Manhattan Cafe

Personality – 4 shots

Service – 4.5 shots

Drink Presentation – 4.5 shots

Overall Bartending Skills – 4 shots

This review begins with a shiny, prancing unicorn named Paprika and a sloppy, hobo clown named Danger. Add a little Nona from Manhattan Café and the whole experience gets a bit sweeter.

A student worker since August of last year, Nona slid gracefully into customer conversation and accepted casual prying into her private life. In front of an impressive and reasonably priced beer selection, she poured her manly shot recommendation – a whiskey smacking of smooth honey and her girly shot of choice – a cranberry and grenadine concoction served in distinctive shot glasses with blue glass circles on the bottom. She also brewed two fabulous espresso martinis. After getting past the dim, barred windows of the bar, the interior feels cozy and eclectic, and is a bohemian hot spot for graduate students.

Other than the usual drinks and chips, this bar also sells porcelain unicorns and clowns, which is a bit scary but well worth the few dollars for a great story. Nona had yet to sell these items, but after our purchase and her obliging signature, I now have a new reason to traipse into townie territory.

The Max Canada

Personality – 4 shots

Service – 3 shots

Drink Presentation – 2.5 shots

Overall Bartending Skills – 3 shots

On the less fratty, more obscure side of downtown lives Andrew in his spacious, humble bar The Max Canada. With cafeteria-style seating and Wii games being played, the Max Canada could seem like a game room, but the dungeon-esque decorations give it an eerie yet hip vibe.

Two bars and an outside lounge area offer a perfect place to come hang out with a big group. Most bar patrons were doing their own thing, yet interacted with one another as if they were long lost friends.

Andrew seemed prepared to tackle what drinks we would throw at him.

The strength of a mix drink ordered was strong, strong and strong. He does not stiff his customers on the amount of liquor. Upon ordering another, it seemed almost stronger, but still was enjoyable to drink.

His famous shot, the Frosted Orange, tasted just like a Creamsicle ice cream bar, but with a little tartness at the end. It went down smooth and left a nostalgic feeling of childhood. This shot included orange vodka, amaretto, Sprite and orange juice.

Andrew’s mission was to serve and please. He did not converse much, but he was always there when a drink was needed. His service was good, but his drinks were better.