It was my first -- and last -- blackberry schnapps!
The Republic is a small space without having the style to be considered boutique or wine bar-ish. But it's not like they haven't pretended. Unfortunately for them us punters don't consider the word boutique to just mean "lets charge 10 bucks a beer cos we are small and can play on being niche". It's just a small space with expensive tap beer. It doesnt offer you style, class or a view for the extra money.
The first thing i noticed upon entering was the lack of seating (let's pretend that's our sparse style - make it standing room only, that's trendy, and another cost cutter!)
The second thing i noticed was the sausage fest of suits. I love my fellow man, but seriously where are the ladies??? Anyone can get a man in a bar. It's a man's world... but it dont mean nothing. nothing. not one little thing, without a woman...
The third thing I noticed was the only 2 ladies in the place. The bar staff. They were attentive and ready to serve. Always good. Wow so theres one plus.
The fourth thing I noticed was the lack of a theme. Oh my kingdom for a theme! It's called the Republic Bar for chrissakes and with $9.50 tap beers what this place is crying out for is bold red decor and a hammer and sickle sign above the door --- if you can't do a theme then at least be what you are. It would work!
The fifth thing, and it really is the killer, is the price. $9.50 a tap beer. And it's not like you are getting some special handcrafted hopsecutioner! Its just a stock standard tappie. That's almost highway robbery. Opera Kitchen charges that price BUT they are underneath the Opera House AND you can hit the big metal thingy with a beach ball!
And that's what it really boils down to sadly. The expense coupled with the lack of detail (furniture, anything of interest, a view!!!) and small empty space mean that the cute attentive staff can't save this place and it's an easy one to avoid altogether.
Until today, I was right to walk past this place everyday and never stop in. After tonight that is exactly what i will continue to do. Get busy living or get busy dying! read more