At the urging of several friends, Shrek and I decided to check out Single Barrel in downtown San Jose to see what all the fuss is about. Hoping to avoid any Friday night crowds (I know, this makes me sound ooold) we arrived around 7 pm. The only indication that we were at the correct location? A lone, single barrel was affixed over the open doorway. Nice touch.
A large part of this bar’s charm is that it’s a throwback to the Prohibition era, set up like a speakeasy. However, without the password. There wasn’t even anyone watching the door when we descended the narrow, dimly lit staircase. (From what I’ve heard, though, there can be quite a wait to get in once it hits prime time on Fridays and Saturdays.)
As my eyes adjusted to the dark I found my way into the bar area where we were greeted by one of Shrek’s old high school buddies, Raymond, who was dressed to impress and busy mixing drinks behind the bar.
Raymond. As he mixed drinks behind the bar he and Shrek reminisced about how they used to hacky sack on the rooftop of SJSU.
Shrek and I were immediately feeling the place. The interior decor is very dark and masculine with plenty of cozy seating ideal for date night. Nothing too sophisticated like the interior of Press Club, but it was very comfortable. There were also several larger groups huddled in intimate conversation. Jazz was playing in the background.
The bartenders and patrons were super friendly which is good because this place requires patience and appreciation for the care that goes into making each cocktail. This is the large draw for me . In my mind I feel better about spending $10 on a single drink when much time and care goes into its creation versus those I drink made at, say, Santana Row. At Santana Row you’re paying for the real estate, not the quality of the drink… I asked for a Watermelon Mojito at Roux once and it was way too sweet and chemically from the watermelon syrup they used. FAIL!
Well drinks and beer at Single Barrel are posted on two chalkboards behind the bar. They’ve also got a selection of wine and scotch with which the bartenders are well-versed and invite you to sample as you wait.
The bar’s pretty limited in seating and standing room. Since each drink takes an average of five minutes each to make you get to know your fellow bar patrons — whether you like it or not. It was interesting watching the tides change: we started the evening off with an older more relaxed crowd. As the night went on, however, a younger more rambunctious crowd took over. Speaking of, you don’t come to this place to order a fruity girly margarita. Or even a Jack and Coke or my signature Vodka Sprite. Not when they have guys like Raymond carefully hand selecting basil leaves, strawberries, slices of watermelon, and mint for your various drinks. I managed to score a front row seat to watch the action behind the bar.
That frothy drink in the champagne flute is a Whiskey Sour. Made with raw egg white.
Strawberry Caipirinha and Full Boar Scotch Ale
I want to say this is the Sidecar. Or the Bramble.
My Mint Gimlet. They’ve also got a Basil version.
There’s not a speck of food served here. According to Raymond, you are welcome to bring your own or dine at any of the many restaurants in downtown San Jose. (Interestingly enough my Single Barrel charge showed up as “Agenda” when I checked my online account the next day. Agenda is the restaurant located above Single Barrel on the street level.) Shrek and I, however, had Maggiano’s Beef Medallions, garlic mashed potatoes, and a side of pasta with meat sauce on the brain, so we hopped on 280 and drove over to Santana Row.
I don’t think I’ve ever dined in Maggiano’s main dining room because they are always so busy. Friday we got there after 9 pm and there was at least an hour wait. Fortunately, we were able to snag a table in the bar area. Unfortunately, it was near the host stand. They really need to get a separate waiting area. We had people pressed up against our table, resting their handbags in the empty seat across from me as they waited. Obnoxious, but we made the most of it. It was date night after all. Shrek and I shared the Beef Medallion entree ($30) and side of pasta ($3!) and still had plenty leftover to take home and enjoy the following morning. (Yes, you read that correctly. I ate it for breakfast.) Coincidentally, we also ran into another of Shrek’s high school friends who was playing the piano in the bar!
