Damn the Weather
You know you’re in a serious cocktail spot when the vermouths get front-page billing on the menu. Fortunately, this brick-walled bar in the oldest part of town is rakish and relaxed rather than prim (as some serious cocktail bars can be). The young after-work crowd tends to mingle by the front door, but as with a sushi joint, what you really want is a spot at the bar, where you can go omakase-style with DTW’s veteran bartenders and let them create your dream drink. Conversation might lead to a sample of different amari or a new trick (like topping a cocktail with dry French cider instead of sparkling wine). The excellent food—fine burgers, blood-sausage sliders, and charcuterie —is in revved-up comfort mode. Vegetarians may choose to drink their dinner instead.
PRO TIP: Do not skip the fried chicken skins seasoned with chile, lime, and peanuts. It will make you wonder why people every bother frying potatoes.
THE DETAILS: Weekday happy hour from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with discounts on snacks, beer, wine, cider, and yes, vermouth.
