Drink easy at a modern day speak easy

It’s just one more of my favorite spots… and honestly, I’m a little wary of sharing any information of why it’s so fabulous… One of the best aspects of Absinthe is it’s low-key, small crowd. So, do me a favor – don’t all flock at once!

Absinthe
1409 South Lamar, Suite 008
Dallas Texas 75215
www.absinthelounge.net

Absinthe is located in the basement of the Southside on Lamar building. Could it get anymore clandestine? And adding to its mystique is the rich history of the Southside building. Registered as a historic landmark, the Southside building is the former Sears, Roebuck & Co. Catalog Merchandise Center and forever in Dallas has been known as the “Sears Building”. Opening in 1910, the company closed this location in 1993.

Further, owner & visionary Kevin, has created a space that makes you feel transported to a time before our own… a time of art nouveau, jazz, flappers and prohibition… a time when the forward thinkers challenged the accepted traditions. And to drive the atmosphere home, he has called his lovely little haunt “Absinthe” or also known as “the green fairy”... a drink surrounded in fascinating legend. No longer legal in its original state (containing wormwood that is said to have incited hallucinations), Absinthe does offer the legal form of the drink. (I only recommend it if you like black licorice.)

Ok, so onto our regular criteria: cost, crowd and music…

Drink costs are fair. Draft beer will run you $4.00 but are served in a large glass… they seem larger than the average 16 ounces and being that I am a beer connoisseur… I think I can judge the weight fairly accurately... I will be sure to ask just how many ounces the next time I’m bellied up to the bar. A mixed drink is similar in cost. Specialty drinks will run you a little more.

Absinthe is well rounded in events. Always check their online calendar… they offer everything from open mic nights to karaoke to local djs. The music varies a great deal as well. You’ll find chilled house beats to electric hip hop nights. And at this point, I must mention one of my absolute favorite musical duos discovered at Absinthe: The Goldfish Girls. Talk about adorable and really, pretty good at spinning old school vinyl. Paige and Charly are twelve year old DJ-ing prodigies. Visit their site at goldfishgirls.com. Remember, the girls have a bedtime… get their early to catch their act.

Because of its diverse event calendar, the crowd at Absinthe varies a great deal. You will always find your regulars because above Absinthe is residential lofts… that’s why I can’t live in the building – I’d be drunk all the time. Otherwise, I have never found any facet of the crowd annoying per say… but on a popular night, it can get very crowded. It’s a small, narrow space. I prefer the nights when you can sink into one of the several velvet couches and chill by the low light of the tiffany lamps.

I am pleased to say that I have nothing negative to say. The green fairy truly glows.

P.S. If you have to pee (which you surely will) and you want to look like you know “whats up”, head to the back of bar – take a left, go out the door, round the corner and follow the arrows. You’ll see what I mean.

P.S.S. Because Kevin is so cool and true to his theme, you can still smoke at Absinthe. Damn the man.