by Laura Schreffler
We feel like we’ve discovered the newest hotspot in Dirty Water, a craft cocktail lounge/den of delight located just adjacent to Twitter’s headquarters. Zach Taylor some of the best cocktails we’ve ever had the pleasure of sipping, from his amazing take on a Hot Toddy for one ailing member of our party, to an ever-expanding menu of custom-made, thoughtfully prepared libations. The Campfire Old-Fashioned is a standout thanks to a surprising ingredient—chocolate mole bitters–while the Bank Exchange—pisco, pineapple gomme, sage, lime and ginger beer—was refreshing and intoxicating (in more ways than one). In addition to Taylor’s new-fangled infusions, expect to find his takes on classics like the Manhattan, a Sidecar and an Old Cuban (you’ll just have to come in to see what he does with them) as well as 52 craft beers on tap and 100 wines available in house. You’ll need some food to soak up these strong yet perfectly prepared cocktails, so make sure to order up innovative bites from Chef Chris Fissel, former Executive Chef at San Francisco’s La Terrase and Chez Nous, like the Axis deer tartare—deemed a revelation by one foodie—with its preparation of horseradish, smoked egg and garden beets and grilled trout as well as cheese and charcuterie plates. As a bonus, the space is absolutely gorgeous. The 6,252 square foot space, designed by architecture and interior design firm, Arcsine, evokes a warm, intimate ambiance. Glazed golden hued glass shields guests from passersby and encases the restaurant’s cozy interior that will be dominated by dark, rich colors and highlighted by fiery accents of bronze, orange and burnt wood. Circular iron chandeliers, exposed bulbs and soft candlelight provide extra ambiance, making this the perfect place to drink with friends post-festival OR a great date spot for someone you met during your musical journey.