Shorebar

Time Out says

Mon Oct 22 2012

If Cape Cod was the epicenter of craft cocktails, Shorebar would be its premier yacht club. If that 75-ft custom-outfitted yacht is tied up in "equity or "dreams," Shorebar’s got you covered, boasting a beach-club inspired cozy space that features white wood paneling, blue and white nautical striped walls, comfy below-deck style booth seating, height-adjustable bar stools, and submarine-like lighting fixtures illuminating vintage—no Baywatch paraphernalia here—photos of local lifeguards. And if you’re into nautical memberships, ask about their upstairs private alcove and the benefits that come with—sorry, it's open to locals only here. Whatever you do, get ready to drown yourself in a sea of sophisticated cocktails, designed by Master Mixologist Vincenzo Marianella of Copa D' Ora. Though the h.wood.group's (Bootsy Bellows) first Westside endeavor is imagined for nearby nabe folk, it’s worth a trip for anyone living east of the 405.


Vitals

Good for: Groups who crave a Westside bar that knows the difference between a great cocktail and a seaside pitcher of Martini mix. Happy hour goes strong from 7-10pm with specialty cocktails at $7, beers at $3 and well drinks at $5, while Tuesday is karaoke night. Bring a date, or find a date, then go for a stroll along the beach.

The scene: Posh, attractive beach town locals in their 20’s and 30’s post-work and post-dinner congregate solo and in large and small groups. Nearby Santa Monica residents— in bespoke-looking suits, no less—drop in for a glass of wine and to chat up the bartender.

The playlist: The music and noise levels ebb and flow like the nearby tide. The night we visited, there was a mix of songs you sort of know the words to and heard performed once in your life; however, the playlist was dominated with Indie folk-rock female vocalists—Feist and Regina Spector to Lenka and Macy Gray—made an appearance too.

The bartender says: Ad-lib cocktail club? Bartenders listen to what bar-goers like and don’t like and revamp the menu accordingly. When their buddies from NYC’s Milk & Honey are in town, they mix things up on the menu, too.

Drink this: While there’s an acceptable wine and beer selection, its really all about the cocktails here. Bring a designated driver because these drinks will sweep you away like a (damn tasty) rip tide. Start with the Mesa Mule—a spin on the Moscow Mule—with Partida tequila, passion fruit purée, ginger beer and fresh jalapeño ($15) or the Oh Koral—named after co-partner/owner Adam Koral—sporting Atlantico Platino rum, Appleton extra Jamaican rum, Velvet Fulernum, passion fruit purée, fresh jalapeño and organic mango juice ($15). A handful of trusty California wines by the glass see nice pours like the 2009 Chalone Vineyards Chardonnay ($10) offered alongside standard fare beers like Red Stripe under $7.

By Jonathan Cristaldi