Content from our friends over at Dallas Drinks Examiner
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Revisiting the Library Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel in Dallas
Library Bar lounge
It has been more than two years since I last visited The Library Bar at the Warwick Melrose Hotel. Remembering it as a classy, relaxing spot for drinks, I was curious to see the bar following its 2008 renovations. With its updated decor, great live music, and one of the better drink menus in town, the Library Bar has upped its game without sacrificing the cozy ambiance and elegance that its hotel guests and regulars expect and appreciate.
Upon entering the Library Bar, visitors will notice plenty of plush leather chairs, tables, and a piano resting in the corner. Those wanting to sit at the bar can choose from a handful of seats, but the majority of the space operates as a lounge with table service.
Library Bar
The atmosphere during the day is quiet and subdued, with more action occurring past 5 o'clock, when the live music starts. Featuring piano, jazz, and singers six nights a week, including accomplished artist Aubree Anna, recently featured in D Magazine, patrons can enjoy hours of sophisticated, soulful entertainment.
Of course, no night is complete without tasty food and drink. I'm happy to report that the Library Bar has plenty of both. During my visit, I snacked on chopped beef sliders with horseradish cream, grilled flat bread with prosciutto, figs, and goat cheese, and the bar's five spice calamari, which has achieved cult status as one of the best appetizers in Dallas. (You can score free calamari on Wednesdays with the purchase of a cocktail.) Other menu items include tuna tartar, ginger chicken pot stickers, and a Reuben sandwich.
The Melrose Cable Car, one of the best cocktails at the Library Bar.
The drink menu is equally enticing and features well-made classic cocktails, a shamefully difficult thing to find in Dallas. I tried the Melrose Manhattan, the Winning Mark, and the Melrose Cable Car, each one delicious and gorgeously presented. The drink menu also includes several specialty martinis, plus a solid selection of spirits, beers, and wines. And a highlight for those of us on a budget, the Library Bar offers drink specials six nights a week.
Final thoughts
Overall, the Library Bar is definitely worth a visit. Whether you're in the mood for upscale comfort food, well-crafted cocktails, live entertainment, or just a cozy corner to relax with a friend, a date, or a good book, the Library Bar hits the spot.
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alexander troup says:
Well that is a change....last time I was there 2006, some art event that took place and the bar was worn out....A.T, Good vibes for old places that have a good make over....
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jtmbls says:
Well there is blast from the past! One of those places you hate to see change. It sounds like they did a good job of keeping it at the cosmetic level. I suppose the only thing missing now is the cigar smoke. :(
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alexander troup says:
Yea Monkey Bean, your right... the smoke is over with in this town....you cant meet people unless you chew gum, drink bottled water or hang out in Deep Elm.....A/T, What a stupid guy going to do....
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luniz says:
I thought their Manhattan was a bit watered down and over-aerated. OTOH I was thinking about stopping in for a drink Friday night since it's a pretty classy joint.
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alexander troup says:
I recall we did a big party there for the Parks Investment Group, who had owned the Fair Park area for over 100 years, event was in 2000.....it was the last time they would have control over the old empire of Texans..... The Melrose has hidden class...too...A/T, Man about town once upon a time ago...
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CitizenKane says:
Luniz:
You caught my attention. You seem to know your Manhattans.....I am a fan of the delicious concoction myself, and am always searching for the bar/mixologist who can make a near perfect one. Any tips?
PS: the bar at the Palomar makes a terrible one.....they only had one kind of vermouth, it was the sweet kind and it wasn't italian...2 requirements in my version.
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luniz says:
well I like mine perfect, no fruit, with rye. So the trick for me is to find a place with rye, which is harder than you'd think.
I haven't been to a huge variety of bars around town, but you can get any drink (including a sazerac!) at the Windmill Lounge on Maple. To be honest I don't know if I can think of anywhere else where I've really liked what I had.
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CitizenKane says:
I agree...which means I am left to making mine at home...imbiding (with the Mel Torme vinyl spinning), then out the door, properly nourished for dinner!
I will definetly give Rye a try! Rye is a very underrated beverage.
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