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| Best $12 Old Fashioned....ever? |
Cheers!
My first review comes from the prohibition style bar inside the Graves 601 hotel in downtown Minneapolis, the Bradstreet Crafthouse.
Now normally this place is a little out of my price range. $12 drinks just aren't my kind of thing. If I do spend $12 on a drink, it better be damn good. And truth be told, I haven't come across too many places offering those prices that wow me.
With that being said, I'm sure the above comments make you wonder why I decided to spend time at this establishment. Answer: $6.01 Happy Hour.
Walking into the joint it just feels like you are about to spend a good chunk of change. It's dimly lit, you get escorted to the bar; and even the bartenders are dapper with their vest and moustaches.
Once seated at the bar you can smell the fresh fruit. In fact, it's in bowls right in front of you. You also get a warm greeting from the above mentioned well dressed men. Not only do they look sharp, they know their stuff.
They ask what types of booze you like as well as give you information on any drink you have questions on. They even make some of their own liquor. I was lucky enough on this night to get a free sample of the 8 month aged, house tequila.
The price of the happy hour, I can only assume, is a play off the hotels name. Although the $6.01 menu isn't expansive, it packs a punch. There appears to be a little something for everyone. Being a Gin fan, I went with "The Professor" (Plymouth Gin, Lime & Ginger Syrup). Amazing.
Never having tried Plymouth Gin, I was very excited. After trying it, I know why. It's very smooth yet still has the gin taste you crave. Add in the fresh squeezed, right in front of you, lime and the house made ginger syrup; and you have a $6.01 drink that will leave you feeling great.
Did I mention they have food? Yep, they have a handful of craveable items on the happy hour menu as well. I went with the Mango BBQ Pulled Pork (Mango sauce, Apple-Jicama Slaw and Cilantro) Sandwich Pair. Again, in one word, amazing. Each sandwich was enough for one person, so if on a budget, split this. Your taste buds will thank you.
Now, as I said, every drink on the menu is $12 and I came for the happy hour. However, after witnessing other patrons going away from the specials, I figured I'd see what all the fuss was about.
I'm glad I did.
One of my favorite drinks of all time is the "Mad Men" classic, the Old Fashioned. I've never had a $12 one, so I figured tonight was the night.
Result - Worth. Every. Dollar.
It wasn't overly muddled with lots of fruit chunks and washed down with rail booze. This was more simple. House made booze as well as bitters and what seemed to be a secret dash of flavoring; along with a simple lemon garnish on the glass. Perfection.
In closing - This place won't be for everybody, but it should be. Don't be scared off by it's fancy location and dark appearance. Be excited by it. Even if you can't make the happy hour, still stop in. It's right next to the Target Center and First Ave, so make it your one and only stop for a quick drink before an event. You will be happy you did.
Bottoms Up,
Ken
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