Noir — Restaurant in Ames

My friend and I stopped here after work (~7:00pm) to have a nice cocktail after a long week. Upon arrival, there were three other tables filled and what appeared to be two individuals were seated at the bar. After we sat down and our server asked for our order, we were asked to give her a credit card to “pre-authorize” transactions before being served. I have been to this place several times in the past, and requiring pre-authorization has never been needed.

I asked the server, and her justification for this was to avoid customers from walking out without paying “when it gets hectic”. I completely understand the rationale of opening a tab or having a card on file - as college bars and nightclubs usually do - but I expect this to be applied universally across all patrons. I observed that customers seated at another server’s section were not asked for this.

When it was time to pay for my cocktail, I asked the server whether this policy applied to all patrons in this establishment; she stated that this policy is applied 50/50 and that it applies to customers based on server discretion. I don’t know whether my party was asked this because I am saliently a man of color or for another reason, but I do not appreciate the insinuation upon being seated that I am a thief.

It is the establishment’s right to have pre-authorization policies or tabs, but this policy should be applied universally. When left to the server’s discretion, this policy can result in discrimination.

The cocktails, atmosphere, and live music were wonderful, and I have appreciated coming here in the past. This experience has soured my opinion of this establishment, and it is unlikely I...

Noir in Ames might be the best whiskey bar I have been to. We walked in and sat at the bar and Matt the manager immediately engaged us and wanted to make this an experience we would not forget. He was willing to not only share his expansive knowledge of whiskey with us but also put together amazing flights of bourbon that complemented each other and recommended the order that we drink them. He lets us try small pours of unique bottles that helped us learn more about how to identify all the unique flavors of bourbon. In our group, we had experienced bourbon drinkers and fairly new drinkers, and Matt's ability to provide an experience that was memorable for everyone was unique and rare. Simply said, this is a special place for a top notch bourbon experience. Go to Noir, spend time with Matt, you will...

This review is purely based on the cocktails.

I order an Elijah Craig Boulevardier from my service. When my drink came out it was served in a standard double rox glass with a small scoop of crushed ice. The cocktail had a clear head of foam from the cocktail being shaken or lightly thrown.

A boulevardier is a classic cocktail made with Bourbon, Sweet Vermouth and Campari. This drink is stirred, served over 1in cubes or a large cube. Garnished with an orange twist. This abomination that was served to me was undrinkable.

If you come here just get a whiskey flight or a beer. Don't waste your money on...