Walking into Old Lightning feels like stepping into Pablo Moix’s private whiskey collection—rare, curated, and full of bottles you’ve only seen in photos. Hidden behind Scopa, the bar features an incredible lineup of high-end spirits: single cask Springbanks, rare Willetts, unique Balvenies, and other bottles you’ll probably never see again. Prices are high (sometimes maybe a bit too high), but you're paying for access to some truly special stuff.
What really makes this place stand out, though, is Oscar. He’s not just pouring drinks—he’s setting the tone for the whole experience. Super knowledgeable, but never pretentious. Inviting, energetic, and clearly passionate about what he does. He listens to what you like, asks the right questions, and then somehow nails exactly what you were in the mood for—whether that’s a rare pour or a killer cocktail you didn’t even know you wanted. His energy really brings the whole vibe together and makes it feel less like a fancy bar and more like a personal tasting experience.
If you're into whiskey or just curious to try something you won’t get anywhere else, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Ashley Marsh
Fantastic bar, knowledgeable staff and great whiskey selection. Recommend a custom flight.
Evan Weingarten
We've been here twice so far and really enjoyed sampling various whiskeys and learning about different brands from the very knowledgeable bartender (Oscar) and incredible host (Nick)--we're hoping to come back soon.
Herb Heiserman
Scopa delivers a premium experience with their hidden whisky tasting, speak easy, retro vinyl playing gem. Nick graciously brought us to three the unmarked threshold to their secret space and we were met with an education elevated service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jeff Tucker
We had eaten at Scopa, and John our server told us about the "speakeasy" next door, that is a rum/scotch/whiskey/bourbon/champagne/tequila tasting room. Though they do have cocktails, this is your chance to try things you might never see again, as well as names you might have heard about on difficult items to find and taste. We had let our John know that we had an interest, after eating dinner, and met Nick. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and excited we were interested. Luckily, we were in on a Thursday, so we were able to pop over about 9pm. He checked on us a few times, and you could tell he knew how to allow a variety of customers, explore this experience. It is suggested you make a reservation on Resy. We got to meet Oscar who was amazing. You kind of get to bring up what your tastes and interests are, and a price range. Tastings are pricey, but it is such a cool/chill intimate room, and a unique experience. We talked with Oscar and made up a tasting to optimize our first experience he called "Around the World". We were educated and presented with such a cool array of Rums, Scotch, Whiskies, and Bourbons. You don't feel rushed and the amount of information they know, and share is almost like a Master Class. We ended up going through a variety of tastes from Japan, England, Scotland, America, Spain, and France. It will probably be a very rare experience for me and my friend, but we felt special and appreciated that we wanted to experience this. Thank you to the partners that created this collection and found these amazing people to let you make the most of your experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Don Wu
Old lightning is back!What a stellar spot
Atmosphere: 5
Silvia Miles
First, the Scottish bartender is not only adorable, but he's also has a knack for making excellent drink suggestions and superb cocktails.
Billie Hall
Hit this place on Tuesday for karaoke. It's a cool bar atmosphere, an interesting mix of people, and friendly bartenders and door man.
CHETAN KUMBHANI
One star is lot for them.....as staff is not not SUPPORTIVE
Omar Mohamed
Came here on a Tuesday for dinner and even on a weeknight it was packed. The bar area was bigger than expected and had some seatings along the sides of the resturant. Be prepared to wait a bit if you come during the normal eating hours.
Incredible! Thank you Raoul! What a special flight!
Chase X.Q.
Worth the experience, not worth the price. If your into spirits with backstories that you can't get on the back of a bottle then this is the place. Rare spirits you will never have again, and won't remember the name of. Bartenders are knowledgeable so menus (it is sizeable) are unnecessary. Eat before you come. This is not a place your need to come to if you're just looking for good whiskey or good anything. They take your phone as if Dave Chappelle was going to perform. And when you get the bill, you will think he should have. Are you okay with that? Great. Have a ball.
Winifred Johnson
Cool concept, but small. I came here during a busy time and it was crazy packed. Despite that, my drinks came out fast and the service was great. The staff took the time to do some light talking while preparing drinks and their moods were unfaltering. If I had to work there I would have had anxiety with the crowd and volume of drinks to be made. It's a really cool space and definitely gives off a vibe that you're in a pirate's de-stressing joint.
Tobias
Rare vintage liquor
Micah Sloat
If you're looking for the best booze on the planet, go to Old Lightning and bring a bag full of cash.
Walking into Old Lightning feels like stepping into Pablo Moix’s private whiskey collection—rare, curated, and full of bottles you’ve only seen in photos. Hidden behind Scopa, the bar features an incredible lineup of high-end spirits: single cask Springbanks, rare Willetts, unique Balvenies, and other bottles you’ll probably never see again. Prices are high (sometimes maybe a bit too high), but you're paying for access to some truly special stuff.
What really makes this place stand out, though, is Oscar. He’s not just pouring drinks—he’s setting the tone for the whole experience. Super knowledgeable, but never pretentious. Inviting, energetic, and clearly passionate about what he does. He listens to what you like, asks the right questions, and then somehow nails exactly what you were in the mood for—whether that’s a rare pour or a killer cocktail you didn’t even know you wanted. His energy really brings the whole vibe together and makes it feel less like a fancy bar and more like a personal tasting experience.
If you're into whiskey or just curious to try something you won’t get anywhere else, it’s definitely worth visiting.
Fantastic bar, knowledgeable staff and great whiskey selection. Recommend a custom flight.
We've been here twice so far and really enjoyed sampling various whiskeys and learning about different brands from the very knowledgeable bartender (Oscar) and incredible host (Nick)--we're hoping to come back soon.
Scopa delivers a premium experience with their hidden whisky tasting, speak easy, retro vinyl playing gem. Nick graciously brought us to three the unmarked threshold to their secret space and we were met with an education elevated service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had eaten at Scopa, and John our server told us about the "speakeasy" next door, that is a rum/scotch/whiskey/bourbon/champagne/tequila tasting room. Though they do have cocktails, this is your chance to try things you might never see again, as well as names you might have heard about on difficult items to find and taste. We had let our John know that we had an interest, after eating dinner, and met Nick. He was friendly, knowledgeable, and excited we were interested. Luckily, we were in on a Thursday, so we were able to pop over about 9pm. He checked on us a few times, and you could tell he knew how to allow a variety of customers, explore this experience. It is suggested you make a reservation on Resy. We got to meet Oscar who was amazing. You kind of get to bring up what your tastes and interests are, and a price range. Tastings are pricey, but it is such a cool/chill intimate room, and a unique experience. We talked with Oscar and made up a tasting to optimize our first experience he called "Around the World". We were educated and presented with such a cool array of Rums, Scotch, Whiskies, and Bourbons. You don't feel rushed and the amount of information they know, and share is almost like a Master Class. We ended up going through a variety of tastes from Japan, England, Scotland, America, Spain, and France. It will probably be a very rare experience for me and my friend, but we felt special and appreciated that we wanted to experience this. Thank you to the partners that created this collection and found these amazing people to let you make the most of your experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Old lightning is back!What a stellar spot
Atmosphere: 5
First, the Scottish bartender is not only adorable, but he's also has a knack for making excellent drink suggestions and superb cocktails.
Hit this place on Tuesday for karaoke. It's a cool bar atmosphere, an interesting mix of people, and friendly bartenders and door man.
One star is lot for them.....as staff is not not SUPPORTIVE
Came here on a Tuesday for dinner and even on a weeknight it was packed. The bar area was bigger than expected and had some seatings along the sides of the resturant. Be prepared to wait a bit if you come during the normal eating hours.
Restaurantji Recommends
Incredible! Thank you Raoul! What a special flight!
Worth the experience, not worth the price. If your into spirits with backstories that you can't get on the back of a bottle then this is the place. Rare spirits you will never have again, and won't remember the name of. Bartenders are knowledgeable so menus (it is sizeable) are unnecessary. Eat before you come. This is not a place your need to come to if you're just looking for good whiskey or good anything. They take your phone as if Dave Chappelle was going to perform. And when you get the bill, you will think he should have. Are you okay with that? Great. Have a ball.
Cool concept, but small. I came here during a busy time and it was crazy packed. Despite that, my drinks came out fast and the service was great. The staff took the time to do some light talking while preparing drinks and their moods were unfaltering. If I had to work there I would have had anxiety with the crowd and volume of drinks to be made. It's a really cool space and definitely gives off a vibe that you're in a pirate's de-stressing joint.
Rare vintage liquor
If you're looking for the best booze on the planet, go to Old Lightning and bring a bag full of cash.
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