The Bounty — Restaurant in New Smyrna Beach

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The Bounty at Flagler Tavern | New Smyrna Beach

414 Flagler Ave., New Smyrna Beach; 386-402-8861, flaglertavern.com

An inside look at The Bounty, upstairs at Flagler Tavern in New Smyrna Beach.

Created from a love for “all things bourbon” The Bounty at Flagler Tavern cultivates a true speakeasy experience right in New Smyrna Beach. The luxe bar, accessible through a hidden lot entrance to the side of the building, sits upstairs in part of the 1928-built space, originally a family home, that the Flagler Avenue restaurant now occupies. According to general manager Kristin Chmielewski, its nautical interior, designed with wood reclaimed from the near-century-old home, includes the space’s original fireplace and coquina — not to mention a prohibition-era door grille for password entry. The intimate bar captivates locals and vacationers alike with its sexy scarlet-hued interior, scenic deck and award-winning craft cocktails. While you can enjoy a classic aviation or espresso martini, locals are often found sipping on a smoked maple old fashioned or rum-based monkey business. — Helena Perray, The Daytona Beach...

Went on a Saturday night. Followed the directions that social media posted. Went to the secret door from the parking lot. Walked up the stairs, knocked on the door. No one answered. We only got in because an employee was exiting to replenish ice. Not sure why they would advertise that entrance if they weren't going to monitor it. Also, the service was HORRENDOUS. It took us 45 minutes just to get a drink. We would have left, but we had already paid for the drinks, so we waited for them. I ordered the smoked old fashioned. It did not come out smoked. As I was passing through the narrow isle to use the restroom, I tapped the shoulder of an older bald man and said excuse me. He turned around and loudly called exclaimed how rude I was. I said "EXCUSE ME? I was just trying to get by." Then someone at the table he was talking to said, "This is the owner" and they all laughed. I'm not sure if that was the owner or not, but he was extremely drunk and rude. Also, the overhead string lights flicker nonstop, so if you are triggered by flashing lights, this will bother you. I'm not sure if this is bad wiring or supposed to mimic the electrical issues during prohibition. Overall, terrible experience and I will not be back. This could have been such a...

Entered through the Flagler Tavern entrance out front. Host was kind and brought us upstairs to The Bounty. We sat down and the server came right up to us and introduced himself. Nice guy. Bartender was nice too.

Vibes: Beautifully decorated, but the lights inside the room flicker often. Nor sure if that is intentional or not.

Drinks: The Aviation drink (gin) was exactly what my boyfriend wanted. The Hemingway (rum) ... it tasted great. Exactly as described.

Food: Took a little longer than I though to get the food. I ordered off of the Flagler Tavern menu. I got the veggie burger. It's just a Prager's patty from frozen, but I knew that - it was just "ok". Did not arrive warm. All fries arrived COLD. Ribeye Cheesesteak (off The Bounty menu) was FANTASTIC.

Service: I know working in the food industry is super hard, but I didn't see one smile from our servers. My complaint is not that they didn't smile (shoot I was having a bad day too). I'm more concerned with "why" they weren't happy in their workplace. I wonder how they are being treated by employer and customers....I assume not so great. But hey, maybe they were just...