I had high hopes for Dark Sister, and in many ways, the space lived up to them: moody, mystical lighting, beautiful décor, and drinks that were honestly fantastic. I ordered the Fallen Passion and the Secret Garden, and both were well-balanced, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Whoever’s behind the cocktail menu clearly knows what they’re doing.
But as much as I wanted to love this place, the customer service made it hard.
From the moment we sat at the bar, there was no greeting, no “hi,” no “welcome in,” not even a smile. The bartender who eventually approached us felt standoffish and uninterested. She didn’t explain the drinks or ask if it was our first time there, and the vibe overall felt more like we were interrupting a gossip session than guests coming in to enjoy the space. I couldn’t help but feel like the staff behind the bar had formed a clique and weren’t really interested in engaging with customers outside of their circle.
We eventually moved to a table, and one of the servers came over, & she was lovely. She told us about their last-Friday-of-the-month events and even mentioned they were there until 4 AM the night before. That helped me understand why the team might’ve been running low on energy, but still it doesn’t excuse poor service, especially when the bar is your first point of contact.
So, while the drinks and design earn high marks, the energy behind the bar was giving “mean girls” not magic. I’ll definitely give it another try, maybe on a less chaotic night, but first impressions matter… and this one was a little too cold for a space that visually...
Read moreDark Sister is an absolute gem for those who crave something beyond the ordinary. This isn’t just a bar—it’s an experience. The moment you step inside, you’re immersed in a world where gothic elegance meets apothecary mystique, with dim candlelight flickering against deep, moody tones and a soundtrack that perfectly complements the atmosphere.
The drinks? Absolute alchemy. Every cocktail is crafted with precision, blending unique ingredients that are as enchanting as they are intoxicating. Whether you’re sipping on an absinthe-laced elixir or a smoky, herbal-infused creation, the menu is a masterclass in mixology.
The staff is just as charismatic as the space itself—knowledgeable, welcoming, and effortlessly cool. It’s the kind of place where every detail, from the glassware to the decor, is curated to transport you into a darker, more decadent realm.
If you have a love for the alternative, the esoteric, or simply appreciate a well-crafted cocktail in a setting that feels like a secret society hideout, Dark Sister is your new sanctuary. Do yourself a favor and step into the shadows—you...
Read moreDark Sister, the penultimate stop of my Ethanol Exploration in the Arts District, had been officially open for only four days at the time of my visit. Lots of velvet and black, with ancient castle furnishings, like a full suit of armor. Very spacious inside, and the bar station seemed unusually and considerately roomy for the bartenders. Bar stools were low in height; no charging plugs; only part of the bar had bag hooks installed at that point. Glassware was surprisingly hefty. The floor space and especially the bar top leaned into the gothic/witchy/pagan vibe; restroom on the other hand oddly featured vibrant colorful Indochinese wallpaper.
Ordered the Toasted Revival ($16); enjoyed the sweet brain smash enough to have a second one.
Value: Pretty good for the area.
Service: At first, quite attentive and friendly. Between the first and second drink until I departed, the circulation frequency declined, then fell off a cliff. I could not seem to grab their attention to request my...
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