Kings Beach at Singer Social Club

Singer Social Club is in a rather sketchy part of town.  In fact a month or so ago they had some high drama when a piece of their art was stolen, returned to the front door in the middle of the day, and stolen again.  There was a lot of excitement in those few days on Facebook, but it has settled back into the "come as you are" kind of bar I assume it always was.

I'd been wanting to try them out for awhile, but all my friends had resisted.  I'm so sorry they did because the vibe coming from the place and the bartender was really awesome.  There is a sign on the bathroom that basically says anyone of any gender can use either one.  The only reason to worry about it is if they are doing something other than using the facilities.

I decided to have a Kings Beach because I've been fond of grapefruit flavored drinks lately, especially the Steigl.  I'm sorry to say however, that this tasted like a liquefied jolly rancher with zero alcohol in it.  It was super pretty, and the bartender was really nice.  I tried a couple of other drinks and they were delightful, so I really think this just didn't end up being the drink for me.  

I'll be back for the laid back vibe and other drinks to try out!  I hope they keep doing their thing and don't get anymore art stolen.

Singer Social Club

219 West 2nd Street, Reno, NV 89501

(775) 657-9466

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Wednesday	5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Thursday	5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Friday	5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Saturday	5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Sunday	Closed

Bee's Knees @1864Tavern

Yes, this is my third drink at 1864 I've reviewed.  It really is my favorite place to drink.  If KJ from Z Bar worked there I wouldn't drink anywhere else again.

Not that the bartenders aren't super awesome at 1864, they are.  While I was there with Stand Up Comedian/BFF Amanda Alvey, she told me that he was in a conversation with some other patrons saying "Caaampo or Campo? Is the food good? Then who cares??"

In fact, I actually did a stupid thing and went to the bathroom instead of writing down what was in my Bee's Knees.  Since the drink isn't listed on their online menu, I sent them a tweet asking, but it looks like they don't check it that often so I ended up sending them an email to ask. Awesomely they answered right away, and the post was saved!

Shawn emailed "The "Bee's Knees" is a classic cocktail that dates back to prohibition. It consists of Gin, Honey, and Fresh Lemon Juice.  (2oz, 3/4oz, 3/4oz ratio). Sometimes, at the customers/bartenders preference, we will sometimes substitute Elderflower water for the honey.  It gives it a slightly different sweetness, but still super good."

It was a little thin but sweet. I love that it had crushed ice, almost as much as I love their old school square cubes.  I just love a bar with different kinds of ice. It came with an elegant lemon peel garnish, so no eating for me again.

In the end it wasn't my cup of tea, but I'll always come back to 1864 Tavern.

1864 Tavern
290 California Ave, Reno, NV 89509
(775) 329-1864

Monday	3:00 – 11:00 pm
Tuesday	3:00 – 11:00 pm
Wednesday	3:00 – 11:00 pm
Thursday	3:00 – 11:00 pm
Friday	3:00 pm – 2:00 am
Saturday	3:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sunday	3:00 – 11:00 pm

"Nevadas" at Death and Taxes

I have to say, I'm a bit miffed that Death and Taxes doesn't have a Twitter account.  I guess they might have found it too "mainstream" and decided that just a Facebook page would be enough.

I've heard a lot of talk about this bar, and visually it is a great space.  I love that the bathrooms say "office" on the door and it looks like an honest to blog speakeasy/tax office.

Sadly that means the clientele are a little too hipster for their own good.  While we were there we encountered a documentary filmmaker and his crew that thought they were doing the world a favor by arriving on the scene.  A few of them went outside to smoke and didn't bother closing the door.

The bartender was very nice, and I couldn't find fault in the bar itself.  However sometimes the bar is only as good as the clientele, and they were the fatal flaw.  Since I figured I wouldn't be allowed back to this bar, I thought I'd go straight for the one that might make the short list for Official Drink of Nevada.  I ordered the "Nevadas," which is Plymouth navy gin, Orleans sherry, mandarin kaffir syrup, and lime. 

The citrus hit my taste buds right off, and comes with sage garnish. You know I love a garnish I can eat, so I was a little sad that I didn't have a snack with my drink.   It was slushy, like a drink on the strip. It was tiny, unlike a drink on the strip. In the end it sort of tasted like the margarita at Pancho and Willies.  I'd rather have a 99 cent margarita at P & W's frankly.

Because I don't have enough hipster factor to return, this might be it for Death and Taxes.  Unless American Apparel opens up a location in Northern Nevada.

Death & Taxes
26 Cheney St, Reno, NV 89501
(775) 324-2630

Monday	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Tuesday	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Wednesday	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thursday	3:00 pm – 12:00 am
Friday	3:00 pm – 1:00 am
Saturday	3:00 pm – 1:00 am
Sunday	11:00 am – 3:00 pm