PATRONS FIRST WAIT IN LINE AWHILE, THEN ARE TAKEN DOWN THE STAIRS A FEW PEOPLE AT A TIME TO ENABLE BARTENDERS TO QUIZ DRINKERS ON WHAT ELEMENTS THEY PREFER. December 2014/January 2015 59 There’s something to be said for faux speakeasies—a bar concept that has some adoptees in the Bay Area and elsewhere—if you’re tired of all the noise at popular cocktail lounges. While San Jose’s subterranean Singlebarrel isn’t worried about being busted by Eliot Ness and the boys, this dark, themed bar that prohibits loud voices not only has lower noise levels but it also has a heck of a cocktail program. Patrons first wait in line awhile, then are taken down the stairs a few people at a time to enable bartenders to quiz drinkers on what elements they prefer. Sweeter? Frothy? Fruity? Strong? The result is a customized cocktail that usually delivers great enjoyment. Take the superlative Ramos Gin Fizz in which complex, small-batch gin is shaken for eight minutes along with fresh citrus, egg white and a touch of orange flower water. It tastes like a wonderful adult milkshake. Or the light, sweet, cucumber-y English Cosmo. While vintage cocktails like these are typical, the drinks are prepared with modern sensibilities and excellent ingredients. Groups of more than six and those seeking munchies will have to go elsewhere, but that hasn’t kept South Bay residents from happily embracing this leap back into the 1920s. 43 W. SAN SALVADOR ST., SAN JOSE; 408/792- 7356; SINGLEBARRELSJ.COM SINGLEBARREL SAN JOSE THE CLOVER CLUB
South Bay Accent - Dec 2014/Jan 2015
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