Revival Lounge — Restaurant in Mount Vernon

I really want to like this place, but I doubt I'll go back because of compounding issues. In a nutshell, I can handle the fact that things are on the high end of pricing, because it's a small place and kind of a specialty vibe. It truly is a nice setting and friendly people. There is no cause to complain about any of that, even if the prices are such that it wouldn't be a regular stop... However, our experience was overshadowed by being charged incorrectly. Those things put together make the conclusion of experience vs cost as a "not worth it." Wife had a bottle of wine (which is 4 glasses) and got charged for 5 glasses. I got charged for a top shelf bourbon, when I was drinking Maker's Mark.

As much as I hate to give a negative review, here's the detailed story, which will hopefully be received with the spirit in which it is intended... just constructive criticism to help improve the customer experience:

I ordered Maker's Mark on the rocks. The bartender heard a different brand (that was top shelf), but we got that straightened out before anything was poured. My wife ordered wine and a new bottle was opened to accommodate. The style of wine glass is strange, but it seemed to be under-poured. Typically, there are 4 glasses of wine in a bottle. After the fourth glass, the bartender noticed that there was some left and seemed surprised at that fact, and so were we. So, when my wife was done with her current glass, she said that she might as well finish off the rest of what was left in the bottle as there was very little left... the bartender agreed that was appropriate and poured the 1/4 of a glass for her. We finished up (they were at closing time by now) and were surprised by the size of the bill (it's a little too dark to get a detailed read of the bill), but paid up, gave an above 20% tip and moved on. My wife noted that she believed she saw they charged me $24 for each glass of Maker's Mark, which is way out of line, but it is what it is, I thought. When we reviewed the receipt in more detail the next morning, we noticed two things: I was charged for the top shelf bourbon that the bartender thought I had said originally, not for what I actually consumed. That 1/4 glass of wine was not only charged to us, but it was charged as a full glass. Nice people. Nice setting. Not nice...

Intimate. Nostalgic. Classy. Refined.

A trip back in time, signature and classic drinks, an appreciation for crafted cocktails. More than just the ambiance, you get custom concoctions and recommendations from the knowledgeable barkeeps!

A great place for apps and shareable plates while exploring the drink menu. We ordered the garlic chicken flatbread, charcuterie board that came with bread and jam (loved that with blue cheese), meatballs with marinara and cheese. All were great to pick at in between sips. The meatballs tasted like Costco meatballs, which isn't terrible just not made in-house. Loved the variety on the charcuterie board, the bread was soft and the combo of the jam and blue cheese was delicious!

Staff was friendly and attentive despite being busy. Offered recommendations based on our libations of choice. As things slowed down, we had great conversation learning about this family business and the stories behind the family pictures throughout the bar. So happy we found Revival and look forward to spending many more date nights here!

They have both indoor and seasonal outdoor seating with blankets available to keep warm outside, such...

Stopped in to check them out. Cozy brick ambiance was offset by the kitchen smoke which required the door and windows to remain open. Ordered the Smoked Old Fashioned. It was average, with only the glass getting smoked befote drink creation, while most places infuse the beverage itself. My next try was a classic. The Manhattan. It was quite probably the worst Manhattan I have ever been served. It tasted of nothing but bitters, and had a slice of orange in it. Who puts orange in a freaking Manhattan? The couple behind us had ordered a charcuterie plate which looked appetizing, but we won't be back. A place that advertises itself as an old school drink place should sure as heck be able to put forth a simple Manhattan.

UPDATE: A mixoligist I fully trust from another establishment has asked me to revisit, and perhaps consider updating the review based upon a second experience. We have subsequently learned that our mixologist had only been there about a week, so I have upped them to 3 stars pending...