The Woolworth is the newest downtown watering hole, located in one of the funkiest parts of the city center (we dig it, Mayor Rawlings). This new drinkery inhabits the old Stone Street Martini Lounge space. It's a little bit easier to find than the last joint was, thanks to the sandwich board out front and the widened pedestrian street that connects Main to Elm, under the watchful eye sculpture.
The upstairs bar basically replicates Martini Lounge and even has the same friendly bartender, Mike. But the menu has changed, offering both lunch and dinner and a variety of fancy snacks including Caprese Lollipops, Lobster Fondue and Ahi Tuna Wontons. The food prices are reasonable for the bar's swanky atmosphere: $3 for a barbacoa taco, $10 for a steak sandwich.
There are dashes of creativity on an otherwise standard cocktail menu, all bearing the price tag of $12. The Smoke and Spice, which is a zesty combination of jalapeno, cumin and cayenne pepper flavors, comes bubbling and smoking. Apparently, lining the bottom of a martini glass with dry ice isn't just something Halloween enthusiasts do. This is definitely not a beer lover's joint. Hoppy beverages, while available, don't even earn a spot on the menu.
The Woolworth finds the sweet spot between bar and restaurant that makes it a welcome addition to the downtown landscape. It might be the perfect place to imbibe in a nightcap when you find yourself leaving a club after dancing your butt off, or nearly inducing a food coma nextdoor at Campisi's.
