Visited Drink for the first time last night with a group of 4 to celebrate a birthday and new job. We arrived pretty early around 8 to get a feel of the place, talk to the staff, have a few drinks to start the night. Before I get into the problems with Drink, I'd like to be fair and talk about the good things we experienced. Venue is huge, multiple floors, great sound/lighting system, more than enough bars to take care of you. Bathrooms were big and clean, and located conveniently near the entrance. The DJs were awesome, and even took requests, just be respectful and tip them. Bartenders were great, as well as our server for bottle service, so don't skimp on the tips as they deserve it.
Matthew, our bartender was a great guy, friendly, and appreciated the tip that I left him. He recommended coming back around 10, when it would be busier. I inquired about bottle service, as our group wanted to secure a table close to the DJ. Matthew told me that we'd be fine, we just had to buy one bottle and they would take care of us, and to let the doorman know that we spoke to Matthew.
This is where the problems begin - with the management. We arrive around 11, the place is packed, but there were still areas that didn't have many people as the venue is pretty huge. We came well dressed, and got respect from the doorman, (he was turning away people who were wearing sneakers, boots, or basically looked homeless). However, after I mentioned that we were here earlier and spoke to Matthew about a table, we were told by a guy named Jason that we had to buy 2 bottles, and it couldn't be champagne (since those were $75). I was a bit surprised about the shakedown at the door, which reminded me of some sleazy used car salesman trying to screw me over. I reasoned with Jason and said that we were told something different by Matthew, and that we were here to celebrate and have a good time, and that we'd probably be drinking more anyway, (if this rude idiot wasn't trying to haggle with me at the door). He agreed to put us in the Absolut Lounge, with a bottle of Tito's vodka ($170 for a 750ml bottle that normally costs $17.99).
Our party of 2 Indian men, 1 indian girl, and 1 white girl is placed in the far back of the venue, away from the main DJ, and the main bar. I am starting to regret my decision. I decide to go to the bar and have a chat with Matthew. I explained what happened at the front, as well as the fact that we were placed away from everyone else. He says not to worry, just talk to the hostess at the front and she will have us moved closer to the main dance floor. I told him that I appreciated his help, and slipped him a $20. I explain the situation to the the girl at the front, named Olivia, and she looks at me like I'm crazy. She calls over Jason, and he says to me that our party cannot sit over there unless we buy two bottles. I look over, and there is literally no one over there, out of the 7-8 tables. I explained that Matthew said it wouldn't be a problem, and you know what he tells me? "Matthew is just a bartender, I don't know why he is telling you anything, he's not a manager. I'll have a word with Matthew later."
Instead of raising hell or being angry, I just sighed and shook Jason's hand, and thanked him for his help. I knew then that I would never come back to this place. Here's some free advice for the management, the whole point of marking up liquor by 1000% is to provide good SERVICE, that's why it's called BOTTLE SERVICE. By paying $170 for a $17 bottle of liquor, I'm expecting to be treated with a bit of respect and accommodation. It would have been one thing if the entire section was packed full of people buying $500 Belvedere magnums, but it was empty. My advice for working professionals with money, go to Underground Wonder Bar in Chicago, they will take care of you there. If you need a cheap place to get drunk, Drink is the place for you.
P.S. - My apologies to Matthew if we got you in some trouble with management, you were trying so hard to take care of us, you are definitely one of the best bartenders I've had! read more