This is a neat little place. I was doing some bar-scouting last Friday and this place ended up on our short list of stops. I will admit, however, that my first feeling was a bit of trepidation when we first stepped in, looked around, and realized that just about every single guy there was sporting a full beard. Had we just walked into the secret lair of hipsters and not realized?
I wasn't sure what to make of the atmosphere; I have to admit that I felt a little out of place in my t-shirt and jeans, but a drink in, and I was sold. I ordered the Elk’s Own: Evan Williams Bourbon, Graham’s Six Grapes Port, Lemon, Egg White, Nux Alpina Walnut Liqueur. This is a creamy, frothy, lovely little drink that I could not get enough of. In fact, I ordered a second, and probably would have had a third if driving hadn't been on the agenda.
At some point around 9 or 9:30 pm, a DJ came on to play some appropriately down-tempo, globally-inspired music. Honestly, if you can get past the crowd, the drinks are wonderful, and it's really fun watching the bartender assembly line. (When we were there, one guy was taking orders and filling beer & wine requests while the other was crafting the excellent mixed cocktails. Half the enjoyment for me was standing there watching him make drinks.)
I can definitely see myself going back here in the future. It wasn't as laid-back as Bar DeVille was (our other stop that evening), but it had its own certain charm.
One question though, for those who have been here: we strolled up and down the street, looking for a good place to eat beforehand. Revolution Brewing had over an hour wait. After that, we walked up and into a Las Islas Marias, a seafood restaurant next to La Estrella nightclub. It was full, but the waitresses refused to acknowledge us until we asked for menus, at which point we realized the menu was in Spanish. I'm not a Spanish speaker, and either was my friend. We considered attempting to go forward and order anyway, but no one ever came over to take our order, so after a few minutes, we left, mortified. In the end, we went to El Charo, the Mexican restaurant across the street from The Whistler. It was pretty decent [I had a pork in mole special - $6], but, overall, mostly just standard Mexican fare. I see from Google that Lula Cafe isn't too far off, but honestly, I didn't particularly relish that walk up Milwaukee in the first place. Any other ideas? Would we be better driving somewhere else before going here?
-- Nora --
"Great food is like great sex. The more you have the more you want." ~Gael Greene