Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club delivers elevated cocktails
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Kevin Beary and Tyler MacLellan. Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Eberly
I love wine, but as my friend and Twin Cities colleague Torey says, "It doesn't always love me back."
The big picture: I've been ordering cocktails when I go out, and a tasty, balanced, strong drink isn't always easy to find.
State of play: The new Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club delivers.
Zoom in: The new River North spot completes Lettuce Entertain You's takeover of the Dearborn/Hubbard corner, with the bar located in the basement of Crying Tiger and next door to Gus' Sip & Dip.
The vibe: What I imagine Maxim's or Mister Kelly's looked, felt and smelled like in their heyday — very dimly lit, with green velvet booths, accented by beautiful floral arrangements and servers in bow ties delivering warm towels to the table.
The sips: An amuse-bouche offering of a jasmine-infused sake and a Verjus Blanc (non-alcoholic juice made from unfermented unripe wine grapes) with raspberry and jasmine tea.
- Those petite drinks were followed by the Alaska ($21), made with coconut-washed Delord Blanche Armagnac, Yellow Chartreuse, and orange bitters, and the Dirty Martini and a Half ($28), made with Menaud vodka, extra-dry vermouth, olive brine, bay leaf, and blue cheese–deviled olives.
- The menu includes low- and no-alcohol offerings, which I appreciate when I'm enjoying the company but don't want a fully loaded second (or third) drink.
Between the lines: Yes, they're pricey, but you're drinking slowly, savoring the flavors and consuming enough alcohol that one is enough.
What to expect: Great service and someone who can explain the complex cocktails in an approachable way. Tell them what you like and they'll tell you what to order.
If you go: Kitty's Cosmopolitan Club is at 51 W. Hubbard, in the basement of Crying Tiger, and is open Wednesday-Sunday from 5pm-midnight.