I never write google reviews, but as a hifi/vinyl/music/cocktail nerd I felt inspired to weigh in on Dallas' newest Kissa style lounge.
First off, the good, because there's a lot of it. The atmosphere is fantastic. The space already feels cozy, inviting, and lived in. My kind of joint. Walking up to the spot, you can start to hear music, a disco ball on the patio lets you know you're in the right place. Inside, the furniture is cozy, the room is spinning with beautiful golden disco ball light, the decor is spot on, and the lighting fixtures feel fresh and authentic - not overtly trendy or cheap like a lot of new bars can feel.
I usually stick to my classics these days so I ordered a rye old fashioned and it was very well made. Nothing frilly or cutesy about it. Just a solid, classically made cocktail. Well done! Our server was kind and attentive, asked for my whiskey preference (they carry Rittenhouse, another green flag!), and was happy to stick around to fill us in on more info about the bar, things they want to do and offer in the future, etc.
Now, my only real complaint about the experience, and it's a nitpicky one, admittedly - the sound. My partner and I tried to sit at three different tables and immediately moved because the bass was just too much. And this is coming from someone who loves some low-end. The tables on the little side stage suffer the most as the woofers flank either side of it and the lower frequencies just reverberate in the open space underneath. Up there, the bass literally drowned out everything. Granted, the DJ was leaning towards modern hip hop/trap/club as the night went on and the bar started to fill up. However, it was still a Wednesday night and the sound seemed much too knock-y and boom-y for a bar where everyone was seated enjoying craft cocktails. Our server informed us things are a little more mellow and listening-focused 4-8, so maybe we'll try popping in then next time. But I think the bar could be damn near perfect if they dialed in the sound a little better!
Overall, still leaving 5 stars because it's rare to see a bar hit the ground running as well as this one has. Can't wait...
Read moreTo start off, the lounge is fairly small and has a max capacity of around 90 people so be prepared to wait in line for over 30 minutes if you arrive past 10 pm.
Now the bouncer and the security guard are a whole other deal. They take advantage of the long line and those who are willing to pay them $20, whether that be cash app or actual cash, will be granted entry despite the long line EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NO COVER!!!
Once you finally get in after 30+ minutes of waiting in line if you don’t decide to pay the so called “cover”, you are met with an aesthetic ambiance and a huge lump of people waiting at the bar to be attended. There are only 3 bartenders for a large crowd. They looked overwhelmed and stressed with the amount of people present at the lounge, which is completely understandable. If you know you are expecting a large crowd have at least 4-5 bartenders or someone going around taking drink orders for the sake of efficiency so guests are not spending more than half of the night waiting for one drink…
Not to mention, there is a good amount of space on dance floor and there is also a seating area towards the back. However, the line to the restroom takes over the bar area and seating area which can confuse guests.
Overall, if you plan to visit this lounge, arrive early as in 8-9 pm early to avoid corrupt practices prior to entry. Expect to wait another 15-20 minutes for your drink order to be taken. Oh and if you ever decide to get hungry which typically happens on a night out of dancing and singing, the kitchen is actually OUTSIDE underneath a tent, not inside of the...
Read moreI went here on a Thursday night for the first time for Brandon Blue’s 1 year anniversary celebration. I read online that they had valet parking, so I decided to valet for $10. I got there right when they opened, the staff were extremely welcoming. I ordered the Barbacoa tacos, which were surprisingly really good. The first dj arrived around 8pm and had a great set. Brandon got on around 10pm and what I did stay to hear was great. I left around 11pm.
Now for the “bad” things.
I will say the drinks are expensive, even with the happy hour specials. So I wouldn’t suggest coming here if you’re going to drink a lot unless you’re ballin like that. lol I got two order of tacos and two drinks and my tab was around $65, not including the $10 cash tip I left.
Also, the valet service “ends” at 10pm. I was not aware of that and had just ordered a drink (which you’re not supposed to take out of the lounge) so I went to the valet to retrieve my keys with my drink in hand b/c I didn’t feel comfortable leaving it considering I was alone. Upon trying to re-enter, the bouncer told me I had to wait b/c there was a line. Granted he literally saw me walk out and I said I was getting my keys from valet. We exchanged a few words and he told me to give him about 5 minutes. After some time he tells me he needs to see my id and then I can go back in. I was very annoyed considering they are advertising valet, you would think that they would allow their patrons to get their keys when the service ends without giving them a hard time. I didn’t understand that and it dampened...
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