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The opening of the W Hotel and its Prohibition Bar was a smashing success. Flapper Girls danced around a human vending machine and gangsters carted in a casket full of top shelf liquors to welcome guests to the remodeled deco-style Foshay Tower.
We at Metromix like a good party, especially when dancing girls are involved, but even more we love having a great new drinking establishment in downtown Minneapolis.
The throwback 1920's style Prohibition Bar that's located on the hotel's 24th floor is every bit a great new drinking spot. Even more than the posh decor of the hotel rooms, and even more than having Manny's steakhouse on the hotel's ground floor, the Prohibition bar successfully combines the look and feel of old money with the pizzazz of new design. Just imagine a classic movie set in a mansion finished with modern chandeliers, leather circular chairs and trance music.
But it's not just appearance at the bar, however. While some of newer fancy bars feel a little pre-made, the Prohibition Bar gives off a feeling of integrity with all the interior ingredients and that's also true of their drinks.
We tried both the traditional "knickerbocker" and the fruity "Rum Twist", both of which were delicious. The Rum twist verged on being a bit too sweet, but still managed to have a smooth flavor. The knickerbocker really stood out as one of the best drinks in a very long time. Served in a heavy highball glass, the mix had a deep and complex flavor and was very strong without tasting like mouthwash.
For all the glitz and glamour, the prices on the menu for food and drink isn't outrageous. Yes, $10 is a lot for a single cocktail, especially if you—and you know who you—are prone to drinking several cocktails.
The same cocktails are available in the lobby bar on the ground floor, which trades the hardwood for more modernity, like an elegant glass bead lighting fixture, and you can't beat a bar that leads into Manny's.
With the good drinks and great ambiance, there are several boutique hotel bars that have popped up in the Twin Cities, but the Prohibition Bar beats them all.
