I’ve picked up a bit of work for my friend Kevin bartending in his speakeasy style bar. It’s an intimate room. The bar is hidden away beneath the Brennan’s retail store. It’s a mix of wine, tobaccco, and cocktails in retail form. The store is a great concept with serious growth potential. Investors take note!

The bar was added on later because the cocktail crowd was making the store almost unusable. There were just too many people in too small of a space. While most bars get crushed beneath that kind of popularity this place had an expansion plan in place. It worked, and it’s a great room. In an interesting twist: there’s no sign outside. You either know how to get into the bar, or you don’t. It’s a bit more difficult than just walking through the door. You have to find it first.

The photo is an optic system like that used in the UK. A press on the lever dispenses 50mL (1.6 ounces) of liquor into a glass. While they’re traditionally used to comply with the strict United Kingdom pub laws; in the United States they’re used to add a classy feel to a whisk(e)y bar.

The bar I’m working is one of the nicest in the city. It’s been my favorite “see and not be seen” space since it opened. It’s where I’ve traditionally entertained my friends when we need a laid back space to kick it. Deep red walls, killer custom furniture, rusted wrought iron, and a little bit of nostalgic spice make it a room that whispers “I’m here because I’m cool” not “I’m cool because I’m here.”

This is one of the most exclusive venues in the city due to its hidden away nature and the spendy prices. Beers are $4-$10, stiff cocktails are $7, single malts start at $10, glass wines are $7-$8, and you can find a bottle of wine for anywhere from $25 to $350.

I’m really grateful to have picked up some work there. The retail shop manager offered me Friday and Saturday nights there throughout the winter since one of the bartenders is moving off to college. It’s going to be a great time.