Overall: came here because it was on a list, and to be honest this is the first top 50 bars we've. visited. I was expecting more given the hype. It's definitely creative and the drinks on paper sound really interesting, but when we actually tasted them, we didn't think the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. Glad we checked it out, but wouldn't return or recommend it unless you're dead set on crossing it off your list. Heads up, ended up just ordering 2 drinks and leaving early for another spot so maybe could have given it another shot, but didn't think it would be worth it.
Drink selection: If rum is your alcohol of choice and you're not really into tequila, whisky or gin you will likely feel limited in the options available.
Service: staff seemed really helpful and will help you choose a drink if you ask, which wasn't a service we used because we had chosen far ahead of time. It's nice that they give you free water, especially because the drinks are strong.
Taste: based on the interesting ingredients, we thought it would come together better. I was hoping for an experience where each ingredient on is own is ok/good, but absolutely amazing when combined. I was hoping for the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, which I didn't get here unfortunately. We've personally have had far better cocktails in many other places at lower price points with much better ambiances.
Peanut old fashioned: smelled like peanuts, probably just from the peanut dust sprinkled on top of the ice cube. This made it very fragrant to drink. It smelled more like peanuts but tasted like a regular old fashioned. I would have liked personally a stronger orange fragrance in the drink. Nice clear ice.
Between the red sheets: I thought it was as a bit strong at first but it mellowed out a bit more as you drank it. On top of the ice there was a hibiscus flower and strawberry powder, that gave it subtle fruity and floral fragrance. Personally, to us, it tasted like hibiscus tea (but also, not great hibiscus tea) with some alcohol in it. To be fair, I really like hibiscus tea.
Ambiance: a speakeasy to me evokes dark, intimate and private seating. My favorite speakeasies have this. With Red Frog, though, you are really close to other people and the music is quite loud. It was nice the entrance was tucked away from both Monkey Mash (the bar next door, so patrons of Monkey Mash will likely walk past the entrance without noticing Red Frog is even there). Monkey Mash and Red Frog seem to share an entrance, and in our case, there was a person guiding you in depending on your establishment. Then, when you reached the hidden door to Red Frog, a little window opened and you could briefly see the bartender confirm your reservation with your guide.
Reservation system: I booked about 3-4 weeks in advance. There were at least 2 empty tables when I was there and my group personally left earlier than the 2 hour time slot we were given. I am not sure how walk ins work. read more