When I go to a place for the first time I can become nervous and anxious. I would be best served if I just allowed myself to surrender to the moment. A place like Bar Ludivine has a very specific patron in mind. The decor is very simply stated but elegant. The antique velour sofa with pillows with cats. The high tables candle lit. The choice of 90's and an early 2000's mixtape playlist as background music. Yes it is shabby chic but with a modern flair. This is not a "Happy Hour at Taco Cabana" type of bar. Its intended audience is a sophisticated and more mature demographic. A bar certainly meant for date night or someone rummaging through a Schopenhauer book.
But to the mechanics of this bar. It is located in Southtown a few doors down from Taco Haven. The place is really small, intimate and charming. On the drink end they have spirits, wines and beer. The mixologist, who happens to be the principle owner serves up drinks and will take your order from your table. Although they have a small paper menu with signature cocktails he can make you just about anything. Here is where I must interject. If you're expecting a bartender from your corner cantina this is not that place. He serves you and then let's you carry on a conversation with your company. Maybe patrons will confuse that with inattentiveness. I interpreted that as being the utmost professional as a person who takes their craft very seriously.
Two or three things I must implore to you. Since it is on a strip of South Presa that has finite parking I can already forsee this as an issue in the future. Secondly they don't serve any food, which would automatically bump this review to a four and a half stars. And lastly this place is not cheap. I'm a beer drinker and seven dollars even for craft beer not in a restaurant setting is a little pricey. Then again a date night, an opportunity to see live music or even an after dinner cocktail are not casual affairs. Not to say that a suit with matching ascot is the preferred attire here. I might turn my head twice if I saw someone wearing a "King Diamond" tshirt and dangling earrings at a table though.
Ludivine, which is a French name that means "Friend of the people." At that capacity it does share those sensibilities. The choice of antiques, the shabby chic decor and the elegant chandelier all say I'm here for a sophisticated experience. From the glassware to the presentation of drinks the cultured, mature patron is definitely kept in mind. Southtown is filled with unique experiences both big and small. If you happen to be in this area and were on a date night, left a Broadway play or had a Hemingway book on hand I would recommend it. The service is excellent, the drinks are made by someone who takes his craft seriously and the ambiance is otherworldly. It is pricey but on a beautiful Friday night you are totally worth it. read more