If your ’90s-era youth involved a lot of Weezer and Doc Martens
boots, you likely dreamed of drinking in a place like this: retro vinyl
couches, servers clad in semi-ironic Goodwill sweaters, baroque
chandeliers emitting a moody glow. For all of Sidebar’s proto-hipster
sensibilities, cocktails are upscale and feel very contemporary; despite
oddball names like the (bourbon-based) Scrindler and the Crescent City
Sabotage (a Sazerac variation with gin and ginger liqueur), they’re rooted
in classical recipes and always carefully wrought. Back to the 1990s: Most
cost just $10. Insider tip: Sop up the spirits with some of the best bar
snacks around. We love the Chicago-style dog and grilled-seaweed-sprinkled
popcorn. Open Monday through Saturday.
