Nectar Hideaway: Speakeasy Rooftop Cocktails Bar — Restaurant in Hà Nội

I ordered a Sazerac, a spirit-forward cocktail traditionally made with rye whiskey. However, it was served with blended Canadian whisky, which changed the drink’s character. And no, blended whiskey isn’t typically used for mixing classic cocktails.

When I inquired about this, the bartender’s response was vague and my question was not directly addressed. While I still appreciated the bitterness of the drink - and the bar’s atmosphere, I found it unprofessional and inconsiderate to modify a classic cocktail without informing the guest, and to avoid directly answering a simple question. Transparency and respect for both the customer and the integrity of the drink should always be prioritized.

If I had been advised to have blended whiskey instead of rye for a lighter cocktail, I would have appreciated it. However, using blended whiskey in front of my eyes after I said I wanted rye and assuming the guest wouldn’t notice and know it, that felt - and actually was - dismissive and condescending.

Edit: Thank you for your response. However, I feel that my 2-star review is justified for the following reasons: Giving a 2-star rating doesn’t undermine the bartenders’ efforts. I appreciated their friendliness, engagement, and the drink they prepared. They certainly made an effort to create a positive experience, and I value that.

My review was about more than just the drink’s technique. I was disappointed by the underlying lack of respect and transparency in the bar’s culture, which made the experience feel less genuine. It wasn’t just an odd mistake from ‘one’ bartender, it felt like a broader issue with how clients are treated.

While I appreciate your apology, I feel it focuses more on how my review affected the bar rather than on how it affected my experience. The lack of reflection on how I felt during the interaction makes the apology feel incomplete.

Nectar has an overwhelming number of positive reviews, and my 2-star review won’t significantly impact your overall standing. However, it’s important to recognize that while the bar is still very good with 4,9 stars, there is always room for improvement. I’m standing by my rating because I believe it reflects the overall experience I had.

Edit 2: No, changing the base spirit of a classic cocktail like the Sazerac is not a small error. If you’re proud that Vietnam’s cocktail culture is well-developed, then it’s important to show the integrity and professionalism to accept feedback without minimizing mistakes - also as a way to honor the craft of cocktail-making. That would be a much stronger and more encouraging sign of growth.

I don’t need a compensation or anything. While I could have asked for another drink right then, what I appreciate is the transparency and respect from the outset.

I’m not writing this review to shame you, put you down or seek revenge, but to offer honest feedback that might help you grow.

One last thing: I don’t mean to blame the bartender personally. Honestly, I don’t think it was just their fault. It feels more like a problem with how the bar works overall. I just hope you can reflect on it properly and see where it’s really...

We came here on a Monday night and while we were the only two inside the bar for a while, the service was still top notch and the cocktails tasted just as lively as their displays. I'm sure you've already seen pictures and if you're thinking about stopping in, do it! Each drink is like an experience and each one is just as memorable. The bar is a beautiful collection of spirits and the vibe lives up to it's speakeasy name. Be prepared to climb up an array of stairs as there is no elevator but once you make it to the top, there is plenty of seating to relax. The prices are reasonable for what you're getting but it is above what you might expect to pay for Vietnam.

The L'essential was probably my favorite drink. It taste just as vibrant as the display it comes in, i highly recommend it. The Starry Night taste "purple" if that makes any sense. A little rich on the notes, but it actually sparkles under light and lightens up as it opens in the glass for a bit. I love the thought behind these beautifully executed cocktails.

10/10 recommend, we will...

The place can be a little hard to find. One will need to look out for the unit number and the small signage to locate the bar tucked inside a small alley.

Drinks were priced very reasonably, especially with the 30% discount during happy hours. The drinks adopted a gardens theme and you could tell that the bartenders put in effort to make them presentable. I accidentally missed out on the word “spicy” and ordered the Garden of Words, which turned out to be too much for me to take. I could feel my stomach burning within sips of taking the potent cocktail. The other drink was “Whispering of the woods”, which was both fruity and woody at the same time.

Staff was hospitable and that made the experience a...