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City Bar
Categories: Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants American (New) Lounges, American (New) [Edit]
61 Exeter StBoston, MA 02199
Neighborhood: Back Bay
(617) 536-5300
- Nearest Transit:
-
Ring Rd @ Boylston St (9)
Huntington Ave @ Exeter St (39, 55, 9)
Boylston St @ Dartmouth St (10, 170, 193, 39, 55, 9)
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
173 reviews for City Bar
Review Highlights
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173 reviews in English
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Review from Evan J.
Boston, MA
My new favorite cocktail bar in Boston, since the unfortunate passing of MATCH.
Their "Cool Hand Cuke" is absolutely delicious, and they have quite a variety of interesting mixed drinks. The decor and atmosphere is dim and romantic, with a nice splash of color in the rainbow-luminescent print above the bar. -
Review from Roxanne O.
Lyndhurst, OH
I like exploring hotel bars in unique seeming hotels, but this bar was kind of sub par.
Inattentive bartender, average drink, odd crowd.
There are plenty of better bars within walking distance. -
Review from Divya B.
Waltham, MA
Don't see any reason why this place shouldn't be given 5 stars. Its a great lounge tucked away at the Lenox hotel.
The waiters never ever try to rush you, no matter how crowded it gets. They also have enough items on the menu to have a satisfying dinner.
And the drinks - soo potent! I had a couple of guava martinis and loved them. Can't wait to come back here to try their other cocktails! Hic... -
Review from Jim T.
Hoboken, NJ
Inside the Lenox hotel is this cool little bar. When they shut the doors you forget you are even in a hotel. Incredible selection of spirits especially scotch. Dimly lit, laid back and comfortable. Prices are a little high($50 for 2 bushmills white label and 2 glasses of Pinot Noir) but I've seen worse. Cool place
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Review from Michael O.
Somerville, MA
Great upscale bar with a cool and relaxing atmosphere. Crowd is mature, good music, drinks and service. Staff is very friendly. Enjoy going here after work.
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Review from Rene' Y.
Worcester, MA
Large selection of Martinis, I love the ambience of the lounge, however, it is not a large space, on a busy night, it would be difficult to accomodate large group (more than 5).
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Review from Ali d.
Boston, MA
I'm hardly the bar type but this is just a great place for cocktails. Located in inside the lovely Lenox Hotel, City Bar's decor pleases me. It's a great place to meet up with friends or to have a couple of drinks on a first date.
City Bar is comfortable and has a great atmosphere. The background music wasn't obnoxiously loud and ran the gamut from late 70s funk to obscure Prince songs from the 80s and more recent 90s tunes. So much fun.
Love it. -
Review from Jason N.
The bar was a great atmosphere and conveniently located. I was only partaking of beer at this point so can't comment on the cocktail mixing ability of the bartenders. I will note that the doorman and bartenders were very nice, friendly, and quick. The bartender was fast and got water for some of the party that was a bit under the weather after drinking without complaint.
The only drawback that dropped the rating was the waitress who was a bit rude and stand off-ish.
I would return again with my friends. -
Review from Kristen M.
Cambridge, MA
Ok not that I usually want to spend $11 for a cocktail BUT I suppose if I had to spend $11 on a drink this would be a good place to do it. We went for a pre-thing drink (or two) so at 6:00pm it wasn't that crowded, started to pick up by the time we left.
The hardest part of of the whole two hours (hour and a half?) that we were there was deciding WHAT drink to get. I am not usually a martini/cocktail drinker (more of a lover of beer and wine) but literally every drink on the menu looked amazing.
I went with the COOL HAND CUKE. Precious name aside, the drink was delicious. I think it was some sort of flavored vodka, lemon juice, and pieces of blackberries floating around the top with champagne and a real life cucumber on the side. A ++++ for this drink alone. -
Review from Julia F.
I am, without a doubt, head over heels for City Bar.
I was finishing up a miserable meal down the street, and quickly Yelped "caiparinias" in the area. Yelp told me to mosey down to City Bar, so we did!
Alanna (I think that was her name...) was nice, welcoming and took care of us very shortly after we sat down. I asked if she made a good caiparinia, she said she did. I was sold. My friends tried mine, and they too were overwhelmingly satisfied with the cocktail!
It's dark, and nicely decorated inside the bar, not jarringly different from the lobby of the hotel, but, much more relaxing than I expected to find in The Lenox Hotel.
Excellent service, very well made drinks for a fair price, and a relaxing lounge-y feel. I hope to be back, and often!Listed in: take me out!, A spice for life!
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Review from Mabel C.
Boston, MA
A classy place to get drinks with your friends where you can have a heart to heart conversation.
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Review from Christina Z.
Winthrop, MA
This swanky yet cozy bar in the lenox is truly a gem. Expensive? Sure. Money's worth of alcohol? Absolutely. The ginger-peach martini is life-changing. It's sweet yet complex and fresh all at the same time. Each time my friends and I go, we manage to steal the couches nestled next to each other and order round after round and we are in ginger-peach heaven.
Good crowd. Sometimes there are people that make you hum "one of these things just doesn't belong here," but it makes for excellent people watching. -
Review from Josephine L.
Boston, MA
Best cocktail lounge I've been to in Boston.
The atmosphere is cozy, elegant, chic and dim, and stays quiet enough--even with tons of people and loud music--for you to have an intimate conversation with a friend. You can always hear yourself here.
The clientele range from suits to girls' night out-types but everyone is pretty respectful in terms of space and volume.
The drinks are fantastic and the menu offers tried-and-true classics along with some interesting creations. Misses the mark of being in my Tier 1 of cocktail places (think Craigie, Ten Tables) by just a bit, but is definitely worth checking out nonetheless.
I started with the Ginger-Peach Martini (Stolichnaya peach, ginger syrup, lemon juice) and it was so good! Sweet with just a bit of kick, frothy and filing. My second drink was the Samata (vodka, green tea, ginger syrup, mint, lemon). Not quite as flavorful, but an interesting combination of ingredients. I couldn't really taste the green tea, though.
My friend had the Mango Mule (vodka, mango puree, ginger beer, lime juice) and Cool Hand Cuke (rain cucumber & lime vodka, blackberries, lemon, champagne float). The Cool hand was very refreshing and the Mango Mule was nice and sweet.
If you're going for food, I'd avoid the chocolate cake, which is kind of dull and uninspired and accompanied by very weirdly-cooked berries that don't taste good. The Really Good Lobster soup is Really Bland, with little lobster and an overly-rich, overly-creamy broth. Skip these. The sweet potato fries were okay.
Yes, I realize we order weird drinking food. -
Review from Susan R.
Jamaica Plain, MA
I would love to give this place four stars... they have an excellent Tequila and Scotch list... but this just isn't my kind of place, and I have a hard time separating the 'me' from my reviews.
starting with the good.
it is nice and dark, and both of the staff were fabulous. friendly and seemed to have a hop in their step to get things done.
it is hidden away in the middle of the hotel- so you don't have to worry about running into an ex there.
the drink menu is very fun and creative.
now the bad.
most of the people there are suits. I know... this shouldn't be enough to knock an entire star off for... but seriously annoying staring creepy suits... I can't handle that.
the other issue was that - despite the creativity- the menu just didn't translate into excellent food. but I suppose i might be expecting too much from a hotel bar.
if you are staying at the lenox- or hoping to meet some old sugar daddy in a suit. this might be the perfect place for you- otherwise... meh. -
Review from Katherine E.
Brookline, MA
I must echo what others are saying: if you work in Copley, this is a cute little place for an after-work drink.
It is very dark in the bar and not too loud, so it has a bit of a loungy feel. Nice but small selection of wines by the glass. Beer selection is not too interesting. This place seems to focus more on mixed drinks and martinis. -
Review from Kirsten J.
Boston, MA
Came to City Bar for a casual dinner on Saturday night and was pleasantly surprised! Not pretentious in the least, it is a great spot for the loungy/cozy dim light bar/restaurant inclined!
California Chicken Sandwich and Cuban Sandwich were tasty and the cocktails were spot on. -
Review from Erika G.
Boston, MA
City Bar was the perfect pick for meeting a friend for a drink after an event at the library. I agree with other reviews that its a 1-2 classy drink kind of place. The dark lounge atmosphere feels very chic and cool.
The bartender was friendly and talkative without being annoying. He spent a long time mixing our drinks- in a good way! I loved my p/c southside. It had all my favorite flavors working together in a wonderful harmony: gin, cucumber, mint, pom...
However, since this bar is located 100% inside the Lenox hotel it misses that bustling city atmosphere of people coming in off Boylston street that you would get at Towne, for example. It also means that you have too many hotel guests here: lonely business men, moms taking their BU daughters out while they are in town for a visit... you get the idea.
Even so, it deserves 4 stars and I will definitely return. -
Review from Kelsey P.
Manhattan, NY
A great bar scene for drinks after works or on the weekends for casual drinks with friends. Delicious drinks, cool vibe, great location.
The drinks and wine list are great. The bar menu is also impressive and tasty as the food is from their restaurant in the Lenox - City Table. Their "Willy Wonka" martini is delicious and indulgent. They make a great set of classic cocktails and do them all well (e.g., a Manhattan), and their champagne libations are delicious.
On the negative side - City bar can get pretty crowded and with such a small space it can be hard to meet a group there too late in the evening on a weekend. I suggest getting there before 10 to grab space and avoid this problem.
I've also hosted a surprise birthday get together at City Bar in Back Bay. The staff was fantastic - helping reserve space in a generally small bar and helping me order food for the group while keeping drink tabs separate by-party. -
Review from Mikhail H.
Beaverton, OR
I plan to visit this bar every visit I make to Boston because this is not a bar you go to slam a few beers watching the game. The dark wood, posh decore and excellent service won me. This is the bar you put on your saucy heels and racy red lipstick for. The Lenox Hotel added a gem with this watering hole. I was amazed at the wonderful service we received when the bar was slammed from one end to the other one evening. The crowd is very diverse - from college students to the sweet elderly couple I saw sharing a table.
The drinks are very inventive and tasty. Unexpectedly I also fell in love with their food as well though I confess, I did long for longer drink and food menus because what they offer is so well done I find myself wishing for more of it. A personal favorite is the pear martini...it was like biting into a perfectly ripe pear on an autumn day. -
Review from Drew K.
Boston, MA
A great place to meet up with friends and throw back a few suds after work. Bartenders know how to mix a strong albeit pricey cocktail. A great selection of scotch, so I usually stick with the single malts. Keep in mind that Citybar is a small and cozy spot, so repeat sex offenders will love this place - you'll be bumping into people and overhearing their conversations all night long. It's like riding the Red Line after 6 PM. I've seen local celebutante Gary Zerola here a few times.
Biggest drawback: increased sightings/presence of locals. They're your typical union hacks, nursing/sipping on their $8 Buds and Coors Lights, screaming in their wicked hahsh bahston accents about what went wrong with the 2010 Red Sox or the genius of Bill Belichik. If we could only keep these hacks in Revere, Quincy, Everett, and Southie, Citybar has the potential to reach 5 stars. -
Review from Michelle L.
Boston, MA
City Bar is the perfect place to catch a drink after work or enjoy and early night drink (aka pre-gaming for you party animals). I love how dark it is because it provides the sense that the space is actually larger than it is. I also love that the feature focus is an enormous wall of alcohol bottles that's hints "if you want it, I can make it".
If you are up for something different I highly recommend the Willy Wonka martini. It's a wonderful chocolatey blend or dark and light Godiva liquor rimmed with ice shavings. Super yummy. -
Review from Sam W.
Boston, MA
Great place to start the perfect night out. Good vibes, great drinks and somewhat upscale crowd.
Please keep the drinks pricy so the frat boys can stay away and I can find a seat. -
Review from John S.
City Bar is a downtown spot that is well-appointed, with good service and a good concentration of people (not too sparse, not too crowded). Two things sold me on the place - it was quiet enough to talk, and they had Macallan 25 at the bar. Classy through and through.
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Review from Carol K.
Gilbert, AZ
Guava Martini? Oh, yeah. This place is a fine watering hole with a comfortable loungy vibe. Glad I discovered this late on our trip in Boston, it would have been a nightly requirement! Guava martini is a must!!!
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Review from Ana T.
Middlesex, MA
I visited City Bar on a weekday evening. I was lucky to get parking right across the street from the Lenox Hotel. A friend of mine was having dinner at City Table, with others and I did not want to join.
I had been to city bar before this particular occasion, but quickly because we were more or less on a pub crawl. This time I didn't even know it but I was going to be waiting quite some time for my friend.
I enjoyed it the hour and half alone. I had a couple drink and people watched those around me at the bar. My first drink was the P/C southside, good if you like Gin and cucumbers, and I do. But I would highly recommend the semata. Even another friend of mine mentioned this drink at City Bar, without me even provoking it. I really enjoyed it, there are very simple natural ingredients and its amazing: Vodka, green tea, ginger syrup, mint and lemon.
The lighting is a bit dim, however I was able to do some writing on my Iphone. The crowd on a weekday night is mix, some regulars, some groups of business men or older women, and I also realized quickly many people were hanging out at the bar just waiting for someone, just like I was.
I enjoyed my time at City Bar waiting for my friend. The only thing I would have liked more is interaction with the bartender. I am very social person and I would have enjoyed talking to someone while I was waiting. Otherwise, I had a good time and would go back their for drinks again. -
Review from Julie N.
Leighann F. said it best. City Bar is a "Pre-Game Place for Adults." It's my go-to before dinners. The lighting is moody and perfect, it's pretty close to my place, and it's just so... what's the word...yes. It's just so CITY.
I've been here many times - almost always securing a seat on the comfortable couches (i'm just a lucky one)- and the drinks flow before dinner. You feel like you want to talk about your five year plan and then quickly switch to your what we'll be doing later in between the sheets plan and then remember you still have to go outside to some sunlight and eat a big meal at insert-trendy-restaurant.
It's a good scene. My go-to. Just don't make it your go-to or I won't be so lucky to get my couch next time. -
Review from Loose K.
Boston, MA
Lurk city man. That's what I did at this place.
On first blush, you'll note a lot of "SweetDudes" with popped collars and the lucky ladies who accompany them, wearing asymmetrical white tops from 1999, too much blue eyeshadow, and laughing way too much to be actually having fun.
But then like a parallel universe, you'll notice subtle chinks in the reality of The City Bar.
While I was sitting on the couch in the corner, I observed:
--The bouncer asking a SweetDude to remove his Sox cap while in The CityBar. Yes!
--Two lipstick lesbians groping each other. Cool! (I wouldn't have minded if they were not lipstick lesbians either, just for the record).
--A middle-aged man in jeans and tennis shoes madly feeling feeling the ass of a middle aged woman wearing a revealing cocktail dress with no undergarments. Love!
--Excellently mixed drink (I ordered the Lime Gimlet).
--Excellent waitstaff service.
So while you may think this is another boring Boston bar, it's not. There's subtle, weird stuff going on that almost reminds me of NYC in its bizarreness and capacity to entertain.
Just as a sidenote, I hit on some members of a bachelorette party and failed miserably.
But then the colors of the bar changed and the excellent waitstaff brought me another gimlet, the scurvy was chased away, and I entered an entirely new frame of reference.
Sweet, Dude! -
Review from Jelena Z.
Tucked away in a tiny space inside the beautiful Lenox Hotel, City Bar is an ideal spot for a stiff dirty (martini that is) in a sophisticated setting. I think that the atmosphere is fitting for virtually any type of encounter, whether business, romantic, or just to catch up with the girls. Drinks are on the pricey side but the feel in here is so Manhattan that you just expect it.
As others mention, City Bar is crammed with tourists, 3 piece suit-types and Europeans on holiday. And with that comes opportunity-rich people watching.Listed in: Chasing Boston., Drinks in Boston.
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Review from Philip C.
Medford, MA
I really enjoy this place. Hadn't been in awhile but it was good to go back this past Saturday evening and have everything be the same, in that good way. I don't know what it is or how to describe it but City Bar always has the same good smell. Yes, smell. For me it's welcoming and reminds me of past good times I've had there with friends. Music not too loud, comfortable seating, great atmosphere and solid bartenders. It's a great place for cocktails.
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Review from Kim P.
New York, NY
Sometimes, I like to have a classy night out on the town.
(Shocking, I know.)
Sometimes, I just want to sink into a sumptuous chocolate leather couch, with a chic cocktail in one hand (try the Newbury Manhattan!) and a cute boy to pretentiously converse with. We can check out the cute, friendly bartenders who are so willing to make me the poison of my choice. We can send each other seductive glances in the warm, dimly lit atmosphere.
But then, I realize how City Bar is too small and too stifling to be anything but a pregame spot. So I grab aforementioned Cute Boy, down the rest of my $12 martini, and peace out for some cheesy place like Gypsy Bar or Rumor.
You can take the girl out of the skanktastic, but you can't take the skanktastic out of the girl :)Listed in: Making Out with Meatheads:…
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Review from Karlis B.
Upon walking in you may be surprised at the size of this place. It's pretty small, but wonderfully cavernous. During the week, the place isn't too crowded and you can easily find a leather chair. The tables are also leather which is sexy and will have you mindlessly rubbing them all night.
The drinks ($8-$14) are expertly and quickly made -- strong yet tasty:
- Ginger Peach Martini: Don't leave City Bar without having had one of these. Not too sweet, not too spicy. It's a perfect mix.
- Confetti: Champagne with guava puree. It was pretty AND delicious.
- Sidecar: My man got this and made his "damn that's good" face with just about every sip.
- Azure Martini: Least favorite of the bunch. Has a bitter-like-tart lemonade sting right as you swallow, but not a bad drink.
The service sealed this place in as a favorite of mine. They had the AC blasting and the waitress explained that the manager can't turn it down too much, but offered to move our drinks for us over to another area. As we sat in the new section a guy was trying to tell us that he was reserving seats for his friends. And the waitress was right there saying the place is first come, first serve. Which....hell yes! She was just great!
The crowd was more on the professional side (ties, but no jackets) and was pretty diverse. This place makes a great first date spot because it's not loud at all. (And to the guy that was on a blind date next to us, I know you're nervous, but don't talk so much! Your lady was just nodding the whole night.) -
Review from Sara S.
Boston, MA
City Bar has a huge selection of cocktails... probably at least 60 on the menu. Some are interesting, some are as uninteresting as green apple martinis and lemon drops. Most of the cocktails sound better in print than taste. They're usually too sweet and too weak, but if you don't like something, the bartenders are happy to make you something else.
City Bar is quite small and cramped. The cougars who frequent City Bar are also questionable. I've heard many a rumors about this being a favorite for escorts in the city, and honestly, I wouldn't doubt it. Atmosphere is loungy with plush couches, dim lighting, and no TV's!
If City Bar is too crowded, head right across the hall to City Table. It's much roomier, younger, and the cocktail menu is very similar (may even be the same).
Come here before you go out, or on a weeknight for a casual drink, but don't make City Bar your nighttime destination. -
Review from Tristan B.
Cambridge, MA
I like City Bar. Good drinks, no TV's, great prices for cocktails.Super staff who knows what they're doing.
It's a lot less casual than the usual Boston place, and thusly, the audience is a bit older, but it doesn't stop me from going there (because I am oh so very young and hip, oh yes). This is the kind of place where bartenders go to drink.
The location kinda sucks for street people watching, but there's quite a few other options for that.
Definitely a place you could take a date to and enjoy.Listed in: Let's go Drinking
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Review from Melissa M.
Medford, MA
I LOVE IT HERE! Nice assortment of music, to get the party started. A great bar and even better bartenders. Thanks for making me my juice cocktail for free! I felt like a star! I don't know what was in my cocktail, except for various juices, but I loved it. He even did the little shake shake shake thing to make it seem like I was getting a boozy concoction. I love how cozy and cool it is in here.
I will be back many times!! -
Review from Leighann F.
Astoria, Queens, NY
City Bar is alright in my book. And by my book I mean the one titled, "Places to Go Before You Head to Your Real Destination" or, in short, "Pre-Game Places for Adults."
For those of you who like to get in a few drinks before you arrive place to be for the evening, City Bar is the perfect spot. As you get older and pregaming is defined less by chugging beers and beirut and more by a few well-made cocktails, City Bar is the answer.
I don't think I could handle an entire evening in City Bar. It's crazy small, conspicuously dark and it's location, in a hotel, brings a sort of surly crowd. The music is barely audible, there is no room to dance and if you can't find a seat, there is no place to stand where you're not in the way.
Stop in for some of the better cocktails made on Boylston and then be on your way. -
Review from Mihir S.
Chicago, IL
City Bar has come to a point of popularity that it now has a line to get in. But at least you are in a lobby verses being outdoors which of course sucks in the winter time.
We went in after waiting in the line and it was crowded but still we still had elbow room. I hate it that when you finally get into a place, it is so packed that you have to keep tapping people to get through to the bar, restroom etc. The waitress greeted us promptly and she was sweet. The drink pours are generous.
This is a good bar to catch up with friends or to go with a date; not so much a singles scene. City Bar has an older more mature crowd which is good for those in their late 20's and their 30's. The music is at a good level so you can talk without screaming. -
Review from Nikki W.
Boston, MA
I want to make love to this place. My boyfriend introduced it to me when we first met. I love the ambiance and martinis. They are huge and delicious! As they should be because they're $12 a pop. But it's well well worth it.
Also- people watching at City Bar is incredible. I've spotted pimps among other whacky people. It's hilarious.
ALSO: Single ladies... I'm always spotting sexy business men in there. Hit it up -
Review from Lauren v.
I like City Bar. The setting is intimate, warm and cozy. The seating is comfortable enough that you can sit and linger over drinks with your friends and there is no loud music pumping through the air to drown out conversation. The drinks are reasonably priced (for Boston standards) and the wait at the bar was about three minutes.
It's also nice to have impeccably clean bathrooms (located outside the bar) and the ability to scoot back in without a hassle. I would recommend City Bar as a Thursday night destination as a way to avoid the longer lines/waits/crowds brought on by Friday or Saturday nights.Listed in: Oh I love the nightlife..., I'm Faux Sophisticated...
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Review from Vanessa G.
Boston, MA
I love this place! The drinks are strong and the mood is perfect if you are looking for an intimate setting.
The crowd is mixed...but If you would rather sit in a comfortable chair and hear the person you are conversing with than stand with your feet stuck to the floor in an over-crowded bar holding a diluted drink (that just spilled on your shirt after someone bumped into you) - definitely come here!
However, it seems like the place where everyone goes on a Friday or Saturday night after all the other bars get too crowded - so it does fill up later in the evening. Nevertheless, it's still my favorite place to be. -
Review from Tim T.
I really like City Bar and it's great to have a bar without a TV. There aren't too many in Boston and Citybar along with the Burren are two of my favorites for that same reason. It's nice during the week and it's not too packed and could be ideal place to bring a date if you just wanna get cosy in a dimly lit bar with some good drinks. The music is groovy but easy listening and is low enough to be able to easily chat across a table. The drinks are good, prices are what you would expect for a bar like this. Weekend nights I generally avoid this place as it is packed with wanna bes and posers. But Sunday afternoon/ evening or during the week, it's great. The Pours are very generous and there is an amazing selection of cocktails and drinks.
I will definitely go back here time and time again.
