The Lock - Speakeasy

We heard alot about speakeasies in Vegas....

... and thank you Instagram listening, they recommended The Lock.  It seems to be one of the more 'true' speakeasy.

Well, I don't know about you, but when you see a giant door with a key on it, it's pretty big clue, right?!

Don't know if you can see it, but on the side, there's a phone.  As everywhere in Vegas, you need to have a reservation.  You pick up the phone and let them know you've arrived, then the mystery door will open.

Once inside, you get to a room full of safes and keys.  Yes, very on the nose.

The hanging keys reminded me very much of Harry Potter where they need to find the right key.  But here, you just have to solve a few puzzle, put together the code, and you can unlock the safe that takes you to the bar. 

There's a 2 drinks minimum.  Drink #1 has to be from this menu, on the QR code.  That's a little disappointing because what they have listed here is more limited than what they have to offer at the bigger bar outside.  

This drink was the Citrus Mango Mocktail - it was too sugary for my taste. 

Then Drink #2 you check off these questions, and the mixologist will whip up something according to what you put on there. 

Now that one is much better.  Maybe because the mixologist is in the mood to be creative.  Or maybe she just have a formula for the stuff I checked off.  I'm not sure, but the 2nd drink was definitely way more delicious than the first one.  That was true for all the drinks in our party.

Had to show this one, it's actually really dark there, but this one actually shimmers.  It tastes align to that of a French 75m but never seen it green before.  This glass is suppose to be a bird, and the cucumber is the tail, and you get a shot glass for it.  

The table has various kinds of games to kill time.  And the servers do check on us occasionally and for the right amount of check-ins.  The whole place has like maybe 10 tables.  Most of the tables against the walls are table for 2, and bigger parties gets the middle.  I would say the largest, sitting together comfortably would be 6-8.  

The whole place does not have a door.  There might be paintings, and they might be doors, but you have to keep your eyes peeled for that. A reservation is a must here, since their seating are limited.

Let's say you didn't have a reservation, but wanted a decent drink.  Their outer bar has funky decorations of oddities and curiosities.  There are bar stools, and cozy tables for bigger parties.  So, even if you don't get in to the speakeasy, the outer bar is just as good.  That said, they also offer Mixology Classe in the afternoon, in case you're looking for something to do.  

The bar is located inside Horseshoe hotel, walk towards the back, there's a set of escalators that goes to their food court.  There's also an arcade across the way and gift shops, the path they have there can get you to Paris Hotel next door. 

The Lock

inside Horseshoe Hotel

3645 S Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas, NV 89109

https://thelocklv.com/

 

Alouette Bistro at Lark & Owl

Came to Austin for a book event.

It was hosted by this cute little bookstore outside of Austin.

They have a cute and brilliant concept to have food, wine and coffee at the bookstore.  And how many of you already curl up with a book and a glass of wine or a mug of something nice to read anyhow?!

For the event, they have special drinks on deck.

This is Butterflies, which is a book inside a book that's being promoted.  If you're interested to read more, it's inside Love Story by Lindsey Kelk - in case you haven't figured out, yes, it's chick lit.

The drink, however, has guava nectar, Seedlip's notas de agave.  It is not too sweet, hint of pear and agave,  and some citrus.  As far as non-alcoholic spirit goes, this is pretty mild without all the sugar. 

Also got a mini charcuterie box.  Some olives, salami, and brie.  Perfect to tie me over.

Alright, I'll tell you whose event I went to.... It was a book tour for Lindsey Kelk's new book in US (been out in UK for some time) called Love Story.  And this tour, they have conversational partners of Julie Soto and Ali Hazelwood.  All 3 are new adult romance writers, and all are very different in their own right.  That said, the three of them together are a hoot.  We as audience had such a great time being a fly on the wall just to listen to friends chats.  They are so fun together.  Super grateful that they let us have a peek.  But more importantly, that they're doing these at Indie Bookstore and supporting small businesses.  

The bookstore itself is super cute.  Has books for the entire family, and even have second hand books for folks who wants to get a discount, or give books a new life.  Also, lots of cute merch.  They do all kinds of book readings with different authors, and have book clubs and they are such a tight community that it's like you're sitting amongst friends.   Grab a book, buy a cup of coffee and hang out at the knook.

Lark & Owl Bookseller

205 W. 6th Street

Ste 101

Georgetown, TX 78626

https://larkandowlbooksellers.com/bistro/

 

Midnight Cowboy

Been hearing about various speakeasies in Austin, and came upon this one.

Since one of the girls in our party has been here before, so we decided to come here.

To maintain the speakeasy-ness, you have to reserve ahead online.  Once your reservation is near, there will be instructions as to how to get in.   The place does not look like a bar like the others on Sixth Street, but once you get in, it is very much a bar.

We were seated in our booth, very interesting, it has a light for when you need your server, which match it's seedy backstory of the place.  

They have a long list of house specialty drinks, and they also have a list of zero proof. 

I got the Moontower, which match the red-light history here.  I've never had Slow Luck 'liquor' before, but  it has citrus and floral taste to it.  That mix well with the Blueberry, Lemon and sage.

Overall it's a great place for a drink, it has a fun history and an added layer of fun with the speakeasy aspect.

Do make a reservation ahead of time, they give you a 90 minute time-slot for your session.  They even make drinks in a cart table side.  I will say, sitting in a booth at the back has its disadvantage, you do feel like they've forgotten about you.  Our first round took 45 mins to get our drinks.  We didn't have enough time for round 2.   I do love the secretive aspect of the place.  

Midnight Cowboy

https://midnightcowboymodeling.com/