Drinks Anyone?

If you’ve read the intro to my blog then you know that one of the reasons that I set out to do this was to answer some popular questions that I often get about “where should I go for the best pizza?” “where do I got on a first date?” “where should I have my birthday party?”.  All things that I’m of course still trying to figure out.

 

The one offer I hear the most is “Let’s go for drinks.”  In my mind this usually means that dinner isn’t involved, there could be some appies, and you'll end up at a place where you can casually or not casually enjoy a few beverages.  Most people would probably end up that their neighborhood pub or even their favourite restaurant.  I on the other hand, really do enjoy a place that puts as much effort, thought and creativity into their food as they do their drinks, and also doesn't turn into a crazy club after.  Don’t get me wrong, I understand that this request usually comes with a price tag but sometimes it’s really worth it.  Especially when you don’t have to deal with a super annoying host that tells you and your guest “Sorry we don’t allow people to come in for drinks unless they’re buying dinner.” Whomp whomp.

So here I set out on a quest to find some cool, interesting (read not pretentious) and fun places to just grab drinks.  Two places that are usually my go-to’s are Spirithouse and BarChef.

Spirithouse is located at Adelaide/Portland and if you weren’t looking for it as you walked by you may completely miss it.  As you head downstairs you become completely enveloped with the dark and dim lighting.  You can sit at the bar or in some of the more plush leather couches in the back room area.  I’ve been here a few times (on a date and with groups of girlfriends) and to be honest, the place never really disappoints.  Yes you will probably pay at least between $12-14 for any of their signature cocktails but I believe it’s worth it to go somewhere that serves more than just your standard vodka/soda.  If you also happen to be there on a slower night, sit at the bar and watch the bartenders be super attentive and actually take the time to get to know what you like and don’t like. 

The other spot BarChef I’ve only been to twice (once for a special event and very recently with some girlfriends).  This most recent time was super fun, the vibe was exactly what we were looking for, we scored some prime seats right at the bar and took our time just chatting and sipping on super delicious Basil Margheritas and Coconut Mojitos.  I won’t lie, when we first arrived there was a line up which put me off a little bit but turns out there was a massive birthday party they were waiting on.

Some other places of note that won’t make a big deal if you’re not having dinner are Earls, Joeys, The Drake, Hemmingway’s, Remy’s, Mavrik Wine Bar, Beaconsfield oh and of course your standard Friars, Firkins and Foxes.

A few places I’m looking to try soon are Salt, Midfield Wine Bar, Skin and Bones and Glas Wine Bar.

Where are you favourite places to sit back and enjoy a few bevvies?