West End Elixir Company — Restaurant in Bryan

Well here we are on a random Saturday afternoon at the newly refurbished West End Elixer Co In downtown Bryan, formerly known as the Velvet Leaf Cigar Lounge. Dustin could care less that there are only 4 of us on a lazy afternoon. He brings it. And by that I mean: music that makes you forget the year, lighting that makes you forget the time, conversation that makes you forget your stress, and cocktails so excellently crafted they make you forget your religion!

Dustin prepares and presents every drink like it is a libation crafted specifically for you. I should know! On this particular day, I had 4 as did my husband. Each drink was tailored as if to beat the mark that the previous one had hit spot on. Dustin is a master mixologist and the West End Elixir Co is a gem almost hidden in downtown Bryan, across from the old La Salle on an unassuming corner. Walk in and experience a mix of speakeasy, New Orleans, premium cocktail bar, and cigar lovers lounge all at the same time.

Dustin is a US Marine and fellow brother of my brother in that branch; for that alone, he is family, though his humility dissuades the conversation from any accolades he has earned, a fact that I silently acknowledge and, in turn, steer the conversation back to his craft. And what a master craftsman he is!!!

Dustin, ever present locally in recent years, has been instrumental in reinventing the allure of downtown Bryan, repurposing buildings, and bringing to life a town square that had been sleeping for quite some time. Surprisingly, he has been met with resistance and obstacles put in place by city officials. Dustin has navigated around these challenges and set backs with grace and dignity and deserves recognition and support from members of our local community.

I strongly advise you to come experience the ambience of the West End Elixer Co in downtown Bryan. Choose from a huge variety of menu cocktails or simply tell Dustin what flavors you like and what you don’t and I promise he will magically mix up the perfect cocktail...

We first heard of the Velvet Leaf a few months back and fell in love with the place. There was peaceful and relaxing vibe to the place, which along with a poker table and lounging made getting together with friends and smoking cigars a weekly treat for us. Unfortunately that has all changed. Pop music blares, you must now pay a $15 day pass just to smoke in a small corner indoors, and the cool relaxing vibe is now gone. The Velvet Leaf is now just like any other bar in the area and has lost the charm that made it such a great venue.

Edit: in response to the owner’s comment to my review: My 5-Star review was making my patronage a weekly ritual as well as all the recommendations I made word of mouth to all of my friends, coworkers, and family. The fact that you disregarded my criticisms just goes to show they are proving my...

Husband and I were looking for a cozy place to have a good cigar and some scotch after dinner. We found it.

We both sat down in a chair that felt like a warm hug, listened to some smooth jazz on the speakers, watched some golf on one of 4 televisions, and puffed / sipped our way to relaxation.

Others were playing chess, chatting with the very personable and helpful staff, or just relaxing with their smokes / impeccably made beverages.

Needless to say we enjoyed ourselves. So much that I’m writing this review the very next evening, from my same chair, while watching ...