Upscale Cocktails in Philadelphia: Bar210 at Lacroix

By Gabrielle Miller

Snazzy doormen greet you as you enter The Rittenhouse Hotel. Inside the building, incredible floral arrangements and decor transport you to exactly where you want to be—at a beautiful bar, overlooking timeless Rittenhouse Square, away from the bustle of the city of brotherly love.

Inside the hotel’s restaurant Lacroix, intimate (about 18 great seats) Bar210 offers delicious cocktails, a wonderful bar menu and a nice bar scene. Bar 210 is only 2 years old, under the leadership of Lacroix’s Chef de Cuisine Jason Cichonski, it is a well-run oasis. It is located just off of Rittenhouse Square, the city’s see and be-seen area full of great shops and restaurants. Sharing space with one of Philadelphia’s top restaurants translates to a fabulous decor, lovely and attentive service and cocktails featuring local ingredients and complimentary flavors.

Head Bartender Amy Madgar is passionate about the art of creating cocktails. She recently won 1^st Place at the Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival Kickoff Party with her “Sun and Moon Martini,” a clever drink made with Ketel One Vodka, Blue Moon Beer and a spicy mango puree. Her seasonal menu of fun drinks showcases her talents. The Blackberry Bourbon (below) has a kick of bourbon with tart flavors of just-muddled raspberries and the tang of the spicy Thai Bay Leaf. Very refreshing on a hot day, I can imagine its warmth on a cold winter’s day. The St. Germain des Pres with vanilla and peach flavors was creamy and smooth, like a great fruit dessert. Other highlights of the summer season include a pear and pomegranate Margarita and a kiwi Caipirinha. Amy says she has access to “the best kitchen in the city,” which means she can get creative.

The bar fare is as carefully thought-out as you would expect from a jacket-suggested, high-end restaurant but the prices are totally accessible. And at happy hour, Monday through Friday 5:00pm-7:00pm, you are served complimentary hors d’oeuvres of the night. We were in heaven tasting the pulled veal tostadas with blackberry sauce and creme fraiche. Bar snacks include pork belly steamed buns with Asian pear and boneless chicken wings with passion fruit hot sauce and goat cheese.

The bar menu is just a wonderful spill-over from Lacroix’s star chef, Cichonski, whose every morsel seems to be and taste like a work of art. The staff, including Amy and bar veteran Cheryl Ipri, were helpful, particularly navigating the extensive wine list and beer menu, which includes many local brews. Sommelier Eric Simonis also organizes wine tastings as well as wine dinners.

The customers include residents of the hotel, guests, and locals. This could definitely be included as a destination for budget travelers seeking a drink and a snack in a luxurious, yet relaxed atmosphere. If I lived closer to Bar210, it would definitely become a regular stop.

Bar210 Head Bartender Amy was happy to share one of her signature cocktail recipes.

Bar210 Blackberry Bourbon

2 ½ ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon
4 Blackberries
2 Thai Basil Leaves (or your local market’s basil) ripped into quarters
1 Packet sugar
½ ounce fresh lemon juice

Muddle the blackberries, basil leaves, sugar, and lemon juice in rocks glass. Add ice and 2½ ounces Maker’s Mark Bourbon. Shake well. Strain over ice, top with a splash of ginger ale and garnish with a skewered berry and basil leaf.

Visit www.lacroixrestaurant.com

Gabrielle Miller is a travel and food writer based in the Philadelphia area. She has lived across the U.S. and abroad. She is the owner of Foxy Bakery and teaches baking classes.
As a writer, she is always searching for a delicious scoop.

©CocktailAtlas.com

Contact Us: Editor Webmaster