After-dinner cocktails on a Friday in August - next weekend!

[fromNYCto]

We're coming to town, primarily to eat at Charlie Trotter before they close. We have a 6:15 reservation so we might have some energy left for a round or two of after-dinner cocktails. I've heard of The Violet Hour and Aviary but I'm guessing both places will be slammed on a Friday night. Any other suggestions? We're staying in the Gold Coast neighborhood. Thanks!

[danimalarkey]

Well, The Aviary will accept reservations -- Kathryn is pretty familiar with how they work and hopefully she'll chime in. The Violet Hour will, yes, probably be pretty crowded on a Friday evening. They do not accept reservations though they will gladly take your phone number once you show up and call you if/when spots are open. Though if you're coming from CT's, you feel over-dressed for some of the other bars near Violet Hour. Having said that, though, waiting at Big Star, across the street, and enjoying some of their drinks before heading to Violet Hour, is one hell of a 1-2 combination.

The Drawing Room, located in the Gold Coast, does a nice job with cocktails, though it can get loud and pretty crowded.

[fromNYCto]

Thanks for the quick reply! I may try emailing the folks over at Aviary but I just don't know how long our dinner will be at Trotter's (any thoughts on that?) and then to make a reservation at The Aviary - only available at 6, 8 and 10p time slots - seems dicey.

[kathryn]

I would call Charlie Trotter's and ask approximately how long they think your meal will be.

I would personally make a reservation for 10pm, and then if you're early, kill time at iNG or Maude's or Au Cheval.

[fromNYCto]

Good call! I just called Trotter's and they said 2.5-3 hours so that would get us pretty close to the 10p reservation spot at The Aviary. I just emailed The Aviary - fingers crossed mine gets selected!

[fromNYCto]

I got a reservation for 10p. So excited!

[Gonzo70]

Nice! The Aviary is so much fun,

[kathryn]

Excellent! Have a great time.