East Side Company Bar: Do three lounges make for an empire? When we’re talking about Sasha Petraske, who reigns over Milk & Honey, Little Branch, and East Side Company, Hail Caesar comes to mind. Petraske’s drinkeries have certain commonalities that define the new age of cocktailing: off-center locales, a ’20s art-deco aesthetic, unmarked entrances (OK, this one has a pint-sized plaque), and fantastic cocktails. Don’t call East Side Company’s cocktail chefs “bartenders.” Here, the art of libations is taken very seriously—arguably to a fault. They will, however, make pretty much any drink requested in addition to having several suggestions of their own. The crowd is a destination bar type that comes from all over town to hit spots like this one. A private party room in back begs “reserve me,” but nothing here comes cheap. |
