BAR HAVOC: DRINKING IN THE ALLEY (BAR)

I would love to be able to moan with the rest of the class about how awful work is; waking up early in the morning and losing the whole day to sit in front of a computer… but I can’t. No, I can’t, because my work is awesome. Okay, it’s not always awesome.

Not the kicking drooling drunks out of the bar and not the missing out on anything that goes on on weekends thing, but the other thing: the drinking part. That’s awesome.

I was fortunate enough to catch the opening of a new waterfront bar this past Tasteless Tuesday, and to say that I’ve fallen in love in an understatement.

The Alley Bar is exactly what is sound like: a bar in an alley.

But a totally fancy-pants alley where one actually wants to find herself in whilst drinking. (Unlike alleys in Allston, where one sometimes wakes up after drinking.)

Nestled in an alley next to the Boston Harbor Hotel and leading from Atlantic Avenue down to Rowe’s Wharf, The Alley Bar is the perfect outdoor spot for anyone passing by or waiting to kill time before departing the docks. The bar itself is entirely outdoors; my attention was drawn to the towers of glasses, the coolers that store ice and fresh ingredients, and the beautiful granite bar top and black wicker bar stools.

Everything at the bar is made in front of you,

and The Alley Bar’s mixologist, Wember, is eager to explain what’s on the menu. I can already tell from the cocktail list that I’m not leaving until I’ve had every one.

I start with a drink called “Scary Thoughts”. After my experiences with tequila at Sunset Cantina a few weeks ago, I am eager to continue conquering the beast, and this drink seems like the perfect gateway.

As a breeze comes up off the water and races down the alley I take a sip, and all is right with the world.

Scary Thoughts blends Corzo Silver tequila and Bacardi 8 rum with Orgreat Almond (a syrup made from almonds, sugar and rose water), fresh squeezed lime juice, and Wember’s own blended blueberry syrup. The flavors mix and yet stand out, making for the perfect summertime cocktail that also has a bit of bite. I’m in heaven.

The wicker chairs are as comfortable as ever and I find myself still sitting as the sun goes down, having successfully tried eight out of twelve of The Alley Bar’s specialty cocktails,

every single one leaving me wanting more.

I’m so glad I have found this hidden gem, but I have a feeling it won’t stay hidden for long. I return two nights later and am greeted by name by Wember. The sun is shining again and I feel at home reaching for the cocktail list. I think I’ve found a new favorite Alley. Sorry, Allston.