The scene: Cab West Glen's patio isn't off to the side of the bar, or out back, or on the roof. You have to walk around and through the club's patio just to get inside, which lends the perfect opportunity to check out the eye candy sipping cocktails or playing a game of bags.
The layout of Cabaret - inside and out - gives it a summery feel all year. Floor-to-ceiling windows seamlessly blend the dance floor inside with the patio outside. There are no flashy palm trees, hanging lights or big umbrellas here, just tall tables full of new people to meet. No matter where you find a seat, there's a bar nearby - on the patio or inside.
What we ordered: Cabaret has an awesome martini list, and since we stopped by on a Wednesday, they were only $4. I ordered a Lush Life martini, an electric blue drink made with white and coconut rums, Blue Curacao and pineapple juice. It was a little splash of a tropical island in a glass. My friend tried a Bahama Mama, a refreshing cocktail made with light and dark rums, OJ and grenadine. Strong and perfect for patio sipping, it was just $4.50.
Who we met: Cabaret attracts a loyal following, so each time you visit you're bound to run into familiar faces. We hung out with some guys playing bags who said they come to the bar once or twice a week, and especially love it in the summer because of the patio.
The view: From the patio, you can see directly across to Blue Moon Dueling Piano Bar and some of the West Glen shops beside it. There is a parking garage out front, too, which obstructs a distant view of downtown.
Why you should go: The Wednesday $4 martini special is tough to beat, but Cabaret has great specials all week and is a great place to kick off a big night, or just unwind on a weekday. The bar also hosts a summer patio concert series, with bands playing select Fridays of each month through August. This Friday, Final Mix will perform.
