Subourbon Whisky, Wine, & Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Wheaton

(kept the drink review at the end) This place is a must if drinking is more than just swallowing, drowning away or even celebrating. Serious appreciation and conversation over a variety of liquid gold happens here (among other rich conversations that often accompany a good drink). Yet, there is NOT a pretentious or snobby vibe (despite the looks). Bravo for achieving that! We clap.

Bonus: there is even a local aficionado club that gathers here. I wished that I could have stayed an extra night to join a tasting happening the day after I visited.

The barman is a magician who takes pride in his art. The first drink I ordered never touched my lips because the barman did not feel that he had enough of an ingredient to do justice to the drink. An honest barman ;D Also, anything off with your drink and they will offer a replacement. Btw, the staff serves your drink and actually lingers around until you take your first sip before leaving. You will only sink into your seat and dive into your drink, if you actually like it.

I had a couple of drinks here and they were amazing! Complex but not complex just for the sake of looking fancy, exotic, exclusive and expensive. Although quality ingredients are used they are actually well-thought out, balanced and play off each other (ie. use of Bonal instead of vermouth for example).

The drink to rule them all that night: the double cigar-smoked Manhattan. I noticed this drink as soon as I skimmed the menu to draft my game plan and automatically put it as my coup de grâce. I kept the best for last and best it was.

First, the presentation is just breathtakingly dramatic but also very functional. Whatever smoke is good for my drink then it is good for my nose too. Appraising my drink just like I would a cigar. Well played with the bell brought to my seat.

After your breath is taken away, your eyes are lit. Look at this drink. It just draws you in. Mysterious sexy deep color that lights up to a goldish hue through the rock.

As your lips close in on this liquid gold, your already tempted nose is excited once more with the amazing scents and perfumes. You know you got something strong and bold in your hands. Don't mess around. You know that this drink will kill on sip.

Then your lips finally touch down and invite the first kiss. Just wow. You know that you need to pace yourself, take it slow and enjoy it but this drink is something else. The smokiness reminds you of how mysterious it looked at first but the Starlight hits and lights way. You're ready to settle and hunker down but the bonal (merci!) wakes you up and prepares you for the next sip. It's not medicinal but it's also more than just...

Look, this is a venture by the Common Good folks, so you know the drink menu is going to be phenomenal. However, I don't think a lot of people who are not cocktail nerds know it is there and that you can make reservations without a $$$$ membership now. Upstairs Maypole's food is phenomenal already. This just ups everything to the next level though. They make you feel like a billionaire, and that is very kind of them because I usually show up after riding my bicycle.

The space is both comfortable, big, and gorgeous, and they've gone a very different direction than Common Good. The drinks aren't the same eclectic mixes of ingredients, but rather, complex and nuanced takes on classic drinks. They do swapping, infusions, and all kinds of fascinating takes on negronis, martinis, daiquiris, etc.

Anyway, if you are into really, seriously nice drinks and a great atmosphere, make a reservation and absolutely check it out. You will pay nice craft cocktail prices, but they're similar to CG, Northcott, or certainly anywhere in the city. For the price, you get an amazingly nice and attentive staff who remember your name and make sure you get a drink you love. There's nothing pretentious about this bar, its just really incredibly good service and quality. And way more comfortable space than CG with a lot more seating, a fireplace, couches, etc, and...

Get ready for one of the realest review you will ever read

I have lived in Wheaton for the past six years and NEVER went to any of the bars because they never appealed to me. Upon eating at Maypole, I ventured downstairs and my breath was taken away.

Let me explain why:

Atmosphere: I am a more shy person and don’t like extremely loud noises. This place is perfect, the lighting is gorgeous, you can actually enjoy conversations, and the music is fire. We know the music can make or break a place.

Bar: Drinks are 11/10 especially because I like my drinks sweet and fruity. Bartenders are AWESOME and super suave! They explained everything so well and make the best drink predictions if you don’t know what you want!

Getting Home: Now that you are sloshed and happy, don’t worry the parking lot is right there and you won’t get lost or bust your ass on unnecessary steps, in and out!

Cost: I am a budget queen and I had NO problem spending the money for this experience, drinks and food.

I have come back over 10 times and will keep coming back. Just trust me and try it, especially for those who may feel like they don’t quite mix into the Wheaton crowd (if you know you know.)...