Last Drop Bar

We did the gin mixology class and I have to say that Travis (our bartender/cocktail historian/overall creator of awesomeness in a glass) is a rock star.  

The handouts were great.  They provided a great history of gin along with information about a number of the shots we tasted.  They were also chock full of recipes.  

The drinks he made for the class were fabulous.  We lingered a bit post-class for munchies and more cocktails.  He makes a very mean lemon drop.  

He is extremely knowledgeable and obviously has a love of his craft.  

It was a wonderful Sunday afternoon and we look forward to returning.

Food is terrific and atmosphere is nice. Kinda pricey though. 4 glasses of wine and 3 small appetizers plus tip... close to $100.00. When it gets warmer the outside section will be wonderful,,,

As I sit here in front of the fireplace, my last night of a heavenly vacation at The Hermosa Inn, I feel a little weepy that I can't pack The Last Drop in my suitcase and take it home with me.  We have been here many times, both during past visits to Phoenix and this week, and every time has been memorable in some wonderful way.  

First, I will start with the service.  As with everything at Lon's and The Hermosa Inn, customer service is impeccable.  This week, Rachel and Jeremy tended bar and served us; they were super helpful in helping me decide what to eat and drink, and they were very appreciative of our business.  

Moving on to the menu. . .we were jumping for joy when we learned they now have taps!!  These four taps contain local brews to satisfy nearly any taste.  I had the Sleepy Dog Wet Snout milk stout, and it was delicious.  They also have an amber, a pale, and an IPA.  If you prefer wine or other, they have a full bar.  You can order off the restaurant menu from Lon's, or you can order off the bar menu.  All delicious options, but here is what I had this week:  the ground sirloin burger medium rare (hand ground), the chopped salad (best salad I have ever had, ever, EVER), and  the club.  I usually would not order something like a club that I could get elsewhere, but this club had berkshire ham, chicken breast, havarti cheese, and house cured bacon.  When I bit into the bacon, I had a flashback to 37 years ago at my grandparents' farm in the Ozarks.  They used to butcher their own hogs and cure their own bacon, and the taste and texture was so unique.  I hadn't tasted it again until this week, and it was a warm, fuzzy moment.  Well, you won't order a disappointing food item here.  They use local farmers or grow their own, so the menu depends on the season.

And finally, the atmosphere.  Oh my.  I love it love it love it!  It's warm, comforting, romantic, soothing, and just a great place to be with friends or someone special.  The bar has a small fireplace, and then a living room-type space is connected for larger groups.  On Sunday afternoon, a jazz duet played softly.  

I just can't think of anywhere else I would rather be when visiting this area.  I hope your experience is as great as mine!  I have so many fond memories.