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I have been meaning to come here for over a year now. I would make definite plans and they would always fall threw for some reason or another. Would I ever make it to Drink?
Hell YES!!! and it was FANTASTIC!! IT was exactly what the review below had said and more.
Great atmosphere, great drinks, and amazing bar tenders. It is the perfect place to start a nice night out with friends, or even a first date. It couldn't have been better.
I can't wait to go back for a "Bees Knees."
My Apothéke away from New York. My Gibson away from DC. My Rye away from San Francisco. And my Violet Hour away from Chi-town.
A trip to Beantown is never complete without a visit to Drink. And as we've recently discovered, the secret's out on this underground destination because it fills up far earlier in the evening, as well as far earlier during the week.
Having now gone at least a half dozen times, I can unequivocally state that Drink continues to be an unwaveringly reliable watering hole offering quality libations for ten bucks a pop. Relative to its peers, this is a solid value.
Plus, the showmanship of cocktail crafting here is top notch. From frosted glasses to enormous blocks of pure ice for hand-chipping (and/or smashing with huge wooden mallets), no element of a beverage is overlooked.
I'm just glad that I always come armed with a DD whenever I'm here. And one that's cute and takes me home, no less.
I'm sharing about this in anticipation of returning this weekend. I figured this gives me an… Read more »
I got a call when I had just arrived home after a long day's work. I just "had" to come meet Sara S. and her pals here with my guy Steven F.
First, I hate going out, especially on a Saturday night. Secondly, I hate going places where 9-5 type, douchey 24-year-old suit guys go to party after a long week. Thirdly, I don't drink very often.
But, after saying all that, I am pretty glad I hoped in my guy's giant SUV and popped down to Fort Point. After having good parking karma (as it could have been awful at that point at night) we arrived. We weren't carded which was weird and when we walked in it smelled horrific, I found out later it was because the bathroom is right by the front door. There was no place for our coats, which was bizarre as it was winter, so we had to put them behind a potted plant and hope for the best. There were wall-to-wall people and it was hot as blazes.
We pushed up to the middle bar area and ordered quickly. They were having some sort of grapefruit special. There were literally hundreds of stacked grapefruits everywhere. I specifically said "no grapefruit, nothing bitter, something fruity and with vodka" to the waiter and what I got was a grapefruit juice with bitters and rum or something heavy. I quickly corrected him and he said he didn't hear the "no" part of the first request. His second attempt was okay and very strong. The next drink was decent and well thought out, though not something I would have ever ordered again. It was like a rasperry mojito, but with vodka and I think basil instead of mint.
I came back again after a work day with some co-workers and it was much less crowded and easier to hear the bartender and talk with him before really ordering. I'm glad I gave the place a second chance. We ordered a little bar food. I found it unsual what they were serving as nothing seemed to be properly edible in such a place. Lots of forks and napkins needed, but who wants that when you're pinned between people trying to look like you're not a mess.
I love the concept, I loved my drinks the second time I came, mostly the blueberry gin fizz thing they created and really respect the bartenders for knowing their game and doing everything old school with all the shakers and stirrers they are supposed to be using instead of half-assing it like everywhere else in Boston.
I would certainly come back, albeit on something like a Tuesday night at 6pm, hoping for a quieter night, but it sure has its appeal for the demographic it seems to cater to in the location it has selected for itself.
How ironic is it that I was unable to get a drink at a place named Drink?
This over crowded, hipster, ugly bar was basically the biggest waste of time. I have never once left a bar because I was unable to get a drink. After walking all the way there on Saturday (yes I know it was Saturday blah blah blah, f that I deserve to get a drink) I waited for over 15 minutes to ultimately just walked out. Keep in mind, IT WAS 9 PM!
When I arrived, I was tipsy and excited to try Drink. I had been trying to get on down for awhile now, and the timing was finally right. Unfortunately I was highly disappointed by this bar. Why did you have to let me down Drink? Why?!!??? You seemed so promising.
a.) 15 minutes with out even a "hey ill be right with you!" or some kind of eye contact? We were standing RIGHT in front of the bartender. WTF. I think I was probably making him uncomfortable with my extreme eye contact technique. Gimme a damn cocktail already.
b.) Whats with all the ugly hipsters? Everyone in the place was a d-bag. I thought it would be a swank environment with excellent cocktails and some easy going clientele. Not a stuffy, dark, hipster "look at me and my over sized black rimmed glasses that aren't even prescription!" kind of joint.
c.) The best part was choosing which bar to go to. Unless you have got a seat, which you will never get unless you are having a 3 pm cocktail with your alcoholic grandmother, you will never get served or even acknowledged by anyone except the couple you are hovering over while you attempt to flag someone down. The bar is set up in a weird formation, which really makes no sense other than to screw over people like me who just want a damn drink.
So I'm sorry Drink. Maybe another time if I need advice on where to buy some hipster glasses or a new Yamaka. So disappointed.
One star because I got to use the men's room before my long walk to another bar that was willing to make me a drink.
Apparently NYers come here when we're in Beantown.
It's really not fair to compare Drink to places in Manhattan because it's a different town, different vibe, different customs. If you came here expecting the NY nightlife, be prepared to be sorely disappointed. My friend and I were sitting in a corner, nursing our drinks, talking, and people watching at our corner of Drink, when *poof* magically at 1am, 75% of the people in the bar disappeared. Seriously, it was one minute they were there, and the next, they were gone. By two, the bar was closed and the night life officially died. In The City, things are just starting to happen at 1 am.
It's a bit out of way, but the bar is quite lovely. A little difficult to find, but hardly hidden, like Milk and Honey. Just make sure you have the address when coming here for the first time. The bar is beautifully laid out and chic. Quite crowded when we arrived at 11 am. It's a happenin' place for Boston. The bartenders work hard to make you happy with your drinks. They'll make whatever you request.
Definitely a good place to come for drinks with friends and people watching. And unless you have another place to go for after-hours, you'll be back home in bed by 1:30 am.
As evidence by their kabillion five stars it has received, the wonderfulness of Drink has not been lost to drink reviewers. I found myself sipping on cocktails made by bartenders dressed in fedoras, tweed, and suspenders and look more like a team of 1930's reporters than bartenders. And, oh yes, does this team really know their shtick. What a lucky girl am I to be taken here on a date.
At Drink you will find beverages made with the best kept secrets of mixology, here revealed: homemade bitters (including chocolate mole), freshly picked herbs, squeezed citrus (which I was told gets squeezed a lot on Fridays and Saturdays). There is plenty of bar and table seating. The bar wraps around the bartender so you can watch them while they shake their little hearts out and pour you somewhat of a fickle drink of cleverly layered flavors.
The staff adds to the experience, solid suggestions of what you should drink, the fact that they never seem to be scurrying you is a relief at a place with such abundance of choices. If you get lost in making a decision, they will patiently suggest drinks based on what you might be in the mood for tasting. "I would like something bright and asparagus please...and make it with bourbon!" And what you will get? A well-made, handsome, thought provoking drink.
This place should cost far more than it is.
In trips to NYC it's hard to find a place this thoughtful and technical in approach. Indecisive girlfriend? No problem, just give them your palate profile and they'll create something for you while regaling you with the full history behind the concept. If you're looking for a rum and coke, get the hell out- this is a place offering an opportunity to appreciate a rare find; a well balanced cocktail.
It gets a bit packed on the weekends, so this is really an ideal Thursday night spot. Everything (except for the liquor) is made in house. I think the only price point skew is in their appetizers, however their steak tar-tar is worth the full $12. $10 dollars for a drink that you would have tremendous difficulty finding elsewhere in the pub cluttered Boston is worth every penny.
I will continue to head here as long as they can maintain their service and content; even the atmosphere is welcoming with that contemporary streak.
My favorite place for a quiet, composed, and thoughtful drink.
Drink is a really neat place. It's always busy on the weekends and I love that they make all kinds of crazy concoctions. I don't think you can get your typical alcohol brands there but I may be wrong. They tend to only sell small batch or homemade liquor which is pretty cool.
Dear Drink,
I am angry. I am angry because your drinks are so good, your bartenders so skilled, that I can never be fully satisfied by another bar.* If I ever move, my thirsty destitution might kill me.
Angstily,
Sam
* Other than Eastern Standard
Awesome. Unlike many of my college-y friends, I'm completely fine with paying $10 for a drink, as long as I like the atmosphere and it's delicious. It's not affordable all the time, but both of these were the case. It was disappointing they couldn't seat eight of us together, but given we showed up on a Saturday night at peak hours, I'm not surprised. The corner seats are great if you have four people. Much easier to talk.
Onto the good stuff: They really do attempt to make something you'll like. On our first drinks we were all very vague and ended up with delicious things. On the second round we all had specific criteria from having watched all the ingredients go by, and again winners.
Two things stood out about the bar tenders:
1) My friend Erik said something along the lines of "hey do you know that Brazilian drink with egg yolks" and they figured out what he meant- turns out it's Chilean, Egg White and has a huge history.
2) My friend Alyshia said "I want something pear, vanilla, and with a twist!" The bartender looked horrified, and explained in detail the types of flavors a twist and other garnish add to the drink, and why they're so important.
A final note? The Ginger Beer is awesome. Order a dark and stormy. Or, if you'd rather have something you can't get at home, order something with one of their fresh juices.
Oh man I have found my favourite bar in Boston for sure. Everyone has said it all before and I do feel that I am jumping on the bandwagon, but the concotions at Drink are serioulsy yummy and very very reasonable for the quality (and quantity) of the pour.
I had my first Dark and Stormy here on Friday, and, whilst I am still not a rum convert, it was absolutely fabulous. As I wanted to sample what that the bartender would recommend for a gin lover, I didn't partake of a second, instead opting to leave my choice of drink to the liquor gods. Let's just say, this was a very very wise move - even for a control freak like me!! The gin gin (or whatever it was called - basically subbing the rum in the D and S for gin) was sooooooooo amazing and worked really well the the divine ginger beer.
Thanks yelpers for introducing me to Drink and I am truly sorry that there will now be at least another 2 people angling for space at the bar!
I don't really want to give Drink a good review because it gets crowded enough as it is. I know it's a yelp cliche to say that, but it's completely true when it comes to drink.
At 10 dollars, the drinks here are well worth the money, not to mention strong and very very tasty. The really amazing thing about Drink is the amazing atmosphere. The bartenders are not only knowledgeable, but very chill and easy to chat with. This was the first bar to break me out of my normal Asian night hangout routine (I had a bar/club for every night of the week), which is saying quite a bit.
This place does get crowded however and it can be a pain to get a drink (when they take more than 5 minutes to make), but it's still definitely worth it.
I keep coming back and bringing more people, and I don't even live in Boston anymore. There's no question, it's just not worth spending money on alcohol anywhere else after tasting how good it can be here.
I brought my foreign cousin here on our one coinciding night in Boston. At first she declined a cocktail at all (!!), claiming she doesn't really like alcohol. Then I coerced her into trying my St. Germaine Sour and she decided she wanted "something like it, but less sweet". That's the perfect sort of order for Drink bar staff-- they made her an Aqueduct and she conceded that it was very tasty indeed.
We both enjoyed the truffled gougeres and the grilled cheese (with fancy mustard and carmelized onions). Though we only had one (tiny) order of each, it was enough of a dinner for the two of us to split. Not bad!
She was struck by the niceness of the other patrons, and that it wasn't just a dive. Nice!
I'm a lightweight.*
And a teetotaler.
This place makes developing a tolerance totally worth it.
I'm not…
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As I watched my barkeep shave thin slices of grapefruit rind and line my glass with them, I knew I was gonna love whatever he served me. This made to order libation turned out to be a lot like a grapefruit version of a creamsicle, which might just be my idea of a perfection in a glass. Balanced and not overly sweet, this was one of the most outstanding drinks I've had the pleasure of sipping lately.
If you're a fan of Apothéke, Flatiron Lounge or Raines Law Room in New York, Bourbon & Branch in San Francisco, or The Gibson in Washington, D.C. you'll appreciate Drink in Boston.
One of the worst place, I've been to in awhile. The food portion was awful and the price was very expensive. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
Oh Drink, you are so very lovely. My hometown's Bourbon and Branch might have a competitor in you. I heart a bartender who can read my mind.
How about a little essence of lemon in your beverage? Okay. Wait, let me slice off a piece of lemon peel, squeeze and twist it, shimmy it over your beverage while educating you on the fine ingrediants I have added to your cocktail. Hold on, let me chip off a few ice cubes, shake till my elbows smack me back and then garnish away on the drink I just invented for you.
Who am I? Your bartender at the ever entertaining, great atmosphered Drink.
This place doesn't need another glowing review (though mine is one, too) but I'm writing to say how much I love whisky and bourbon. Especially when the temperature outside dips below chilly. In my mind "winter = whisky" and, boy, does this place have it goin' on.
My Sazerac the first time around was syrupy, spicy and a little liquorice-y. A perfect twist on an Old Fashioned. The next time brought me in for a Vieux Carre (I'd asked the barkeep for something "warming"). It did the trick: smooth, a little sweet and strong. The Vieux Carre required a larger chunk of ice to keep me from falling off the chair.
Drink is wonderful. Period. There are fewer places with friendlier service or such a cozy atmosphere. I also really like the preserved bugs on the walls. (Booze *and* oddities of nature? Yes, please.) Drink is a little out of my way to make it a consistent go-to, but I'll be back next time I'm in the 'hood.
You go to Drink because you don't just want a cocktail. You want a particular experience.
First, you descend an anonymous staircase into a broad, dimly lit room with exposed brick and bare bulbs. Take an empty seat (or stand along the side, near the placarded bugs) and get the attention of one of the men or ladies in the vest and suspenders.
Don't place an order. Give them a preference. "Something with gin," perhaps. Or: "I'm feeling like a Manhattan." Or: "something sweet, but also strong."
The bartender will vanish for some length of time (2 to 4 minutes) and return with a glass, some herbs that were ground onsite, and a bottle of expensive liquor. He or she will narrate the drink that they're pouring you: its history, its ingredients, the bar at which it was invented. The concoction appears on a small napkin, with a shot glass of palate-cleansing water set next to it just so.
Many of the other reviews complain about the price or the crowds. The cocktails are pricey and the place does get crowded on a Friday (name a bar worth going to in Boston that doesn't). As I said, you're paying - in cash and elbow room - for a singular cocktail experience. If you want to feel like a classier human being than 40 hours in a cubicle would suggest, Drink is the only place to go. Everywhere else is just faking it.
Protip: They have a bar menu: expensive appetizers in small portions. Get a burger or some pasta at Lucky's across the street, then settle in here for cocktails.
Man, as if I didn't love Drink enough already, I am currently 'in the family way' and was very happy to learn that one does not have to avoid the bar in this state. In fact, Drink will whip up all sorts of awesomeness sans alcohol for a mere $3!!!!
OK, the first review I wrote I was still pretty buzzed from my drinks at drinks - so, you see, it… Read more »
Not sure what the huge fascination with this place is all about. I've been here twice and the drinks were ok. I asked the bartender to make me something I might like, but not too sweet and it was very sweet unfortunately. I hear they make drinks based on your personality....do I look like I need a sweet drink because I can't handle a strong one?
I went again for a friends going away party on a Thursday, it wasn't very crowded and it was good to chat with my friends. People rarely chat with people they don't know here, so if you are going here to meet people, this isn't the place. I saw a few couples who looked like they were probably on a first date.
This place is good, the prices aren't too bad, but the flat set up of 3 spread out bars and no music playing at all makes for little or no interaction with random people.
In my personal opinion, bar tender Sam is the man.
He works wonders with cilantro!
Um.
This place is ridiculous.
Ridiculously AWESOME!
What the eff is wrong with me? Why haven't I come…
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Hands down the best drinks in Boston. There isn't much else to say. And somehow Drink manages to pull it all off without the pretentious vibe of similar high-end establishments.
Weekend evenings are packed, so I'd recommend trying an off night and time. The quieter vibe coupled with personable bar tenders make for the perfect night out.
While Sportello upstairs excellent, the appetizer food menu at Drink is light, fun and tasty.
I'm just hoping it doesn't get too much more popular so I can keep getting a seat.
You would never even know this place is here...I didn't. I almost walked right by as my friend practically pulled me through the door!
I had heard they had good gingerbeer so after talking with the bartender who thought I might like a dark & stormy (gingerbeer with rum), I said I wasn't a huge rum fun so they recommended a Moscow Mule (gingerbeer with vodka)...PERFECT!
Very strong ginger taste and so delicious!
I like the decor of this place, dark and intimate yet inviting. They have a place near the door to hang up coats and have a pretty ample bar area. Despite coming in around 10/10:30 on a Friday night my friend and I waited just a couple minutes to grab 2 stools at the bar.
Prices aren't bad, especially considering the level of service you get from the bartenders. I look forward to coming back!
Come to Drink armed with the following:
- plenty of $
- an open drinking palate
- time
- patience
The place is a bit hard to find, you inevitably walk past the door and see all the people in the basement and have to circle back. The sign is tiny and at a height that's perfect for an alcoholic 5 year old to read. But I think that's all part of the charm that makes you feel kinda special when you finally make your way inside.
There was a host dude, who looked like he could have been an extra in Gangs of New York. The seating is first come, first serve, but he will help point out if there's any open spots and save you the trouble of wandering the crowds. He also helped us close our tab later, he's supa dupa.
It was pretty full around 8 pm on a Friday but my partner in crime and I found a couple seats at the bar. We told the bartender what we were in the mood for and ordered a series of drinks over the next couple hours. Most were amazing (including the most exquisite looking mint julep ever), there was one that was a definite miss. My advice is - be clear if there are things you want or do not want going on in your drink. The grilled cheese was expensive but very good. I'm a h0r for melted cheese when I'm drinking through, so I'm not a truly fair judge. They also dropped off free roasted chickpeas and olives.
The service was very good when we got there, but really dropped off towards 10 pm, they literally forgot about us until I tipsily waved my arm at the bartender. "HAI!!!" I'll chalk it up to them being very busy but I'm glad I legitimately didn't have anywhere I needed to be because I would have been way more annoyed.
I really enjoyed my time here overall and will be back, armed with the knowledge above and a powerful thirst for lovely beverages.
I had never heard of Drink before my first experience - not only was I going to Drink for the first time, but I was going on a first date as well. As far as a great spot for a first date goes...Drink is key. If things don't go well (which they did for me!!!) it is such a unique place that the conversation can ebb and flow and you still find yourself entertained.
Things important to note: There are no menus (with the exception of an appetizer menu that features about ten items) and the reason for this is that you are being served by world-class bartenders. You tell them the flavors you like, the kind of alcohol you prefer and they make it for you from scratch. And from scratch means...they are squeezing the fruits in front of you, they are chipping ice from huge blocks into your glass...it's no joke!
I had two drinks here (I believe each drink is a standard $15 if I'm not mistaken) - one was a dark'n'stormy that was so spicy (they use a signature, home-brewed ginger beer) that I swear I grew hair on my chest. Bet you like that imagery. The second, I just told our bartender that I wanted something light and fruity. She made me a "Sky Pilot" and as she poured the drink from the mixer into the glass she called out "skkkkyyyyyyy ppiiiiiilot". Lol - well worth it (as was the date). :-)
Since the very first time I went to Drink, it has been my favorite bar in Boston. The atmosphere is fantastic - low lights, soft acoustics (so you can hear the people you're with - how novel!) and the bartenders look professional in a way that makes me feel I'm somewhere that important people go.
But the drinks, the drinks. There is no menu, and when I go I just tell them what I'm feeling like. They'll make the drink for me based on what ingredients I want - grapefruit juice, something with lime, something in season. Plus they always have some special ingredient that they're featuring that's good to try.
I think all the drinks are around $10. Some are very small though - this place is not a deal, it's just the best done cocktails in Boston.
I've never gotten the food there because there is very bad price-to-food ratio (the servings are tiiiiiny).
Hands down best bar and bartenders in Boston. That is all.
TIKI sundays are the BEST
i'm only sorry that I discovered the place so late and didnt get to know sam, the best bartender earlier. He makes awesome drinks and plays with his coconut breasts on tiki sundays.
i am so there.
I've been here twice now, and I've been quite satisfied both times. Personally, the mojitos are one… Read more »
You know that place hidden in a dark part of town you'd never really go to? That place you wouldn't see if you walked right past it, hidden in plain site?
Well that's Drink.
It's in some old industrial basement with odd looking lights. The bar itself is stocked with obscure and wonderful liquors, and staffed with people who know how to use them. It's rare to find a place with a selection of different bitters. It's rare to find a place that squeezes fresh fruit juice when a cocktail calls for it.
Great find.
I went in with pretty high expectations and was not disappointed. Granted, was there on a Tuesday night and as such, avoided the crowds, but sometimes you've just got to go out in the middle of the week.
I was with a group and we each got 3-4 drinks and got to sample a wide variety of things. We had to do the usual "tell the bartender a flavor/mood/color/etc." and see what they come up with, and they did not disappoint. Bonus points for a spicy tequila/chile pepper concoction as well as a gin/basil/lemon balm mixture.
In short, excellent vibe, wonderful drinks, and a menu of small plates that looked delicious had we not eaten 20 minutes before arriving.
Awesome awesome place. Like my friend Courtney said, we came here for her birthday and we were all pleasantly surprised.
First I was surprised by the location. Totally would not have found it on my own. There are no signs outside and it's below Sportello. I was then surprised by the crowd. For a random Tuesday night it was a good mix of people, luckily not too crowded. I can only imagine how packed it gets on the weekends. My next surprise came when the bartender told us there's no drink menu, she was just going to make us a drink based on our preferences. I told her I'm a girly fruit drink person and off she went to mix a drink. My raspberry grapefruit gin with egg white foam was delicious! I didn't even know it was egg whites until she told me. I love how they really care to make you a drink you WANT to drink. My next drink was slightly bitter but I didn't want to complain until she convinced me that she'd rather make a good drink than a drink I'd have to deal with.
I have a friend who is EXTREMELY picky when it comes to alcoholic drinks so I'm going to bring her here to find something she'll like!
OMG this place is AWESOME!
I was looking for a unique place to go on my birthday for a few drinks that wasn't one of my usual haunts. After searching on Yelp, I read all of Drink's reviews and just had to check it out.
I took my boyfriend and my friend, and since we don't really hang out in Fort Point, I was surprised by how deserted the area is on a Tuesday night. Not expecting crowds, but did expect some more people. Finding Drink is definitely not the easiest, but I didn't have much trouble after using my handy Yelp app on my iPhone. (Can you tell I'm a Yelp addict???)
We sat down and I told my friends that I read about this place and that they make drinks for you based on what you say you like. I even mentioned that sometimes they put egg white in them which I thought was very different. The bartender comes up to us and explains that there is no cocktail menu but take a look and she'll be back to have a conversation. SWEET! Now I'm pumped. Since it's my birthday she recommends champagne. I get some French something with some lemon zest in it. I usually don't like champagne but it was so refreshing! My friend says she likes fruity. "Are you allergic to egg?" the bartender replies. She gets egg white in her drink! I was so glad because I really wanted to try it out. It makes it so frothy!
I was incredibly impressed with how intimate the conversation is with the bartender. We started asking her about Absinthe since none of us had ever actually tried it. She explained how to drink it, gave a demonstration using water of how to pour it, told us what countries make the best kind, explained the offending ingredient that the US makes them take out, and even gave us all a tiny taste of it. I could taste in in my mouth for like an hour after it. Wow is that stuff strong!
Seriously very impressed by this place! I probably won't be going all the time as it is a hike, and I'm sure I'd spend a ton of money there every time, but I will DEFINITELY be back. I'm not sure how it could be that good when it was busy, so I would prefer to go to Drink on a slow night. It might just be the coolest bar I've ever been to.
Totally over-rated cramped basement bar; Drink features a bunch of awkward places where one can lean, balancing one's jacket, handbag, and a drink. It feels as if no thought was put into how to organize the space, and so people are inevitably bumping into each other, made worse by the suspender-clad expert-bartenders who are roaming around suggesting drinks to patrons. So the deal is you tell the bartender "hey, I like something fruity," and he produces something fruity. The problem is oftentimes, he'll produce something that tastes like hell (as was the case with my friend, who was given something that tasted like spit infused cough syrup). Thankfully, the bartender was gracious enough to take it back.
Oh- the other weird thing is that if you are going to Drink as a pre-Sportello wrap-up, they don't exactly seem to be coordinated. You can't take your drink from Drink upstairs, nor does the Drink staff seem able to communicate with Sportello to let them know that you are on your way up.
Certainly not at all overstated (Drink is nearly impossible to find if you don't know the area), Drink manages to serve up some impressive drinks at prices that are...well, nearly overstated. On your way to the bar, you can expect a second-guess or two on the directions since the place has no sign visible from the street. Located in the basement of a moderately sized commercial building, Drink is identified only by a small sign on the interior door (take a right in the hallway once you enter the proper building and go down the little steps...yup, you're going the right way). Once you've reached this point, Drink will be proud to let you in on its little secret.
I was immediately struck with how small the place was. I expected something larger, for the reputation it had, and I also didn't expect it to simply be, a bar...and nothing more. However, there were plenty of bartenders willing to jump in and make you a drink (or two, or more). Certainly a welcoming touch...if you can find a seat.
We gave fairly open-ended drink orders in an attempt to challenge our bartender's creativity, and were very well rewarded. I ended up having a house drink, which I didn't find quite as interesting as the "something sparkly and sweet" my girlfriend ended up with. Before we left, I gave it another shot and was mixed a lovely, minty concoction similar to a mojito with less sweet and more mint.
I was satisfied enough with this last drink to decide Drink was worth returning to, despite the $10+ dollars we paid for each drink. It was certainly a memorable experience, especially when we were offered service from one bartender only to be "sniped" by another bartender clearly more hungry for our tips. Awkward? Yes! Necessary? No!
In summary, definitely check out Drink. The drinks are tasty and it's quite a fun little adventure, between finding the place and having the bartenders compete for your business. I must say, however, that this last quality in addition to the high prices, cost this establishment a star.
Blink...and you'll miss the sign for Drink.
Reminiscent of a modern "speak-easy". A non-descript sign down a non-descript stairway is the only indication that there's something waiting around the corner.
Open the door, and you're instantly hit with a wave of noise and sea of people knee-deep at the bar.
There's no drink menu here, just tell the mixologist what you're in the mood for, and he'll probability take ten minutes to make it, but those ten minutes are pure entertainment.
He'll start off by putting a clean fresh white napkin in front of you and pour you a glass of water and the theatrics begin...
I wanted something "fruity, but not girly". He made me a drink with St. Germaine Elderflower liqueur. Seems like this libation may be the next "big" thing in drink trends.
I was mesmerized at the skill he used to make my drink. Each movement led into the next in what seemed to be a carefully choreographed dance of flare and finesse.
And the drink was exactly what I wanted, but it ain't cheap, but it's well worth the price of admission.
Walking down the stairs into Drink is like walking into an alternate universe, where the bartenders are extremely well-versed in their craft, the atmosphere classy and comfortable, and the drinks delight the senses.
The name of the place sums it up perfectly. Every aspect of Drink revolves around the innate pleasure that comes with a well-mixed cocktail. The first thing one notices is the decor: warm light but not dim, with dark wood and exposed brick walls, while the legs of people walking the street above gives it a speakeasy feel. This is a place where people go to actually talk to each other, not to shout over loud music or yell at a sports event on TV. In fact, there are no TVs - a huge plus.
On a Thursday after work, we easily found two seats at the bar and started munching on - spiced fried chickpeas and olives? Amazing. After asking us what we wanted, the bartender served me up a Gin Gin Mule. I forget what my friend ordered, as I was so wrapped up in the ecstasy of my own drink - made with real ginger beer! - but our drinks were served with small glasses of still water, which were perfect for cleansing the palate before each sip.
The bar food is served exclusively to complement the drinks. If you want a real meal, go upstairs. We had the decadent grilled cheese with carmelized onions and the ham on biscuits, which were perfect in their proportions. We drank more, talked more with our fellow barmates and bartenders, and felt right at home.
So give your wallet some exercise and go to drink. You'll thank yourself later.
Very attentive service even on busy nights. I am not picky so every time loved the drinks they made. Interesting decor and the crowd is surprisingly not pretentious. Considering the quality of the drink, prices are very reasonable.
I could tell from the smiles on all the bartenders' faces that this place was 1. going to be amazing and 2. going to be a bit more expensive than I'm used to.
It's nice when I'm right.
Had to wait a minute for a seat, but upon sitting my butt down on a stool a very friendly bartender came over and recommended a series of drinks. For as much as I wanted a periodista, and for as amazing as I'm sure it is, I wimped out got a pomegranate mojito I'm a sucker for mint). You could actually see the disappointment in his eyes.
Next time
Well, time after next. Next time I'm getting a mint julep.
Now typically, I would expect a bartender to schlep through a drink when IWas met with that reaction, but the same time and care was put into every drink I watched him make (including my own).
The taste?
Unreal.
The verdict?
I'll be back if my job continues. I'll move in if I win the lottery.
I am giving this bar 5 stars for its remarkably unique nature. This is the kind of bar you go to when you want to try out some new cocktails and see some impressive bartending skills. The way those female bartenders shake their cocktail shakers put all other bartenders to shame.
The bartenders here are mixologists who make an art out of their job. It's like watching a show as they chop the ice in their hand, peel the fruit right there, and shake those cocktails like they're beating off an elephant. They ask what you like and concoct some yummy new drink for you to try. They try to be creative and they definitely achieved that goal with our drinks.
If you know what you like and only like that, then be specific and tell them exactly what you want. But if its specific liquor brands you crave, then you may be out of luck. However, if you like to experiment with new drinks, they will probably find a new gem for you to call your own.
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Italian
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Back Bay
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Waterfront
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Back Bay
Category: Restaurants
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