like them". Ok, thats cool. I can handle a crapton of Tabasco. I managed a maximum of three sips before I gave up, even stopping to text my boyfriend about how terrible it was. Spicy? It was like eating a hot and spicy wing challenge. So disappointing that the balance in this complex drink was completely thrown off by a "professional" who should have known better. Aside from that, the flavour after the heat hit was atrocious. Flat, uninteresting... pedestrian. The bartender came back after about 20 minutes. My friend had finished her drink, mine sat full up at the bar still. Any person in service would have waived or at very least discounted the bill at this stage, seeing that there was clearly a problem. He shrugged his shoulders, and handed me the bill for the full amount of $18. Here's the best part. When he did ask if there was a problem with it, I went on to explain that many basic elements were missing, such as celery salt and horseradish. HIs response: "oh yeah well, we dont actually have all the ingredients here to make them properly...". 1806, you have NO business serving a partially-made cocktail at an establishment that purports to be a cocktail mecca, and then charging full price for the abomination. What a complete joke. read more

Great vibe, sleek comfortable and relaxing venue, with quality cocktails. I've been here a few times and these guys know what they are doing, they know how to make drinks. This isn't a shitty hipster bar, but more a place you can go and know that the 19$ you spend on a drink actually gets you something palatable. Make sure you try the Camembert. read more

Great selection of many different Spirits and Liqueurs. Great decor and comfortable furniture. The menu was very detailed and easy to read, the menu stated there was full table service and there was no need to leave your seat. We went in on a quiet Wednesday night and ordered one round of drinks and were left waiting at our table with empty glasses for 20mins while bar staff cleaned shelves and loitered about before we decided to leave. Terrible customer service in general. I think we will give the place a second chance. read more