Enjoyed the Varnish as a destination cocktail bar with a rich history. Enjoyed the music.HOWEVER: service was spotty, depending on who you had in front of you. And the drinks were PRICEEEEEY. $18,5 a pop without tips, to be exact.That kind of money normally buys you a top-notch drink, super-researched and hyper-well executed. I’m not in the habit of paying $18,5 for a simple tequila daisy, I’m sorry.Suffice it to say that the bill left a sour taste in our mouth.
Welcoming, dimly lit space.The bartenders choice is a must! Bartenders were extremely friendly and knowledgeable. Come early or plan on standing! After a few bartender specials we tried a piña colada… Definitely not yo’ mama’s piña colada… this one was built for dad!
It’s a super neat place. The vibe and decor are just right for a jazz speakeasy.Drinks were lovely and the music was delightful.They have live music on Sunday to Wednesday after 9pm.
Very dope vibe. This is the reason I love dive bars. But it’s not that “divey”…. There’s a swanky speak easy in the back. Very sexy vibe in the back room. Upfront it’s no frills and all chill…. I love it. Dollar pool games, drinks not too expensive! I’ll be back. Best of both worlds!
We were there on Saturday during happy hour with my girlfriends. Drinks and service were on point! The bartender was awesome!
This genuine speak easy is worth the wait. On a great night you can walk in and find seating. Check the menu out as they make quality cocktails with craft. The bartenders take themselves serious which is great and they are always glad to work something yummy and amazing if you do the bartenders choice. Pick wisely so that the delicious libation that they make for you checks the right boxes for you. One of my favorite spots to take people from out of town. Brought quality trackers here who have come fromLondon, New York, Tokyo, Berlin and other cities and they all get blown away by the place. The ambiance is one of a kind and the drinks super memorable. So come with the right crew and make your own memories for yourselves.
It's a great place. Had a lot to eat, got drunk. The drinks are great, the music is great. The service is at the highest level, so I would love to go there to meet guys and drink beer.
Great service in the speakeasy bar behind Cole’s.Bartenders choice cocktails where delicious!
My boyfriend and I came here for a a drink and I just loved it. You walk in via Cole's (a more traditional Irish pub) and it's just fabulous. Great music (live piano!!!) and cocktails... the bartender is running a serious operation (the chemistry lab style beakers of juices and syrups, an entire refrigerator of frozen glassware!) and the drinks are delicious. I highly recommend getting the bramble and asking for it with tequila instead of bourbon.
I am a bit of a tiki bar fanatic, so I was ecstatic to discover this place was a block away from a friend I was visiting. We came in around 6 on a Saturday and while there were a number of filled tables it was still very chill. We were able to go go right up and order immediately and even better discovered they had happy hour until 7! Super Win! And unlike some places they didn't cheap out on the happy hour drinks so they were well crafted and strong. Can't wait to come here again.