Feelin Shady?

I've been meaning to blog about Shady Lady since I went there twice in one weekend a few weeks back. I am glad that I held off (or forgot about it, whatever you want to call it) until I was able to go when it was a bit later and really experience it.

Shady Lady is in the new R Street corridor between 14th and 15th streets. It looks very cool and old-world style from the outside, with the brick exterior and old-fashioned sign. If it wasn't clear that you were in Midtown by the bustling traffic of 15th, you would think you where in Old Sac. (There's also the lack of horse-drawn carriages and irritating tourists, but anyway...) The first time I was there was on a Friday night, with a few friends for a couple of beers. We loved the low-key atmosphere and friendly bartenders (not to mention the Prohibition Ale in the bottle). The second time I went (the next night) I went with my mom and another friend. This time we went for cocktails and food. My mom, who was drinking wine (she had to drive back to the 'burbs), loved the wine list. It's a good selection without being over-priced. Em and I loved the cocktails. They have a great variety of old school cocktails and all are fairly well priced. I'm used to paying $8-10 for a cocktail, and these were in the $6-8 range. Have enough, and that makes a difference. My mom and I also split a plate of mussels, which were incredibly delicious, and Em had the meatloaf. I don't like meatloaf. This meatloaf was tasty though--due I'm sure to the bacon wrapped around the pieces. By no means was a cheap night, but we were pleasantly surprised by the bill. (I can't remember now how much it was, but it wasn't as much as we were expecting!)

Last weekend Mindy and I stopped by on Saturday night, planning on some dinner and drinks. It was packed! The first two times I was there were earlier in the evening (and just after they opened) and the news was clearly out. Since we couldn't find a seat at the bar or a table, we went to Burgers & Brews for food (see Jennifer's review of Burgers & Brews here) and came back. It was hoppin'. (Apparently it's not so Shady anymore.) The drink was still good, strong, and not too expensive (for the high-end liquor). The crowd is an interesting mix of people--a little heavy on the hipsters, but I'm OK with that. The interior of the bar is also very cool, and definitely looks like an old-school speakeasy in my imagination. I do think that it's the hot spot to be right now, and I will wait to go back on a busy evening until it mellows out a bit. But right now, it's a perfect place for a drink or two on a quiet evening.

By the way, there's a lot happening on R Street these days. In addition to Shady Lady and Burgers & Brews, there's Magpie. I haven't eaten there but am already a fan after the guy working chased Mindy and I down the street to give us free cookies. The cookies were delicious, and after all that I'm hearing about the cafe, I can't wait to check it out for myself.

Update! As you can see from Jennifer's comment, the service has seriously deteriorated since the Lady opened. It's so bad that I would actually recommend NOT going. I thought you could bypass the bad table service by ordering at the bar, but last night it took the bartender over five minutes to open a bottle of wine for another person and she didn't even speak to me and I was standing right in front of her. The waitress actually said to me when I asked for my bill, "I'm sorry, am I too slow for you?" I actually just wanted to leave with my friends, which I told her, but yes, she was too slow. It was ridiculous, annoying and rude.

Cinco de Mayo Events

I'm sure everyone knows about the block party that's closing down the 2700 block of J Street today, but there are a couple of other Cinco de Mayo fiestas that might be worth a look.

M!X Downtown celebrates with half off south of the border bites and $2 tacos. Specialty margaritas highlight the cocktail menu and include the “Sweet Heat,” a margarita infused with fresh jalapeno and the “M!X-ED Up Margarita,” concocted with fresh pineapple, sage and lime juice. The ZONE will be broadcasting live. This starts at 4pm.

Torch Club Cinco de Mayo Party with a performance by Latin and R&B cover band, Solsa. Drink specials from 7-10:30 p.m. $10 cover at the door or at the band's website.

Folsom Hacienda's Cinco de Mayo Celebration with the band Tijuana Weekend. This fiesta is at 702 Sutter Street in Old Folsom from 5-10 p.m. There is a $10 cover.