Editorial Datebook Review: Juice Editorial Review: Two Drinks at Nick's Bar and Grill

Cara Hall

Metromix

September 24, 2008

The look

When you walk in, the restaurant is to the right and bar to the left. Take a seat at the L-shaped bar, at a table or in a cushy booth. Dark wood and low light give the bar a subdued atmosphere. A couple of TVs show games, but don't dominate the decor.

The crowd

When we arrived around 9 p.m. on a Friday night the dinner crowd - some young couples, some older couples and families - was starting to clear out. We sat at the bar where a 40-something businessman from Cape Cod chatted us up about Des Moines and our recent vacation. Later on a few regulars came in, joking with the bartender about football stats.

The two drinks

The bartender, aptly named Jameson, showed us the bar's signature cocktail list and suggested a Guaberry Mojito, made with guava-flavored rum, club soda, mint and strawberry puree. The fruity drink tasted fresh and sweet.

I was curious about the Sizzie, a mix of champagne and pomegranate Izze - two of my favorite drinks. The result was just like it sounds - pink, fizzie and sweet but not too sweet. I'll try making that at home.

Other cocktails included fruit-flavored combinations like the Creamsicle and Tiki Torch. The bartender said a new menu would debut in October. He also suggested that lovers of strong martinis try their version made with organic vodka, gin and blue cheese-stuffed olives. Later he mixed up an Irish coffee with sugar cubes and fresh whipped cream, the perfect ending on a chilly, rainy night.

The grub

The restaurant's full menu of steaks, build-your-own pasta, seafood and appetizers is available until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The verdict

With stellar drinks, including a whole list of $5 glasses of wine, Nick's bar is the perfect place to cozy up on a fall night.