Martini style, straight, no attitude at The Patio
by Jeff Holland
On a recent visit, my affable bartender, Jack, whipped me up a Chocoholic (Dutch chocolate vodka, chocolate liquor and cream), which tasted not unlike a Yoo-hoo for grown-ups, and a Vitamin Spree (vodka, Red Bull, cranberry and Sprite), a pick-me-up that was a little too close to cough medicine for my taste. If you can afford the $7 for a regular specialty drink, maybe you should try the pomegranate mojito (delicious!) or the green tea martini, which not only looks cool in your glass, but is closer in feel to the ideal martini -- subtle, a little sweet, packs a wallop. When you're ready to return to the classic martini, you'll find it made just so, and garnished with a giant olive. The Patio recently featured Effen vodka, a newcomer that milks its name for all it's worth: "Gimme and Effen martini."
The Patio is an ideal place to unwind after work. The expansive windows in front actually open onto a quiet street for a change. Inside, the red glass globes over the bar and rough red brick walls create a cozy ambiance, despite the increasing noise as the night wears on. Singles and imbibers hang around the large bar area, while a parade of Inman Park families head for the smokeless dining room or the lovely patio in back. The management seems to feel that nightly specials are the way to draw people in, so there is almost always some deal to be had. Tuesdays feature $10 all-you-can-eat pizza (they bring you whatever gourmet pie the chef has whipped up) and $2 Sweetwater drafts. Tell your date that you are taking her for pizza and beer. She'll be so happy when you get there, you might can interest her in a little Effen.-- Jeff Holland
The Patio. Mon.-Wed., 6-10 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat., 6-11 p.m.; Sun. (brunch), 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1029 Edgewood Ave. 404-659-5757. www.inmanparkpatio.com
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