Opened in 2002, Acme Bar & Company is located on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California.
This casual, intimate neighborhood bar specializes in high-quality spirits that includes an award-winning collection of whiskey and mezcal, along with bottled cocktails to-go, and an extensive selection of beer and wine.
The bar attracts a mix of the 30 + age group of regulars from the neighborhood, and others who come for the extensive whiskey collection. Experienced bartenders are on hand to guide customers through a tasting flight, whether a novice or a seasoned connoisseur. Owner Jennifer Seidman is a self-taught whiskey collector, certified sommelier, and hospitality industry veteran.
She provided some insight behind the name. “Acme by dictionary definition means the zenith or the highest point, and a lighthearted connotation to Road Runner/Wylie Coyote. as well as having a general meaning, almost generic, so business isn’t pigeonholed by the name.” Over the past two decades, Seidman has curated a 700-bottle spirit collection, leading to its recognition as one of the “Top 100 Best Bourbon Bars in the U.S.” by Bourbon Review Magazine.
The Bourbon Old Fashioned has been on the menu since day one, and is still the most popular cocktail, along with Manhattans and Margaritas. Acme’s beverage program was designed with quality and detail in mind, with a splash of speed and efficiency. Seidman explains, “Our collection offers a range of popular and rare offerings. Guests can enjoy curated whiskey and spirit flights served on custom-made boards, whether it be a global sampler or a guided tasting in the private back room. We offer artisan cocktails of classics and originals created by the bar staff, each made with fresh juices, house-made or Small Hand Foods syrup, and high-quality spirits, many of which are available to-go.”
Another customer favorite is the Pear-ly Legal, a bourbon cocktail made with spiced pear liqueur, fresh lemon juice, and black walnut bitters.
Pear-ly Legal
Recipe by Elizabeth Storm
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. bourbon
- 3/4 oz. St. George spiced pear liqueur
- 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 2 drops of Fee Brothers black walnut bitters
Preparation: Place bourbon, liqueur, lemon juice, and bitters in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice and shake well; double strain into a coupe glass.
Seidman states she also takes great pride in serving good wine at good prices, such as the French rosé by Claude Val and the champagne by Jacquart. Beer drinkers will be satisfied with a vast selection from the likes of East Brothers Brewery, Almanac Brewery, St George distillery, Moonlight Brewery, and Faction Brewery. They also work with local distillers, Charbay, Wright & Brown, and Mosswood.
Happy Hour is offered Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm, with shot and beer specials, along with discounts on select cocktails. Be sure to also ask about their guided whiskey tastings for a full experience.
Acme Bar & Company
2115 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, California 94702
Open Every day, Sun to Thu 3pm to 11pm,
Fri and Sat 3pm to 2am
510-644-2226
The post Berkeley’s Spirited Haven, Acme Bar & Company appeared first on Chilled Magazine.
Source: Mixology News
