Melindas Alley

This place was just okay. I was not totally let down but I was definitely not a fan. The line took around 45 minutes to get in, and while we were waiting we heard people coming out making very sarcastic comments about how «cool» it was inside. We had already been waiting a while so we did not let this deter us from getting in.
Once we finally made it in, it was a little lackluster. To be fair, they had been told that day that they had to make the place a little brighter, which consisted of unwrapping some sort of cellophane from fluorescent lights on the ceiling. The décor was a tad try-​hard, as this bar seems to have a 20’s theme, yet one of the décor book was from the Eragorn series (which came out much later).
What I did like was that the bartender was extremely friendly and knew what she was talking about. She chatted with us awhile while she helped us pick drinks. The drinks however were a bit expensive for the amount, but they were indeed strong. Oh, and it was cash only.
Overall, I was not overly impressed, as there was not much to do once you got a drink besides stand against a wall (there isn’t much seating at all). We ended up leaving after we finished our drinks, and headed across the street to a favorite.
I’d say check it out if you like a quieter experience, which was nice since they have to cap the occupancy at 49, and I could actually hear my friends. But, I can’t say if I will be back.

After reading about this new bar, I could hardly wait to try it! The idea is neat… No sign, no credit cards, creepy entrance (down a set of industrial set of stairs). Unfortunately, the bar itself isn’t all that exciting. It’s like a long hallway that someone threw some chairs and portable bars into. The drinks are different every weekend, with each drink being based on a specific alcohol. This is cool, but makes for a long wait at the bar since the bartenders need to explain all the drinks to each person (no written menus/​posted ingredients). Another downfall is that the bartenders are not familiar with the drinks… I asked about one drink and the gal said she didn’t know what it was like because she hadn’t tried it… that’s somewhat unacceptable. Like I said, the bar is cash only… not sure if that’s part of the cool factor or just due to lack of setup at this time… regardless, it’s a pain. I generally don’t carry cash and refuse to use their atm (what? I’m cheap…). If I were downtown and didn’t have cash, I would probably just pass.
OK OK, on to the drinks… I had the rum based drink… It was good, a little sweet and slightly cherry flavored, but I didn’t like that they used these large ice cubes that made the drink difficult to sip. My friend got the gin drink, and it was awful… like rubbing alcohol… Too strong. They were pricey at 12 $. You’d need a lot of cash to stay here all night.
The weirdest part? When you go to the bathroom, and it’s in this bright hotel hallway… Kinda ruins the mood. Anyway, I would entertain the idea of a return visit, but at the moment, I think b&t is better for the money/​drinks, and valley bar (similar concept) is better for ambience.