Clinton Street Social Club
It's pretty rare that I haven't tried a new place in iowa city. However there is a tiny little spot downtown Iowa City that I hadn't been to yet, so when my friend mentioned it I was 100% ready to go.
This classy gastro pub speakeasy is the last thing that you would expect to be squeezed in between a burger joint and a nail salon in the heart of downtown Iowa City. You walk up a small flight of stairs and get taken back a decade (or century) or so, definitely has a jazzy, laid back, classic vibe.
The diversity in the cocktail menu is less intimidating and more intriguing. I literally wanted one of everything, so being posted up bar side wasn't the worst thing in the world.
Blood Money: Ridgemont Reserve 1792 Bourbon, House Made Blackberry Mint Shrub, Fresh Lime
I started off with the Blood Money, the blackberry flavor definitely shines through and there is just the slightest punch from the bourbon.
She wore lemon: russian vodka, st. germain, ginger liqueur, lemon, ricard, bitters
Next up, She Wore Lemon, this was amazing. It was light and refreshing with a licorice kick at the end. The bartender let us try the Ricard alone, I was so in love.
Mussels: white wine, fennel, roasted tomato, Niçoise Olive, baguette
In between all the delicious sips a little substance was in order. I feel like I'm usually not accompanied by those who would like to order up some Mussels (excluding my family), so I was pleasantly surprised - not only by the order but by the flavor too. Everything on point, and who doesn't love soaking up that juice with pieces of crostini?!
Then came one of my go to's - SAZERAC :America’s Oldest Cocktail Rye, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint . This is just a simple whiskey drink with all of the flavors. At this point, I forgot about pictures and was too in deep with my cocktails.
Last but not least, the à La fille: El Mayor Blanco Tequila, Fresh Cucumber, Fresh Lime, Agave Syrup, Soda. At this point, I just wanted something refreshing and for me, that means cucumber and tequila! This cocktail wasn't in a dainty glass like the others were, so I was a little taken back by this large cocktail after I was already 3 deep. No worries, it was just as light and refreshing as I had hoped.
Overall the experience at Social Club was stellar, our bartender was informative,fun, and knew just when to chime in (Thanks David!). The cocktails did not disappoint and the mussels left me just wanting more.