After over a decade playing second fiddle to Senso’s main dining area, the new and improved The S Bar sets out to make a name of its own. But even with its la dolce vita-inspiring interiors and affordability, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to return when Club Street is racked with bars both chic and cheap.
Our negroni ($20) is stiff with a generous dash of Campari, mellowed out by the botanical notes of gin and fresh citrus, while the Romantico ($20) – Belvedere, lime cordial, peach puree and cranberry juice – is built for fans of refreshing tipple. Its sweetness and smoothness means you’ll be downing a few of these. The Old Fashioned ($18), however, is about five mouthfuls tall and too liberal with the bitters. And our Aperol spritz ($18) grew flatter after every sip as the prosecco loses its sparkle, leaving behind a diluted drink. If you must, visit during happy hour, from 5.30 to 8pm on weekdays, when glasses of prosecco, house wine, housepours and beer will cost you a mere $10 each.
The grub falls on the more pedestrian end of ‘gourmet bar bites’, such as uninspired cold cut and cheese platters ($26-$56), and arancini balls ($13/six). Let’s just say we’d much rather have the dishes served to the diners in Senso’s charming courtyard.
Time Out reviews anonymously and pays for all meals.
