The look: Let me save you my Google mapping nightmare (and several U-turns): Escape Lounge - the newly opened, tropical-themed bar in Johnston - is located right across the street from Texas Roadhouse. Bartender Kyle Sloan describes this as a "dive bar," but it's hard to not notice the newness of Escape Lounge, with a new kitchen smell still coming from the recently installed cabinets and bars. This place just needs some breaking in to get to dive bar status.
The crowd: The Lounge played host to a good mix of people on the Tuesday night we stopped by. A large after-work group of about eight enjoyed the front of the bar, while the rest of the dozen or so patrons were scattered around. Ages ranged from mid-20s to retirement age, and no one looked out of place. Sloan said Fridays and Saturdays pack the bar, but Wednesdays and Thursdays have been very busy for the younger customers as well.
The two drinks: Served in a "fancy, girly glass" (as described by my cohorts for the night), the Stoplight was the first drink offered up by Sloan. Whether that name is the drink's original or not, Sloan didn't know, but it's become "kind of our drink," he said. The mix of Midori, Malibu, Peach Schnapps, orange juice and cranberry juice comes in three distinctive colored layers. Once mixed (unless you want a blast of straight Midori on your first sip), the fruity drink is tasty and strong on alcohol. Next Sloan mixed up a raspberry Long Island iced tea for us. Stronger on alcohol than the first, the Long Island had more of a kick than a traditional version, but was just as sweet and easy to drink.
The grub: No food available here, but some snack items hang behind the bar. Of course, Texas Roadhouse is a quick walk away.
The verdict: Only open for about two months, Escape Lounge appears to already be finding some regulars and doing well. It has some newness to rub off to reach dive bar status, but the bartenders are doing their part with delicious, strong drinks.
