The Patterson House Named in Top 10 Best New Cocktail Bars

.

For some reason everyone around town is soooo excited that Bon Appetit’ magazine just named The Patterson House as one of the Top 10 New Cocktail Bars in the country. Hmmmm. Well who listed them as their #1 pick for “My Year in Drink 2009”? Yeah, that’s right- ME. Seems like someone around here knows what they’re talking about!

All kidding aside, I’m super stoked that Bon Appetit’ recognized these guys because they totally deserve it. Not that I’m any expert, but I do drink quite often (sorry mom!) here in Nashville and in other cities when I travel. In the past year I’ve had cocktails in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, Savannah, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Atlanta, and Hong Kong. And honestly, the only ones that came even close to being as good as TPH were The Violet Hour in Chicago and Bradstreet Crafthouse in Minneapolis. It just so happens that Bradstreet was named in the Top 10 list as well, so there you go.
People are always asking me what I get when I go to TPH, and since it’s been quite some time since I shared my favorites with you, I thought I would do so today. They’ve updated the menu recently for summer, so I’ve now got a mix of new standouts and my tried and true.

Drinks
Moscow Mule
Prairie Vodka, Lime, Ginger Syrup

Sounds so simple, right? well, I’ve ordered this drink in 1/2 dozen other bars, and am always disappointed. As much as I love to experiment and try new things, I can’t go into TPH without ordering at least one of these. It’s off the menu now, but if you ask sweetly, I’m sure they’ll make one for you!

El Diablo
Lunazul Reposado, Creme de Cassis, Lemon, Ginger Syrup

Summer Sidecar
Masion Surrenne Cognac, Lemon Lillet Blonde, Orange Flower Water

Juliet & Romeo
Plymouth Gin, Lime, Mint, Cucumber, Rose Water

Pimms Cup
Pimm’s #1, Tanqueray Gin, Lime, Mint, Cucumber, Strawberry

Briar Patch
Corsair Gin, Lemon, House Made Blackberry Cordial

Whiskey Smash
Rebel Yell Bourbon, Lemon, Mint, Peychaud’s Bitters

Bacon Old Fashioned
Benton Bacon Infused 4 Roses Bourbon, Maple Syrup, Coffee Pecan Bitters

Let me warn you- this one should probably be your final drink of the evening because the smokey bacon flavor is going to stay with you for a good long while and most likely overpower anything else you try to drink. Even so, it’s awesome.

Stingy Brim
Luxardo Espresso Liqueur, Barbancourt 3 Star 4 yr Rhum, Sweetened Heavy Cream, Fees Old Fashioned Bitters

Eats

Fried Green Tomatoes

Tater Tots
with horseradish dill creme fraiche

Caprese Panini
Tomato, Mozzarella, Pesto

Shrimp Corndogs
with curry ketchup
For this one I always ask for the mustard that is no longer on the menu because it is to-die-for!
People, I don’t even like mustard and I love this stuff
.

Peach & Proscuitto Flatbread
with blue cheese

Cinnnamon Sugar Doughnuts
If you want to eat these properly,
you really should order a Stingy Brim and dunk them!

I know, I know. It’s a pretty long list, but at least it covers a broad range and is a little something for every taste.

So how about you guys? Have you experienced The Patterson House, and if so, what cocktail(s) do you favor?


Photo Credit: Josh H. on Yelp