Tongue-Cut Sparrow

Bobby Heugel and Chef Peter Jahnke’s under-the-radar, Tongue-Cut Sparrow, opened in February 2017, settling in above Downtown’s Pastry War. Inspired by the owners' Asia travels, the name pays homage to a Japanese fable about greed, jealousy and friendship.

Inside the intimate, 25-seat speakeasy, the vibe is masculine with dark wood floors, exposed brick walls and clubby leather seating. The understated, low-glitz look allows Tongue-Cut Sparrow’s craft cocktails to take center stage. On the well-edited menu, more than a dozen classic selections like the gimlet, French 75, Collins and martinis are on offer, along with a handful of original cocktails made specifically for the bar. Complimentary bar nuts are served along with drinks.

Given its limited size, half of the bar is available for reservation, while the rest is open for walk-in service.