In early December, my entire month was made when Backbar opened. Backbar is the cocktail-bar-brainchild of Journeyman. If you recall, I wrote this love letter to them recently. The bar, like the restaurant, is absolutely amazing.
I of course had to be there on opening night. When we first arrived and entered we thought we had gone in the service entrance. The entrance is a door near the restaurant entrance, which is tucked away in the parking lot behind The Independent. But, true to speakeasy form we had in fact gone in the correct entrance. You just have to walk all the way to the back, and there is ta-da…Backbar. Its dimly-lit, cozy, with neat little details like cages around the light bulbs and large pieces of wood used as tables for the bench seating.
The cocktails of course are the star of the show. For some of their regularly featured drinks they have things like a Smoke n’ Coke, which is a rum and coke with a twist. Its made with Moxie (a pre-Coca Cola concoction, that has a similar taste to coke), spiced rum, and smoked ice. Yes, smoked ice. Its so cool!
They also do a weekly drink and a daily drink. For opening night their daily drink was Whiskey Squash, sort of like a Whiskey Sour, but with squash… it was unique and very tasty. We also got a welcome punch on the house when we arrived. It was made with Old Monk Rum, Old Overholt Rye, and Lime Juice.
Welcome Punch
The staff here works as a team, and so everyone takes part in coming up with the weekly and daily drinks, which sounds like so much fun.
They also do some small bites if you want something to nibble on. Pretty sophisticated stuff like Foie Gras or a Charcuterie plate. All beautifully presented, and from the Journeyman kitchen, so very tasty as well.
I loved the vibe, the employees, and obviously the drinks so much I went back within a week after opening night. I can’t wait to head back as soon as we get back from our travels. In the meantime go check them out if you haven’t already! They’re open Wed-Sun from 4p-12a and they do take reservations, so on weekend nights it might be smart to reserve a spot before heading over. This is a great place to start your night have a couple cocktails, then head to one of the many restaurants in the area, including the brand new Casa B, which I’ll be reviewing for you next week. Or have dinner first and then spend the rest of your night here trying out the many unique, delicious, and fun drinks the barkeep whips up!
This is definitely a must visit place and I bet after your initial visit you’ll be planning your next excuse to go back!
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Oooh I have not been to Journeyman nor to Backbar – but I am definitely putting both on my must-visit list soon! Great review.
You absolutely should! I can say I was honestly blown away by how unique and delicious the drinks were at Backbar and the food at Journeyman is by far our #1 favorite restaurant. Both are amazing!