Dear vanguard, in Vegas your lifeblood is locals that bring their friends to your establishment to spend their money and support your business... Treat your locals right and you will survive in this town... Tonight I was treated with little respect and was throughly disappointed in the place i used to love and bring many of my out of town friends to... After having some drinks at the griffin my group made their was over to vanguard... I was told they were closed and I walked away only to observe several other people walk into the establishment ..... As I inquired again i was told they were closed... Point being your place has become "too cool" what used to be a place to enjoy good music and reasonable prices has now become part of "the scene" . I am a professional in this town and have many people to entertain when they come into town.... I will never spend a dime again in your place and I am throughly disappointed in you're establishment. You have lost a customer for life and I will make sure you lose many more.
Review Source:You know what? it's a classy bar on Fremont East. Seriously. I never noticed that until I looked at their cocktail menu.
I've been here a couple times, they have happy hours and reverse happy hours on Sundays and weekdays. Came here on a Saturday night around 10:30 pm. It wasn't that raging until later on.
I only ordered beer that night which was actually just Stella and Shock Top, costing from $5-6. The menu has cocktails raging from $10 up to almost $20.
Bartenders are very friendly...I think they were REALLY friendly cause I was with 3 girls. Anyway, I enjoy this place, they have a dj, you can hang out at the bar or the patio. Have fun!
While many are aware that things were forgotten in the documentation of Genesis, God's creative period, none is more egregious than ignoring God's creation of Vanguard, the most glorious bar one can find downtown. Staffed by some of the most knowledgeable, friendly, and all-around wonderful humans in Vegas, there is nothing one can say that isn't wonderful about Vamguard. It has single-handedly reoriented my thinking about going out as a local in Vegas. There is nothing like this place - believe me.
Review Source:This was a stop during our downtown graduation bar crawl and I will definitely be back. Â The place is a lot smaller than I thought it would be, but it is squished in the small downtown area. It has an outdoor patio area, and inside bar, and the lounge itself is in the shape of a long and narrow rectangle.
I really like the minimalist decor and atmosphere. Â During their happy hour, 4-7PM, the inside of the bar is really well lit and it's actually quite refreshing. Â Happy hour consisted of 1/2 of well drinks and $1 off beers (according to our bartender although it states 1/2 of well drinks, beer, and wine everywhere online), not the best I've had but I'll take it.
I must say, I was a huge fan of the music they were playing. Â Their playlist certainly touched my hipster heartstrings.
Also, they have a portion of a wire fence hanging on a wall in the lounge. Â This mimics the lover's bridge in Paris where you can buy/bring a lock, sign yours and your lover's name on it, lock it onto the fence, throw away the key, and forever symbolize your eternal love for one another (that is, until they cut the locks off or take down the fence). Â But it was romantic nonetheless. Â Two friends actually bought a lock (I don't know from where but it had to have been nearby on Fremont) and locked their love on the fence. Cute.
This is a decent little bar/lounge that I've passed by several times while on East Fremont. Â Stopped in here for an after dinner cocktail and there were about 4 people there. Â The atmosphere was nice with the roll up garage door that opened up to the outside. Â Drinks and drink prices are average. The bartender that served me was personable and efficient. Â At around midnight-ish this place turns into a completely different animal. Out of the woodwork comes several dozen youngsters who are into the hip-hop scene and the DJ starts cranking up his MacBook 'tunes...exit stage left for me at that point. Â Too loud, given the poor acoustics and hard surfaces and I'm not into that scene.
Review Source:Bartenders were amazing, music was good, and it was not too crowded. Otherwise, music was TOO loud (no, I'm not old) because there was a DJ in like a 600 square foot space. In fact, it was so loud, that I had to scream my drink order to the bartender like 3 times before they got it correctly. Bartenders were friendly and quick to take my order, but I can't imagine having to work there and not hearing any drink orders. I bet it's as frustrating to them as it is to us! I bet they're really good at lip reading because that's the only way you can communicate in this little space. We were only there for like 15-20 minutes, but my ears were ringing afterwards and everything sounded so muted. Drinks were a bit pricey, but strong.
Review Source:This place is probably the only spot with happy hour specials on Friday/Saturday nights. $5 PBRs, where, if you compare it to the regular price of the Hamms inside The Griffin right across the street, isn't that great of a deal.
However, the service is excellent, and the bathroom attendant I recognize as someone that used to work across the street at Beauty Bar. I think he quit his old job because the average patron of Beauty Bar is a chickenshit wannabe artist with no money to spend except from what they could spange downtown, and that means Former Bathroom Attendant never got tipped ONCE at his old job.
They sort of play EDM and Hip Hop remixes here.
Plus, you get to see all the fights that happen right outside. I mean, these morons that come to Vegas to start shit fight RIGHT IN FRONT of the two cop cars parked out there!
It's really small. And the crowd that goes here isn't that much better in my opinion.
3 1/2 stars. This place has very unique and creative mixed drinks that you won't find elsewhere. They use fresh ingredients and homemade infusions, this caused a problem though. They were out of two ingredients for four drinks I would have liked to try, it was disappointing. My friend's drink was good, I ended up getting a beer.
Review Source:I wanted to like this place more, I really did. Â It's located in downtown east Fremont, which already means I should love it. Â It's independent, which is another plus. Â And served mixology style cocktail drinks.
But I have to say, the place is just too small to have a DJ inside of it. Â You can be guaranteed to go inside and get your ears blown out and have a head ache a half hour in. Â The drinks are too pricey for their quality, and the long bar just isn't enough room to house all the dancers and drinkers alike.
I used to go inside relatively often when there weren't many bars downtown. Â But now there are better - and quieter - options available.
This place is okay; not spectacular and not bad. Â Small little bar located on Fremont street. Â I really like the ambiance of the place, very modern. Â Drinks are reasonable and the bartenders know what they are doing. Â
The reason this establishment gets 3 starts is for the DJ. Â This place is way too small to have a DJ blasting away at extreme levels. Â Just picture a bar, a little bigger than your average Subway restaurant, with a DJ spinning techno full blast while your trying to order drinks and talk to your friends. Â Not a good place to hit if you want to relax and have a good conversation.
Vanguard was the third stop on pub crawl for iceacholis teammates birthday party. So with that said there were things that not fan of. The things I did find cool by the front entrance have area/lounge that mingle with group kick back listen too Dj or just jump up start dancing in front of the Dj area. The main bar area its nice and long lots of seats like the overall look  of it. It had little bit old school Vegas and modern thing going on. Right up up front open bar tables that you can people watch, enjoy the weather, or just drink have good time with friends. The drinks never dived into much only because pub crawling mainly beer drinker anyway. Just stuck with beer the whole pub crawl.
With all the options now in downtown more specifically literally right next door from one too another. I still have Don't Tell Mama favorite bar downtown. Always good too mix things up in life. I still like the more laid back old school style. Vanguard want more hip crowd more dancing clubbing on the strip Vanguard has more of that vibe.
This definitely a place that revolves around drinks.
Vanguard is best classified as a 'mixologist' venue. Yeah you can get a Blue Moon on tap but whats the point? This is the place where you go to get some of those weird drinks nobody else has.
The place is super small, I mean really really small. When I first saw it I thought it was a part of Insert Coins. Its like a small hall way with a patio. This means it gets super packed. The crowd is a lil more sophisticated than the hipsters at the other east Fremont bars. Most are older, there is no DJ, no dance floor, just a place to have some drinks and catch up with a friend.
Its a perfect place to check out when its slow, you can talk to the bartender and figure out whats good. But if you come by on a busy night (first Friday or the weekends) good luck even getting a bartend to look at ya.
Drinks worth checking out: Hard 8, The Cartel, and Pink Pear
Vanguard is a nice place to stop in for a drink since it's usually not too crowded. Bad for them, good for me!
The garage door adds good ambience on a nice night. The bartender we had was helpful and the cocktails were pretty tasty. AND they have a bottle of craft rum from one of my favorite distilleries all the way in Milwaukee.
The key to Vanguard is to avoid them when they have a DJ. It seems that every place on Fremont East tries WAY too hard to be some BS nightclub instead of a fun, casual place to get a drink. (::cough:: Insert Coins ::cough)
LOVE LOVE LOVE Vanguard! It has a great cocktail menu that changes periodically, depending on the season. The menu is divided between the classes cocktails and the house creations. I believe I have tried them all! They are all delish, but a couple of fvorites are the Jack Rose, Hard 8 and The Cartel. Oh and they laso have a special section divided to Negroni's for those that really know their stuff. I think this is probably THE most accesible cocktail bar in town, prices range between 10-15 which is a steal for the quality of the drink. There are places in this city that charge 20 bucks for a drink.
You must check it out!
The music is terrible but I won't let that influence my review because everyone has such a different opinion about music.
The drinks are good and average price. Â The place is stylish but it gets very crowded between the bar and wall where you have to go through to get to the bathroom.
The bartenders are super nice and fun!
LOVE VANGUARD! Ive been coming here for quite sometime now and its always an awesome experience. With a fusion of mixology this small lounge is a must visit. I'm always impressed with the high volume skills of the bartenders, they really have a sense of ergency which is awesome and rare for the downtown scene. Its a long narrow space with a concrete bar. candles everywhere. Love this place!
Review Source:Over the past year I've grown a love affair with this place. If you ask me where to go for a drink, this is where I want to go. If you ask me where I'm at, this is where I want you to find me.
The vibe (I kinda hate that word but there is a vibe about it) is very close to something you would find in my beloved LA hipster hippie neighborhood I grew up in or the chic minimalist bars of NYC I grew to love mixology or speakeasy fabulousness of San Fran. We are too big of a suburbia to channel that urbanite cool normally. Minimal and concrete, very mellow vibe with a mix of people that give no fucks, not any sort of "scene" going on where you could feel left out.
I find that when wanting a large group of Yelpers to congregate, this place doesn't get sideways glances and gruff okays that they're compromising to hang out. This is the happy medium for Yelperazzi of all to meet and chill. My boyfriend isn't one for going out to clubs and most bars, he happily will come here, even ask if we can go here which is amazing unto itself.
It's quiet during happy hour (I believe it's 5-7- I will find out the right info soon), which I tend to like and picks up during the night. It gets busy but never is uncomfortable in here. The music volume will bump up, but just right. There are various moods people spin here, but it generally stays pretty house music based. Overall, pretty pleased with the music here though me and the BF are critical and discussing it objectively - mix-ins, pace, tempo changes, mood changes, etc. the whole night since music is our life. Â It's great people watching of a spot as well. You can look out onto Fremont or observe some of the eclectic mix of people dancing. One time this awesome black guy pirouetting and vogueing around made the entire night.
I am not one for "party drinks" or juice mixed common swill (uh oh, my Elitism is showing!) since I collect spirits and gravitate for small batch, craft, artisanal. I drink for flavor and appreciation and this is a fine establishment to feed this hobby. Balanced, creative, strong craft drinks. A lot of the bartenders also listen or even ask how you feel about certain things. Â I tend to like my drinks less sweet and that has been accommodated. I love the bartenders here since a lot are friendly to boot. Â There are a few drinks based on what is in it I would be sure I wouldn't like and somehow they really change my mind. I'm not one for creamy drinks for example, but this Irish cream Guinness carbomb like concoction they made one season was amazing enough that it became a regular beverage of mine. I have bittersweet feelings when a season ends and some new found favorites go away, but I also am excited to try everything. It keeps it interesting. Did I mention reasonable? Regular price is $8-11 (most are $9) for a serious cocktail and even better prices during happy hour.
If you are in Fremont East area, love mixology and enjoy a easygoing atmosphere this is a must go. Thank me later. I will be at the bar waiting for you to buy the first round.
I've been to Vanguard quite a few times. It is definitely a great spot if your looking for a speciality cocktail or want to try something different. The bar area is nice and clean, and I've never had a problem getting a drink or sitting at the bar on a busy night.
I tend to drink a lot of different drinks, and will spend time pondering what i am going to have indulge in at other places. Not here though. The Jack Rose. Every time I go, that is immediately what I order. Apple Brandy. Maple Syrup. Black Cherry. Damn I want one just thinking about it. Who doesn't love maple syrup. Believe me, all the drinks are good and after 2 or 3, you'll may need to take a break.
All in all, great place. A little loud at night on the weekends with the DJ, and the crackheads from Fremont who come in too look around or do the crackhead shuffle for a minute or two until they leave.
The Vanguard has none of that pretentiousness like some bars I've been to on The Strip have. It's intimate, chill, and I bought two drinks that cost me under $20.00 (not including tip)! Now, that's a big deal because that's normally the price of ONE drink you could buy on The Strip. I ordered two Razz Spritzes made up of champagne, raspberry syrup, an actual raspberry, and other ingredients which made it a sweet, bubbly drink.
I'm not one who frequents bars or lounges, but I wouldn't mind coming down here once in a while to unwind with a drink while listening to some late 90s and early 2000s jams. Surely, it's a spot I'd recommend to visitors and locals.
A long narrow lounge finished with smooth, cool concrete greet anyone who enters. A very small dance area and dj booth lie in between a lounge area and the bar in the back. The decor is minimalistic and there is definitely a laid back, cool vibe. The servers are friendly enough, especially when it is slow. I can't comment on the drinks since I didn't order any during my visit, but everyone I came with seemed to be happy with their drinks.
The lounge is located in the downtown area at one end of the Freemont street experience. Right next door is Insert Coins, and acroos the street is Le Thai. Â So if you get bored and/or hungry there are great options nearby!
Hidden gem off Fremont...
Our group decided to hit up this place as part of our bar crawl.
Unfortunately, this is where we stayed.
Fortunately, this place was off the hook!!!
There's a little patio out front, a lounge, a bar and a dance floor. It's not the biggest place, but it was comfy enough for our large group of about 30 people. The bartenders were cool and conjuring up yummy libations with skulls and dry ice. There was a DJ that was playing old school hits to current dance mixes. Everyone was dancing and having a blast!
What even made this little bar even more awesome is that the bathrooms are SUPER CLEAN! YAY!
As part of the Yelp Spring Break Pub Crawl in downtown LV, I stopped into Vanguard for the first time. I'd walked by it in the past but it looked almost empty that I wasn't quite sure what to expect.
I'm so glad I finally tried it. The bartender was awesome and made me the most complex and yet mind-blowing cocktail I'd ever had (it was a Cucumber, Burnt Rosemary Gin drink). I'll definitely go back for happy hour. Glad I added another bar to my downtown favorites!
First off, cheers to a place that takes its mixology seriously. Â There were only a couple options (the bartender said there are more coming soon since they are seasonal), but order the Manhattan - seriously (if you like that kind of drink). It's like an Impressionist painting of a Manhattan - you can definitely see the classic through the brush-strokes, but man, they just take it to an artistic level - taste, process, presentation...
Now take into account that I was there on a Monday evening, but the place was empty. Me, my buddy, and one other guy. It was even happy hour time, so prices were really reasonable. So everyone go! Keep thoughtful, crafty places in downtown successful!
I really dig this place, man. The ambiance is cool, the drinks are good, and the whole feeling at Fremont East is awesome.
I've been here a number of times recently, both in larger groups and much smaller ones. Regardless, service has been good (but kinda slower), the place has been cool, and my group has had fun. The drinks they make are really creative, but the price you pay is that they take FOREVER to make them for you on their busier nights. Sure, you can get a Corona in a second, but come on.
Other than that, this place is awesome. I'll for sure be back.
Any place in Fremont East is going to be viewed favorably by sheer fact of it's location.
What I like most about this place is the open-air patio that allows for some great people watching behind the relative safety of the lounge. Â Though security could do a better job of making sure patrons aren't harassed by the vagrants passing by (this is a sad reality of downtown Vegas). Â
The bathrooms are clean, the service is pleasant, and the pricing is fair. Â
Will I come back here? Â More than likely.
Vegas lounges lack subtlety. Â Rather than relying on a relaxed lounge atmosphere to bring in the customers, most lounges use loud boom boom music and Vegas strip club-style promotions. Â But it's hard to lounge when you can't hear a word anyone is saying.
Vanguard is cut from a different cloth (at least on non-Fri and Sat nights--see below). Â Unlike most Vegas spots, Vanguard understands that a good lounge (and a good mixed drink for that matter) has a subtlety and the ambiance should match. Â Candles, brushed metal tables, and white walls decorate the Vanguard with a few pieces of eclectic art to match.
The bar is well-stocked with a variety of alcohols and subtle flavors. Â The mixed drinks are tasty, tart and well-blended. Â And the bartenders are friendly and helpful guides to nudge you in the right direction.
4 stars for being a great bar on most nights. Â
2 stars on Friday and Saturday night when this place becomes yet another generic electronic club -- BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM [and you will want to leave after 5 minutes]
Usually one of my favorite stops during first fridays or second Saturdays.
Music: Depending on what day you go this joint can play a variety of EDM genres. Not my usual cup of tea but my most recent experience was a tech house night. To my surprise I loved it. It felt like a very down town lounge urban underground LA night. If your standing outside Vanguard as you walk pass it you can definitely hear they're amazing sound system bumping. Its the loudest on the busy bar hoping street. Cover is always free so if you looking for some good beats and down town love go to Van guard.
Price of drinks: A bit pricey for a small location, but I guess it was the weekend. The prices were a bit high and the drinks weren't that strong.
Just a note: I suggest going to El Cortez's bar and grabbing a few cheap drinks before heading to Van guard. The amount you'd spend on one drink at Van guard would equal about 2 drinks at El Cortez. Also find a FREE parking garage El Cortez is no longer a free parking garage even though they have a HUGE sign that says FREE parking LOL False advertisement!!!
In the midst of themed bars like Insert Coins and Don't Tell Mama, The Vanguard Lounge is an understated neutral bar. Even down to it's decor, it spells simple and unpretentious. The lounge is like a cold container, floors and walls concrete (I bet the fact that there's not a lot of fabrics in the room keeps the cigarette smoke from sticking and stinking up the place). I feel like the walls deserve more provocative or interesting adornments.
There's about ten seats up at the bar, about twelve along the walls, and in the front, just past the DJ kiosk, there's a few white croc couch and ottoman setups, enough for about twenty. There's also outdoor seating, just on the other side of the glass-windowed garage door.
The front of the bar is pretty open and you can sit and people-watch the passersby on Fremont Street, I think a fun, eclectic mix of people -- fat tourists, junkies with 40's, hipsters, and homeless (sometimes the last two are hard to tell apart).
The place is low-lit with tea-sized wick lamps at every table, on the bar and behind the bar. If I were a bartender/ cocktail wench there, I would hate those damn candles. The staff has to continuously check on all of them all night long and relight the snuffed ones.
My qualm with the bathroom is that the mirrors are these circular mirrors varying in size, but each no larger than a DVD. They are scattered along the wall in front of the sinks and enough to check your grill, but not enough to get the gestalt of your top half. I imagine this bathroom was decorated by a male.
The staff is always courteous and the drinks are average priced, if i remember correctly, at $6 for a vodka.
Had to update my review and BUMP Vanguard to 5 stars.
Over the past few months, Vanguard has made its way to the top of my list of favorite bars. Not only is the decor ultra-modern, urban, and luxurious. The bartenders are efficient and pretty nice. And as a plus, the drinks are always perfect-to-strong.
MUSIC: Music is what makes Vanguard so appealing. A self-proclaimed EDM-snob, I can really appreciate the electronic music variety they play here. Thursdays for K^2. First Saturdays Be PM hosts Sonic Soundry. Went to my first one just this past weekend and I had the best Las Vegas bar experience of my life. The vibe was very LA. The music and the crowd made it feel like we were in an LA Club Scene in the early 2000's. Tech House was the genre of choice. It was really a pleasant surprise to find such a great party downtown w/ a music selection you can't find anywhere else.
TWO THUMBS UP!
PARKING TIP: Park at Binions or any other hotel that offers free parking w/ validation. Just stamp your card at the cashier before you leave. And voila, free parking downtown.
Many years ago on a business trip, I met up with some friends at a bar in Manhattan (Chelsea) called Gstaad. It was pretty cool. Semi-exposed walls, shiny, clean, silver interior.
I never had a chance to go back to Gstaad on my trips back to NYC, but I always think of that bar, and how I've never been able to find one quite like it. Until now.
My memories of last night are still a bit fuzzy, but I do remember Vanguard quite well. This bar is aesthetically very similar to Gstaad, but not in the "let's steal the idea from another bar" kind of way, but in the "Let's make Dave happy" kind of way. Or at least that's what I'd like to tell myself.
I popped in with some of my friends, as well as a college buddy of mine, and this place did not disappoint! My drink? A Clockwork Oranje: Ketel One Oranje, Cinnamon-Dusted Grilled Pear Shrubb, Domaine De Canton, and House Spiced Fig Bitters. Tell me that doesn't sound amazing. Go ahead. Tell me. Now I will smack you. Kidding.
In any case, based on my lone cocktail, I can say this is a fantastic lounge and I cannot wait to come back. On a weekend night, it wasn't too crowded, although I could see this place becoming a mad house on First Fridays.
Fremont Street...you just keep getting better and better.
Wait. I haven't reviewed this place? Allow me to correct that.
Vanguard Lounge is an integral part of the revitalization of downtown Las Vegas. Specifically, it's one of the gem spots in the so-called Fremont East area. Situated right next to Insert Coin(s), it's in the perfect location. Insert Coin(s) may provide the geeky games, but their drink selection is nothing compared to Vanguard.
If a crafty cocktail is what you are after, look no further. It's not on the menu, but I like their Hard 8. Is that what it's called? Ask Bobby Y. He'll tell you. They also provide classic concoctions like the Aviation. The drinks here never disappoint.
I still have a Groupon for this place and need to use it soon. Even without one, they have happy hours (4-7pm I think?) where cocktails are only $7. OK so that's not a bargain basement price, but these are specialty cocktails we're talking about here.
Vanguard Lounge is well worth the visit.
You may have tired of my obsession, but two words: ginger beer! I spend more time on Spring Mountain than on Fremont East, which means I am more of an eater than a drinker, but last night, a special occasion called for a trip to the burgeoning entertainment district. While Vanguard's list of specialty cocktails was short (around 10), it included the Hard 8 with the primo ingredient (those magic two words!).
Perhaps I am inexperienced, but when a guy puts ice in a burlap sack and beats it with a wooden bat to produce crushed ice, I am impressed. Luckily, the results lived up to the show, as the Hard 8 was a slurping sensation. Before I knew it, everyone was toting one around- sure sign of a craveworthy cocktail. At $10, it was perhaps a smidgen more than I anticipated paying, even for a specialty number, but I didn't really think twice about it.
Besides the drink, I appreciated the overall design and vibe. Reminded me a bit of a tiny spot you would find in Manhattan. Sparsely decorated, with some clean, creative touches. I appreciate the extra effort to create a candlelit effect, and the music was a perfect down tempo mix.
What is especially nice about Vanguard is the sidewalk patio high-tops. This might be one of the best spots to grab a drink, as there are few outdoor spots dedicated to drinking, especially ones with this caliber of people watching.
The one thing that will always make me cringe a bit is the easy collision with random tourists. It is nothing that I hold against Vanguard, but there is nothing that can kill a good vibe more quickly than a drunk middle-aged white guy in Tommy Bahama and some Mardi Gras beads.
So, for an ideal cocktail experience, I would say come to Vanguard during happy hour when the weather is just right to sit outdoors. This will decrease your chances of tourist tangles and increase your ability to fully appreciate some sidewalks sips.
Usually when i go drinking i order simple two or three ingredient drinks:
Tanqueray (regular usually or Rangpur if they got it) with sprite and lime.
Seven and Seven
Hennessy and Sprite
Crown and Coke or Sprite
So yeah there's a pattern. It's booze, a chaser, and sometimes fruit.
Still trying to pin point where in my life i suddenly became deathly allergic to mixed drinks. Did i have a bad cocktail when i was legally old enough to drink? Is it all these stupid party drinks made popular by college students? Was it the incompetent bartenders who just throw piss and ice into a glass and charge me 10 bucks for it?
After hanging out with Anthony M a few times i'm pretty sure it's the incompetent bartenders...
The guys behind the bar shouldnt be called bartenders. They're mixologists. Nearly everything is made by hand and skillfully crafted by a guy that knows what he's doing.
At other bars if i pay 10 bucks for a drink i feel like i'm being robbed. Here at Vanguard if i'm paying 10 bucks for a drink i feel like i'm robbing them.
There was one drink I have always enjoyed was a Cosmo. I typically liked drinks that weren't too strong; only a bit of an alcohol taste but enough to know it was there, just like vodka mixed with cranberry(pineapple)juice or fruity drinks,,very simple drinks...
Well, I had a little changed in my taste buds. There are very few liquors that I enjoy drinking straight. So, I love cocktail drinks. However, I like my mixed drink not too much taste like sugar-candy either.
I think I found a place to have some unique cocktails in town :)
I went on a Friday night (not on First Friday) around 6:30pm. Wasn't crowded at all. I have tried three different drinks this time:
1. Vanguard Cider
(Maker's Mark, Belle De Billet, House Made Cider, Spiced Foam, Served Hot or Cold) Tried it as cold(the bartender recommended to drink as cold) and liked it a lot!
2. Hard 8
(Bacardi 8, Pernod bath, Sliced Fresh Lime, Bitters, Ginger Beer, Peychaud Bitters) Very refreshing, contained lots of crushed ice cube in the drink. It was interesting to see the bartender wasn't just throwing the ice cube in the drink. He was beating the ice cubes into small pieces in a bag using w/a wooden stick. I thought it would be a good cocktail in the hot summer time. Well, I still enjoyed it.
3. Broken Flowers
(Hendricks Gin, Lillet Blanc, DiFlora Syrup, Rhubarb Bitters, Orange Bitters) Very simple and smooth taste.. I would recommend to the ladies :)
The decor was hip and nice. The drinks were unique and well made by skilled bartender.
The Vanguard Lounge is for the perfect small cocktail party, social evening on week nights, or just a few drinks with friends on weekends. I love to come back here little early in the evening when there is a less of wait and will start the night out here.
My final verdict... My kind of place, hee hee. I can see myself coming here often :P
Popped in here Tuesday night for their weekly wine tasting. Â $5/3 tastes...if u buy a bottle they give u your $$ back. Â Sadly, there was only 4 other people here, all of whom left within 20 minutes. Â So, needless to say, I'll be back on the weekend before I finalize this review. Â
In the meantime, industrial grey concrete decor, with swanky faux white-croc seating...and dangerously rickety looking "tables" that will def end up topside if they have decent djs. Â AND just learned that Soul Kitchen will be making Vanguard it's new home starting this month...Thank GOD!! Â The entire front is floor-to-celing glass, so you can keep tabs on the hipsters and crack-hos strolling by on Fremont.
Bartender Nate was cool and kept the lonely lady@the bar company. Â The wine selection is a couple notches above the everyday (spicy, kicky bolds) and they get two points for starting the list with reds, not white. Â Mixed drink menu looks clever and mature...on par with DCR and H&R.
Overall, I think it will be a must-stop on any downtown bar hop. Â Swanky, decidedly east-coast or bay area feel, with smart drinks and friendly staff. Â Go support them.
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