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This place is an absolute necessity if you’re in the area looking to grab a good meal, catch some sports, hang out with friends or have some drinks. I always tell tourist-types (Convention Center and the Mouse) to go out of their way to avoid corporate mediocrity and Louie’s is high on my list of recommendations. Drive an extra couple miles for a business you can trust. This bar/restaurant has just about everything you’re looking for in a low-key neighborhood bar that’ll also make sure you leave with a belly full of good food (I love the pastrami sandwich and patty melt). Whether you’re in for breakfast and mimosas on the weekend, a quick work lunch or need a comfy bar stool to catch the next big game, Louie’s has got your back. Around 30 beers on tap, a huge collection of spirits, great cocktails and a strong menu mean I (and so many others) keep coming back! I’ve been coming here for years and the business is always clean, the staff is friendly and hard-working and the service is very consistent. Louie’s is a good example of how competent staff and attention to detail can elevate what may otherwise be a nondescript little hole-in-the-wall bar.

The Ready Room Cocktail Bar Menu with Prices 200 S Janney St, Baltimore

This is quite the place! The Ready Room is located inside of Old Line Distillery and as of this writing, open Fridays and Saturdays. Whether sitting at the bar or at their super comfy couches, it’s very inviting to stay awhile. Drinks – Old Line specializes in two spirits: rum and whiskey. Don’t be fooled; they have varieties of those two options in terms of aging and blending process for a grand total of five products. When I went, $15 got us a flight of every spirit they produce – and they don’t skimp! I thought it would be a little 1/2 oz tasting, but this was just shy of a full shot each, so I ended up sharing with my companions. Speaking of flights, they also offer flights by style. For example, if you are more of a rum person, they have a flight of their rums as well as some from other local distilleries. Ditto for the whiskeys. A nice touch promoting competitors in the spirit of… well, spirits! The cocktails were great. I got a daiquiri – a proper daiquiri with lime and rum. Not to hate on a spiked strawberry smoothie, but this is the OG daiquiri (and the better one, IMHO). I also split the Liberty Risk, made with their Navy Strength cask rum, with my companions. They limit you to one because it is STRONG. Suffice it to say I ended up staying a little longer than originally planned. Overall, they have six regular cocktails and one or two specials. They also offer a couple of local beers on tap, but we came for the spirits. If you enjoyed the cocktails, they sell the Old Line spirits as well as some bar tools so you can try your hand at home. The prices aren’t too bad for what it is and service is fast and friendly. I look forward to coming back!

Old Line Spirits Menu with Prices 200 S Janney St, Baltimore

This is quite the place! They run tours all day Saturday but they also have their “Ready Room” available on Friday evenings. I wish they were open other days (the bartender explained that it is difficult for their operation to be open on Sundays but they have looked into it). The inside is industrial-chic. Like many swanky businesses in Baltimore, it makes use of an old factory but they’ve somehow made it warm and inviting. Seriously, where did they find those super comfy couches?! Drinks – Old Line specializes in two spirits: rum and whiskey. Don’t be fooled; they have varieties of those two options in terms of aging and blending process for a grand total of five products. When I went, $15 got us a flight of every spirit they produce – and they don’t skimp! I thought it would be a little 1/2 oz tasting, but this was just shy of a full shot each, so I ended up sharing with my companions. Speaking of flights, they also offer flights by style. For example, if you are more of a rum person, they have a flight of their rums as well as some from other local distilleries. Ditto for the whiskeys. A nice touch promoting competitors in the spirit of… well, spirits! The cocktails were great. I got a daiquiri – a proper daiquiri with lime and rum. Not to hate on a spiked strawberry smoothie, but this is the OG daiquiri (and the better one, IMHO). I also split the Liberty Risk, made with their Navy Strength cask rum, with my companions. They limit you to one because it is STRONG. Suffice it to say I ended up staying a little longer than originally planned. Overall, they have six regular cocktails and one or two specials. They also offer a couple of local beers on tap, but we came for the spirits. They sell all of their spirits on site as well as some bar tool knick knacks; I walked out with a bottle of their Single Malt whiskey. The prices aren’t too bad for what it is and service is fast and friendly. I look forward to coming back!

The Albany Distilling Company Bar and Bottle Shop Menu with Prices 75 Livingston Ave, Albany

Finally stopped in for a cocktail last Friday night – felt like I was middle of Brooklyn! My wife initially thought we should sit outside on the patio, but is was a little sticky so she opted for the air conditioned bar. We absolutely loved the look and feel of this space, sitting at the bar, checking out the great selection of local spirits and perusing the cocktail menu. Yes, they had some good draft beers and wine available, but we were in the mood for cocktails. They offered about 6 or 8 updates of classic cocktails and about and equal number of their own spirits. My wife opted for their take on a Bees Knees and loved it. I liked my choice, too, but can’t recall exactly how it was made. My wife agreed to drive home so she stopped at one cocktail and I ordered what was an updated Manhattan – made with their bourbon and some other delicious ingredients, including cherry juice. It was delicious! My wife had a sip – she doesn’t like drinks that taste “booze-y” – and she loved it, too. Bar tender was terrific- friendly and knowledgeable- great guy. I need to note that while the space, cocktails and staff are terrific- the area is still “transitioning” – the new Cap Rep Site is just across the street, but not completed or occupied and I wouldn’t feel too comfortable exploring on foot. Also, parking is very limited. Maybe as the area is more developed- they are putting up large buildings to house condos and businesses nearby- it will feel a little safer. But then, as in Brooklyn, it might lose some of what makes it kind of unique and fun. We will definitely be returning long before that!

The Gin Room – Menu with Prices – 3200 S Grand Blvd, St. Louis

My mom and I came here after dinner at The King and I last Saturday night. We had dressed up sort of “spooky” but not quite costumed for Halloweekend and wanted to go somewhere out and about and have some drinks, but not end up part of a huge party crowd. I am a gin lover and have been wanting to try this place since before I moved to St. Louis last January, and my only regret about my visit was that I hadn’t drank here long ago and kept coming back. When we entered there were a few diners but no one at the bar – apparently there was a huge event in the CWE that night so South Grand was pretty quiet. We were immediately greeted and given (huge, extensive) menus by bartender Dale. After perusing the menu and the huge wall of hundreds of gins behind the bar for a few minutes we had some questions, which Dale was happy to answer. He was knowledgeable and taught us about the gins on the menu without being pedantic, snobby, or condescending (attitudes that are unfortunately the norm in my experiences talking with more knowledgeable craft spirits connoisseurs). We tasted several gins, some to decide what to have in our drinks and some because the bottle looked interesting or the gin was unique and weird. Dale asked about our favorite gins and cocktails and made recommendations from there. I ended up trying a hibiscus G&T with a gin I don’t remember (awesome), a Hendricks smash which included some of my favorite cocktail flavors from real ingredients – basil and cucumber (even awesomer), and a Collins made with Uncle Val’s peppered gin which I was skeptical of before tasting but I turned out really enamored with it (also awesome). The cocktails, the gins, and the customer service and bartending skills courtesy Dale were all excellent. The drinks weren’t cheap but not hideously expensive, and the experience was totally worth the price. I am certain I will be returning regularly.

Twin Spirits Distillery & Twin Spirits M Coffee Shop – Menu with Prices – 2931 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis

I visited this establishment in the company of my parents and sister. I am 35 and forgot my ID. I was carded and told I could not partake in the enjoyment of adult beverages. Fine. I’ll have a water. My parents and sister order cocktails. The drinks are served. I grab my dad’s Sazerac and raise it to my nose yearning to enjoy just a pleasurable waft of the forbidden concoction. Yet this experience, an innocent attempt to appreciate these purportedly fine spirits in a manner still legally possible at this stage, was violently trumped by the manager yelling at me scornfully from across the bar, “Don’t! Don’t! You cannot drink without an ID!”. And so I was denied even an olfactory testimonial of this watering hole’s home-crafted product. Ashamed, criminalized and melting under the stares of other patrons, I set the drink back down on the table and slumped like a sad stooge on my stool. I will not return, ever. Not even with my ID. Because this place is not about fancy firewater as I had hoped. Yep, forget all about coming here for premium spirits! Forget all about distillation! Only professionally impure, mean, power-tripping spirits are to be found on these premises! Take your thirst far from here, my friends! For here spirits are crushed and not distilled and for here one’s thirst for a bit of joy is never to be quenched!

Hamilton Liquors – Menu with Prices – 5205 Georgia Ave NW, Washington

Hamilton Liquors definitely needs to be everyone’s go to liquor store in the DMV! They have a huge selection of all beers, wines, and spirits, especially certain whiskeys and champagnes that I haven’t been able to find at other liquor/ABC stores in the area. The best part, the prices are very competitive, and in some cases, less than what I’ve seen at other places. The staff is very helpful, they are always ready to answer questions, make recommendations or even let you know of the latest stuff they got in, and they get new stuff frequently. Overall, a must go to for all your liquor needs!

Central Depot – Menu with Prices – 103 W Depot Ave, Knoxville

The craft cocktail scene here in Knoxville is still somewhat on the rise. Not enough people are talking about it, due to how big craft beer is getting. Not that there’s anything wrong with craft beer. Lord knows I imbibe more than a fair share. Places like the Peter Kern Library, Oliver Royale, PostModern Spirits, and Central Depot are each doing their own take on elegant cocktails, and boy is it welcome. Central Depot is amazing in creating both delicious cocktails, and a somewhat local bar feel. When you’re there you really and truly feel like it is it’s own community. But if beer is more of your thing, they more than have you covered. Their tap wall is one of the best in town, serving up a plethora of locally brewed beer, and plenty of others from around the area. I love that they’ve partnered with Tako Taco, just up the road. If you need something to nosh on while enjoying libations, you can with quality food!

NOCO Distillery – Menu with Prices – 328 Link Ln Ct #11, Fort Collins

This is a wonderful hidden gem perfect for a connoisseur of spirits as well as someone who is simply interested in having a well crafted cocktail made with premium handcrafted spirits. It doesn’t look like much at first and the space is small, but it has a cozy, upscale but laidback feeling, which is very inviting. The bar seats are designed in a fun way, where they are anchored by a steel arm that moves in and out (relative to the bar). You’ll understand what I’m saying when you visit. The bartender we had was Mo and Sebastian the creator and owner, was there was well. I have a histamine intolerance so can only imbibe clear alcohols every so often and Sebastian was very helpful and knowledgeable about what I should avoid. Mo was great and was happy to alter the NOCO Collins cocktail for me and made it with vodka instead. I also had a Rose Gintini and that tasted great as well. All cocktails were balanced and fresh. I will definitely we visiting here again and would recommend highly. ?

Mimi’s Restaurant Menu with Prices 1400 Ross St, Amarillo

I’ll say from the onset, I’m a gringo…but I love Mexican food a lot. Stumbled upon this place the other night and we were the only ones in the place. Ordering is a bit of a challenge as the menu is all in Spanish with no descriptions or prices. (I figured the prices were pretty cheap, which they were.) We wound up getting beef tacos (crispy shells not available), horchata (think of a long, oval tostada) and cheese enchiladas. My wife said the enchiladas were VERY good. The horchata was BIG and pretty tasty. The “steak” in the tacos was quite bland. There’s a huge selection of traditional Mexican drinks and several popular beers – Mexican and domestic. They don’t have guacamole or the typical “salsa”…just a very spicy green tomatillo dipping sauce. The staff was very nice and accommodating. They’ve been in business for 11 years, so they’re doing something right. There’s also an odd collection of Mexican gifts to be purchased. Overall, it was an interesting dining experience, but I’ll probably not go back. It’s just a bit to “authentic” for my tastes.

The Greats of Craft – Menu with Prices – 983 1st Avenue, New York

Live music Tuesday’s. Beer events Wednesday’s. Amazing lounge area in the back. Free popcorn! Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Rotating tap list of the best of the best. NY distilled spirits. Local hour (happy hour). Come on, what more could you ask for?! They make you feel at home. Even when they are busy. You can be sure you will always be greeted with a smile and treated as if you’re one of their good friends. They give you tastes of any of the beers and the bartenders are great at making suggestions according to styles and flavor profiles you enjoy. Great addition to the neighborhood. I hope to see them stick around for years to come! Oh, and they have a membership program for special release beers, bottle shares, special events, and they have a kegerator in the lounge that members get a card to so they can pour their own beers! How frickin cool! Plus- they have these cute little taster mugs! Doesn’t sound like a big deal but it’s the most adorable thing ya ever did see.

Mancave Cigar Lounge – Menu with Prices – 2920 E Commercial Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Stop in while travelling through South Florida. First off I visit cigar lounges across the country continuously as I travel. And let me tell you Fort Lauderdale, FL has a gem in Mancave Cigar Lounge. Not only do they have a great selection of cigars, and an surprisingly HUGE of beers to chose from, but they have it all really. Great amount of huge flat screen TV’s to watch sport or anything else you want. They also have great leather type chairs and couches to make it a very comfortable spot even for people that don’t like sitting at the bar(the bar is where I usually sit was was also amazing). And what really put this lounge over the top even though everything else was great, THE BARTENDER. To me this is probably the most important cog in any business of this type. It is truly what makes people want to keep coming back over and over and over again! Our bartender was named Veronica, and she check ALL the boxes and was simply incredible and would make anyone want to keep coming back to spend all their time. Kudos to the owners on that hire. They really seem to know what they are doing! Veronica is invaluable. To to visit again real soon!

The Cabinet – Menu with Prices – 649 E 9th St, New York

Visited The Cabinet after hearing that it was curated by the same people as Mace — was very impressed with the cocktails. This bar focuses on tastes of Rye, Mezcal, and Tequila, which you can sample in tastings, flights, and cocktails. The cocktail list is short and sweet, but as someone who is not a huge fan of Mezcal or Tequila, I was still able to find something tasty — The Forty Niner was a rye-based drink with hints of peanut and raspberry. It was like a mature, adult peanut butter and jelly sandwich in drink form, and it was absolutely delicious. We also ordered the Primero Beso, which was mezcal-forward but perfectly sweet with a touch of watermelon. The service was great, and the bartender, upon hearing that my favorite spirits (gin and vodka) were… entirely absent from their menu, offered to make me something else if The Forty Niner didn’t suit me. I look forward to visiting The Cabinet again when I find myself with a mezcal/tequila loving crowd.