The Exley

Fun, chatty bartenders, outdoor seating for smokers. Definitely a local bar vibe, but decent in every way.

Cool little bar close to our hotel. Was quiet when we stopped in at the start of our night. Had a pretty decent beer list and seemed to be a good selection of whisky too. The bar man was cool and really friendly.

Awesome place, good drinks, casual vibes.

Just found another lively/ secret spot. It's mine fuck off you won't like it!

“Expect it at The Exley”

Stumbling off the beaten path can occasionally yield unexpectedly fine results and The Exley, a bartender’s bar located a short half block off of Union, stirs in the shadows with a heaving, untapped potential. My companion and I chanced upon this neatly designed, softly lit, and lightly serenaded cocktail and beer establishment on a barren Friday night. The warm and inviting nature of The Exley stands in stark contrast to the industrial street and adjoining expressway outside; a sunshine hue mural captures this feeling with impressionistic flair and sets a tone of comfort and contemplation. Despite the decent happy hour offer, we were alone for a lengthy spell and in shameless and selfish fashion, I was grateful. It was during that time that cocktail magic happened.

Similar to other cocktail places, The Exley has six or so house cocktails on the glass menu (accompanied by several better-than-most draughts and bottles of beer) that take a cue from the classics but strive for something more. There is a light celery tinged tonic to refresh the senses. A ginger hot toddy brings you in from the cold. A serious Sazerac in a shallow snifter reminiscences on its roots. The Penicillin touches three quarters of your taste buds. Each cocktail I tried was standout, strong, and expertly executed. Our host had no reason to hurry but I don’t think he would make that compromise even on a crowded night: he understands that preserving the character of these drinks takes a steady, honest hand and the entire place defends that maxim. All the hallmarks of fine mixology are there: careful pours into jiggers, judicious use of the stirring spoon, and taste-adjust-taste quality control. Adding to the mystery of the libations is the conscious decision to not immediately expose the ingredients of each cocktail; that all too rare relationship with your barkeeper quickly builds and is a welcome part of the experience. Before parting ways and having tasted almost all the house offerings, my mention of spice allowed our humble host to experiment… and deliver. For those of you with high expectations, expect The Exley to meet them and leave you firmly satisfied, a rare but longed-for sensation.

Cocktails: 9/10 for the best cocktails I’ve had and variety enough to keep you surprised
Atmosphere: 6/10 for clean comfort but thematically nondescript
Poetic Vision: 9/10 for making it seem that every drink has a deeper meaning inside of it

Notes: Although I had a lofty experience, the bar isn’t designed to cater to a single clientele. A built in DJ station brings in live control to the soundscape, there is seating for couples and small groups as well as standing space for crowds, and hosts special events like a Superbowl party.