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.
Thomas T.
Went here after Scopa with the intention of seeing if they had selection of yamazaki's and they do. Problem however is how insanely priced their pours are in comparison to bottle price. a 12 year is about 280 bucks usd if you're buying through an online vendor or local liquor store in CA. But a glass here was that exact price....fucking insane
John H.
I came here with my girlfriend for our anniversary after dinner at Scopa. Awesome bar and really different from other places. Essentially, we had a private sampling experience with the bartender for a couple hours. Their menu is crazy, the vibe is super cool, and you'll have a blast. Yes, they take your phone. Yes, it's not cheap. And you'll have an amazing and different experience than what you get anywhere else.
Laura J.
I really, really, really wanted to love this place but I couldn't get past how expensive the cocktails are. The cocktails were good don't get me wrong, but for $25 (starting price) a cocktail, I was expecting to be blown away. The ambiance fortunately, is pretty cool and I like how small and intimate it is. They did a fantastic job with decor and the staff was very knowledgeable and courteous. What I did not care for is that they take your phones away before you enter. Sorry, no. I'm not 12, I'm an adult and if asked/required, I will keep my phone in my purse on silent and not use it during my time in your establishment. I understand having a no phone policy, but I'm not handing my $1,100.00 iPhone over to a stranger. Fortunately, I knew about this policy beforehand and left my phone at home. Oh the irony of a speakeasy having such hard rules, but I digress.
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.
Pauline H.
Kinda rude, also inattentive. They didn't really want to understand what you wanted in a whiskey flight and were dismissive of your requests. It's more expensive, the lowest drink is $25 or more. Save yourself from the cost and the condescending bartenders/waiters. Fell really far from what it used to be.
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.
Wow ... what a fantastic experience. The decor. The ice. The drinks. It's an incredible wow!!! Every moment is special. And they really want you to have a great time! Can't wait to come back again!
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.
Stefany D.
Old Lightning has its good and its bad things. To start off I have no pics bc they take your phone when you're going in, which I dont mind bc that does force you to interact with people instead of being on the phone. I would not recommend this place for big groups as it is small and theres not really seating for large groups. The place is great if you're into exclusive liquors that you will not find anywhere else or if you're into tasting different cocktails. Im simple, I just like vodka and soda. I feel like this place would be a cool to go on a date bc its intimate and you would be giving that other person your full attention. Come ready to spend money! They just have little snacks (ie pretzels) so dont come hungry as well.
David H.
Nice kind service, reasonably tasty drinks. However this place is far overpriced for what it offers. If it wants to be a very classy Michelin star type of drink provider, at least at the price, the level of service and drink preparation quality at this venue during my experience needs to be way higher. The staff was nice, but not world class professional bartendering/wait staff. Drinks were decent, but not one cocktail was even close to what you would expect for a $40 cocktail. Spirit list is good, but again very pricey. Snack were total crap. Seriously, a cheapo cup full of 7-11 gas station mixed banana chips and random nuts? Wtf? Class it up folks. Nice staff, average cocktails, large list of quality spirits. Not a high end experience, not even close to worth the price.
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.
Went here after Scopa with the intention of seeing if they had selection of yamazaki's and they do. Problem however is how insanely priced their pours are in comparison to bottle price. a 12 year is about 280 bucks usd if you're buying through an online vendor or local liquor store in CA. But a glass here was that exact price....fucking insane
I came here with my girlfriend for our anniversary after dinner at Scopa. Awesome bar and really different from other places. Essentially, we had a private sampling experience with the bartender for a couple hours. Their menu is crazy, the vibe is super cool, and you'll have a blast. Yes, they take your phone. Yes, it's not cheap. And you'll have an amazing and different experience than what you get anywhere else.
I really, really, really wanted to love this place but I couldn't get past how expensive the cocktails are. The cocktails were good don't get me wrong, but for $25 (starting price) a cocktail, I was expecting to be blown away. The ambiance fortunately, is pretty cool and I like how small and intimate it is. They did a fantastic job with decor and the staff was very knowledgeable and courteous. What I did not care for is that they take your phones away before you enter. Sorry, no. I'm not 12, I'm an adult and if asked/required, I will keep my phone in my purse on silent and not use it during my time in your establishment. I understand having a no phone policy, but I'm not handing my $1,100.00 iPhone over to a stranger. Fortunately, I knew about this policy beforehand and left my phone at home. Oh the irony of a speakeasy having such hard rules, but I digress.
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.
Kinda rude, also inattentive. They didn't really want to understand what you wanted in a whiskey flight and were dismissive of your requests. It's more expensive, the lowest drink is $25 or more. Save yourself from the cost and the condescending bartenders/waiters. Fell really far from what it used to be.
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.
Restaurantji Recommends
Wow ... what a fantastic experience. The decor. The ice. The drinks. It's an incredible wow!!! Every moment is special. And they really want you to have a great time! Can't wait to come back again!
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.
Old Lightning has its good and its bad things. To start off I have no pics bc they take your phone when you're going in, which I dont mind bc that does force you to interact with people instead of being on the phone. I would not recommend this place for big groups as it is small and theres not really seating for large groups. The place is great if you're into exclusive liquors that you will not find anywhere else or if you're into tasting different cocktails. Im simple, I just like vodka and soda. I feel like this place would be a cool to go on a date bc its intimate and you would be giving that other person your full attention. Come ready to spend money! They just have little snacks (ie pretzels) so dont come hungry as well.
Nice kind service, reasonably tasty drinks. However this place is far overpriced for what it offers. If it wants to be a very classy Michelin star type of drink provider, at least at the price, the level of service and drink preparation quality at this venue during my experience needs to be way higher. The staff was nice, but not world class professional bartendering/wait staff. Drinks were decent, but not one cocktail was even close to what you would expect for a $40 cocktail. Spirit list is good, but again very pricey. Snack were total crap. Seriously, a cheapo cup full of 7-11 gas station mixed banana chips and random nuts? Wtf? Class it up folks. Nice staff, average cocktails, large list of quality spirits. Not a high end experience, not even close to worth the price.