The Observer, April 6, 2007
Volume XXXIX, Issue 23
Head to Cave du Vin, not B-side for true happy hour
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For the next semester this space will feature a weekly happy hour review and competition of local establishments. The Observer reminds you to consume alcohol in moderation and responsibly. To add your comments, thoughts, questions, or offer to buy a beer, email: happyhour@case.edu
Five people. Two rounds of beer. A glass of wine. New experiences. Not a single complaint.
That experience seems par for the course at La Cave du Vin – a basement wine bar on Coventry overflowing with an unreal selection. Once you find the wine cave, which can be a task in itself, you enter an atmosphere that successfully blends the cozy, the emo and the French-artsy, and the hidden monastery of beer. Very calm in the early evening, private conversations are easily carried out, and even when the crowd picks up later at night, the noise is never a problem.
Getting through the selection list at most bars is relatively easy – even the more extensive options can be accomplished in a year. Good luck attempting that at the wine cave where there are over 200 beers, and 300 wines by the bottle – a full 60 by the glass. You would need to start as a freshman, and it would still be a challenge. The options are not standard, and are often hard-to-find delicacies from small microbreweries across the world. In addition to the wine and beer choices, a full standard liquor selection is available behind the bar with a very solid single malt scotch set. The choices seem almost endless.
Any patron would find this daunting, but the conundrum is solved by the friendly expertise of the bartenders. By describing a favorite style of beer, your tastes, how you are feeling that day, and your goals for the evening, the knowledgeable staff is likely to come back with two or more options to choose from. Chances are, they will all be impeccable.
"It's a learning experience each time you visit," remarked one regular patron of La Cave du Vin who chose to remain anonymous. "All of them know the customers and know the tastes of the beer."
The food, although limited, is appealing and moderately priced. A very simple order of delicious warm French bread with oil and options for parmesan cheese could feed two and only costs three dollars. Slightly more expensive trays of fruit and cheese that sounded delectable could be recommended to match your drink by the bartending experts.
If your goal is to remain under budget, this can be accomplished, although it's not as easy as at other establishments. The bottles of beer range anywhere from three dollars to nearly 30, with the majority falling between four and eight, and their prices are clearly marked so you can choose to drink for relatively cheap. The selection does not, however, include American standards Miller Lite, Budweiser, and Pabst Blue Ribbon – instead, mostly high-end quality, local, or otherwise small brewers are supported.
La Cave du Vin is relaxing and comfortable and every beer, wine, and food sampled was absolutely terrific. For selection and quality of alcoholic options, it cannot be beat anywhere near campus. Even if it may not be your style, the wine cave is worth one visit even just to stare at the wall of beer from around the world. You'll probably want to try a couple, too.
In terms of a true happy hour, B-side Liquor Lounge fails the test. When we went, the atmosphere was non-existent, and we were the only patrons, though it was 9 p.m. A wide variety of music made the experience more enjoyable, but not overwhelmingly impressive. The dark, minimal interior caused only sarcastic remarks and disappointment. Sadly, even the beverages could not cheer up the dampened mood at B-side Liquor Lounge. A below average selection is made even worse by the bad prices – a simple bottle of Hoegaarden rang up at five dollars.
The bright side of B-side, however, is its patio. Open in the warmer months, this oasis is what outdoor drinking should be. Secluded, cool, and seemingly tucked away in a different world, it shines through as the strength of this establishment, but it still cannot be enjoyed by yourself. For B-side, try going much later at night or on a weekend – or bring an entourage of 30 people with you.
