Every once in a while I wander the streets of Brooklyn NYC looking for new spots to discover for my drinking pleasures. Sometimes I prefer a small cozy candle lit bar with an artsy vibe. Soft music playing. Just to chill out over quiet conversation, or to be lost alone in my thoughts. Not too long ago a friend recommended Sample for us to go get a drink and chat after the recent event we were at. From the outside it’s a nondescript looking place. Walking inside it was narrow and darkly lit, which suited my mood perfectly. It was nearing closing time but we took a few seats at the bar anyway and looked over the drink list which is printed on these small strips of paper on a stand. Very “shabby chic” style. She pointed to one and told me how good it was when she was here last time. I had no preconceived notion of what I was hankering for so hey, when in Rome, do as the Romans do!
Good call and the cocktail she recommended was right on the money. The “El Guapo” was surprisingly refreshing for a tequila based drink with a mix of ingredients that put together somehow all works in unison to make a heck of a delicious tasting libation. Tequila, honey, lemon, grapefruit & mole bitters – a quality cocktail for $7! If the bar was not closing for the night we would have ordered a second round.
Impressive little draft beer list, and all at $6 a pint. Blue Point, Weihenstephan Weiss, Jever Pilsner, Smuttynose IPA, Stoudt’s Scarlet Lady ESB, Abita Amber, and Victory Donnybrook Stout among others. Around ten different house cocktails in the $6-$8 range. All things considered, and this being NYC, the prices here are cheap for the solid selection offered. Impressive.
One day I need to come back here and try some bar eats to nosh on, and sample the wine list. It’s definitely a good spot if you want to have a relaxed drink over conversation in a more mellow atmosphere with a friend or a date. Being that it is so narrow I can suspect it can be a bit cramped on weekends and happy hour. I would also assume it’s a decent place to unwind after a long day.
In the meantime, just order the El Guapo and drink your worries away.
Sample – http://samplewinebar.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/sample-brooklyn
Now I want an El Guapo. Or just some tequila. Either one.
Hey Michelle!
It’s raw and rainy here in NYC today. Wish I was in that cozy bar being warmed up by El Guapo!
That pink drink looks delish. Alex and I (OMG how weird to say his name) were just talking about making it back to NYC soon! And you are our guide, of course.
Hey Aussa!
Oh, def let me know when you are back in NYC. I’ll give you a list of spots to go get shamlessly intoxicated. Of course I might be already drunk when you meet me.
Congrats on the engagement!
I’ve a definite interest in a few of the El Guapo drinks! Interesting ingredient flavors and not too sweet, sounds like a winner, especially arriving long before closing time!
Hey Peggy!
It’s a great refreshing nightcap for sure!
Tequila and I have never been best friends, but this drink sounds tempting!
Hey Patricia!
I’m also not a big tequila fan but mixed with the right ingredients it was quite delish!
I’ll take one “El Guapo”. Toast to great bloggers like you, Phil.
Best wishes, Aquileana 🙂
Hey Aquilena!
Aw, thanks for the nice compliment. Much appreciated!
A tasty tequila cocktail for $7? Better hurry back! I bet their eats are equally as good as their cocktails. I love the name of the bar, too as it would make me want to try everything under the roof!
Hey Cowboys!
I wanted to Sample much more there, but alas, it was time to go. El Guapo kikced me out.
I’d love an El Guapo. And if el guapo means “handsome”, I’m guessing that’s because that’s how all the guys will look after I have a few?
Hey Karen!
After three of four of these I guess every guy is El Guapo! And the gals are Muy Caliente!
That looks like a fun little place to check out! I love a relaxed place thats not too expensive, but still has great drinks!
Hey Rachel!
I also like bars like this. Low key, comfy, and with a good drink list that’s not crazy expensive. Plenty of locals joints like this which I really enjoy here in NYC.
I miss the East coast so much. I always pop in when I need a fix and you never disappoint. I’ll be sure to order an El Guapo the next time I get the chance!
Hey Lillian!
Well, there are certainly enough bars in the NYC area to pop in to! So many great new cocktail bars too! My liver needs a vacation.
You should check out the big, month-long outdoor food vendor orgy in the fashion district. Fair warning: it is not cheap and also, too crowded at lunchtime. After work is better.
Tried to post a link but she no work. Check out Urban Space NYC dot com for the skinny.
Hey Exile!
Thanks for the comment! I have not checked that out yet. Good suggestion, as there is nothing better than a food orgy!
I work close to Madison Square Park and the have the outdoor eats fest set up all summer. So good.
Have you been to the food truck orgy at Madjson Square Park? Of course you have! Do you remember when food trucks were kinda gross? Progress doesn’t always ruin stuff. Sometimes it makes it better.
Yup, I have done the food truck thing. They have come a long way!
Mmmmmmm! El Guapo looks delicious except that it should be called, La Guapa being that she’s pink and all. 🙂
Hey Brickhouse!
La Guapa sounds like a pretty lady to me that I would be happy to slurp up! 😉
Considering “el guapo” means “the handsome one”, it’s only right for it to taste great!
Thanks for dropping by!
Hey Daya!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting! Considering the handsome one right here was drinking El Guapo it totally makes sense! 😉
Looks like a homey little place where one can keep a chair warm all night long.
Hey Mary!
If we got there earlier I would have never left!
Nice to meet you. I’ve passed this bar several times and never enter. The prices are good. Your review is excellent.
Hey Kim!
Thanks for dropping by and commenting! There are some nifty bars in that hood. Definitely worth a try. Glad you liked my review. I try to keep it real.