Reader: Green Russell pours on the pretentious

Coming from a bartender's perspective, I understand why people think the new wave of cocktail bars can be seen as pretentious. Hell, not till four years ago most of the well known bartenders ("mixologists") in Denver were shaking Manhattans and upset when people ordered an Old Fashioned! With a new sense of pride and knowledge that has come to a scene that is still very young, a "mixology" bar that prides itself on care and takes time to craft a drink will feel pretentious to a city that is used to "drink slingers".

I have personally seen more pretentious attitude from bartenders at dive bars and sports taverns than I ever have at Green Russell or any local cocktail bar. Half of the bartenders at your average pub will say that Jack Daniel's is a Bourbon, and do so with a chip on their shoulder. People forget that the bartender's bane is ego...no matter what bar they work in. Adam and his crew have a great desire to push the culture of fine drinking to new heights here in the Mile High. He knows he wouldn't have a bar without his wonderful guests.

I am lucky to be part of the cocktail scene here in my hometown, people like Adam Hodak and Alex Parks of Green Russell make my city better by continuing to elevate our drinking habits. As a bartender in Denver, I am lucky to have guests that want to try new things and drink well!

I hope someday Adam's dream of all restaurants making their own Sour Mix comes true, especially in the pretentious dive bars that make you feel like a jerk when you order an Old Fashioned.

While I enjoy the 'mixaology' trend its really f'ing up the bar service at other restaurants (The Kitchen Denver, i'm talking to you). 

I get it, trendy drinks take 10 minutes to make, but should that really slow down my vodka rocks or my wife's glass of wine. I think any spot that is going to serve up trendy drinks should make sure they have a bartender that just does mixology and another one that can serve normal drinks so I don't have to wait 20 minutes for my vodka...

I think people understand that its pretentious and expensive. Would you expect a "mock" speak easy run by an esteemed chef to be anything but that?

That being said its not my thing. I'd much rather eat Franks food then have a bar tender make me a drink that costs 17 bucks and I'll finish in two seconds. Drinks are good though. I just personally don't feel fancy enough to drink there.

The place is there to showcase the talents of bartenders and if you aren't into that you probably won't like it. So yea overall I can see people disliking this place immensely or really loving it.

BTW Best underrated place to drink tasty cocktails? Double Daughters. Especially at happy hour (which won't be crowded).

Were you really denied service or were they full just like any other restaurant might be? I for one appreciate they take reservations for tables to drink there. This system keeps it civilized and classy. If you want to be in packed bar, pushing for drinks, check out Market up the road. Clearly you sound like a self entitled, bitter, condescending person. Yes Denver is not Vegas but believe it or not, places actually do get to capacity! What a novel idea. I am tired of some people in this town who think they are better than our venues just because they have visited/lived in bigger cities. Get over yourself!