Hey Beauties! (pops open a mini Coke Zero okkuurr!) When it’s time for me to enjoy a cocktail and some tunes, I usually prefer to hit a lounge. Now don’t get it twisted I LOVE a good bar, but a lounge has your gurl’s heart. I appreciate an aesthetic or a theme, good tunes, and creative drinks. I feel at a lounge I can take a seat and enjoy my drink with conversation and don’t feel rushed.
I’m always on the lookout for new and trendy places so when I heard about this lounge opening in downtown San Antonio called Merkaba, I had to check it out. I saw a “Grand Opening” announcement and noticed the drinks used for the advertisement were eccentric and creative. Something as simple as decorative cups and an appealing substance in that cup, is enough for me. I had a tiny spark of hesitation since its in a very touristy area, but I wasn’t going to let that stop me.
I was (“making my way downtown, walking fast, faces…”)..ok that’s enough.. and on a mission to experience a new vibe.
The “Dreadful” Riverwalk
As expected, it was on the River Walk and near other lively bars, so it did indeed have a cool and upbeat atmosphere. From the directions I had it was a little hard to find but after some research I saw it was next door to a very well-known piano bar and had no issues pinpointing it after that. The vibe inside was pleasing, I stopped by on an early Saturday evening, so it wasn’t overly crowded, and I was able to get a full feel and view of the place. My immediate reaction walking in was “Tiki Room vibes”, the AC was blasting, it was very dimly lit, and they were playing Top 40 at a reasonable volume level. It was a smaller floor plan and a sunken layout (I went down 2-3 stairs after entering to hit the main floor) there were large plants on various corners of the room and dope hand painted graphics on the wall.
I love when there’s a circular bar and it takes center stage in a room. There was not only enough seating at the bar but there were multiple couches and smaller tables around as well. The sofa seating had more of a VIP feel (back against the wall facing out into the crowd) and I found myself wanting to sit there as opposed to the bar. The photo above is exactly where I sat. Service was prompt and my waitress was extremely friendly and attentive.
Worth A Stop..
After walking in and getting a feel for the place, I knew this was worth sharing with my CHAMPAGNE CLUB so I went for the specialty menu and was set on trying one of the “flashy” drinks that I knew they’d be known for. One thing I need to make very clear at this time is…(are you listening?) I am a stout drinker! I’m a Grey Goose and Soda with a twist of LEMON (not lime “or I send it back”-Michael Scott voice) or Don Julio Blanco and Soda if I’m in need of tequila. If I’m feeling feisty, I can go for an EXTRA dirty Grey Goose Martini, Effen Cucumber Martini, or a Paloma with… You guessed it, Don Julio Blanco. With that being said, and what you don’t know yet, is these dope a** drinks that I was seeing everywhere had lollipops, sour straws, and candy all up in them.
At this point, I was committed and doing it for YOU GUYS! (air HIGH FIVE). The menu was very legible and descriptive and had all the ingredients listed. I made a guess at the drink I thought it was and noticed it was under the “For Sharing” portion of the menu (meaning it was intended for more than 1 person) but, I did notice that there were 2 sizes of the “sharing” cups. I was done trying to figure it out on my own and let my waitress help me out. The drink I was eyeing was called “Rainbow Road” and that was priced at $45.00.. I got us don’t worry *wink*.
Who Cares?! Just Ask..
I politely asked if there was a smaller version of the drink as I proceeded to point at the different cup sizes. Without hesitation she told me there was a “mini version” WINNING! I didn’t have to ask for the price, she offered it immediately at $22.00. SOLD… to Modish Champagne… She also took the time to explain that the larger version is for 3-4 and the “mini” is for 2 and also confirmed my “drink guess” was right.. DING.. DING.. WINNER..
I had a perfect view of the bar and was able to witness this decadent dream being prepared. I couldn’t help but notice that everyone else around was watching too. As it was being walked over to me I realized that “mini” didn’t look as “mini” as It did on that shelf I was studying earlier.. haha.. It’s definitely a decent size. I had to take a minute and appreciate the presentation of this drink that was almost too pretty to drink. It had the signature sour straws and lollipops stuck right into that small round crunchy ice (you know which ice I’m talking about) the actual glass itself was lit up and topped with hand twirled straws. Of course, I got a few pics and videos for the gram before I even tasted it. I had people buzzing me like crazy asking where I was and what I was drinking, it’s a conversation starter for sure. I took the first sip and was pleasantly surprised. It was sweet don’t get me wrong but not as bad as I envisioned it tasting. I’ve had sweeter trust me, (we’ll get there don’t worry (spoiler).
I picked at the candy and it was a cool experience being able to eat candy and have a cocktail at the same time, but the taste does get pretty repetitive after a while, hence why it’s for more than one person or it could have something to do with my stout drink preferences. I did happen to make my way back for happy hour one day during the week with a friend of mine and their happy hour menu was on point. I had one of the cucumber-based drinks and that was more my style. Peep their extensive menu here.
My friend was insistent on trying the “Rainbow Road” (not a part of the happy hour menu) after seeing it on my Instagram story and LOVED it (more proof that sweet lovers… this one’s for you). I recommend checking this place out for pre drinks or if you have friends/family in town that insist going downtown while they visit or shoot.. if you want to get your Instagram on and poppin’ and give people a bit of FOMO… this is a good start!
