BAR 8

Gorgeous Drinks & Friendly Atmosphere Delight

Stumbling upon this charming little respite by sheer happenstance was akin to discovering an unexpected pearl while combing the shores of a more predictable sea. Nestled rather inconspicuously near the Hampton, this establishment—though initially a source of mild vexation for its wonky hours—is a magnetic force of culinary charisma once you breach the threshold beyond its locked doors. The ambience? Think speakeasy that tumbled quite gracefully down a bright, cosmopolitan rabbit hole, where an aura of amiable clinks and muted jazz invite you to surrender your day at the door. Their cocktail alchemist dealt with the spirits in ways that bordered on the ethereal; one sip rejuvenates you—a spa therapy for your beleaguered taste buds.

The staff, radiating warmth that could shame a July afternoon, exhibit masterful timing in pairing alert attentiveness with measured distance when empowered by great food—which by all accounts is a spot-on description of what awaits here. Although surprises such as unannounced hour changes may temporarily mar the otherwise idyllic scenery, I assure you, what follows more than compensates for the brief dance of confusion. Accompanied perhaps by slight—but well-meaning—misorders, you'll nevertheless stumble out vowing to return. This hospitality haven definitely deserves another visit—not simply because I missed half the menu on my ill-timed arrival, even if there was a certain charm to grazing at their bar while quietly cursing my ignorance. — Penelope Savory