The Corner

No, not the one on 13th and Spruce outside of the Parker Hotel (not that kind of corner), but in fact, the new bar/restaurant that has finally re-opened where beloved APO, formerly Apothecary, once was.  Oh, how I've missed those $13 Immunity Idols.  The Corner offers 3 menus, dinner (a first for the location), desserts, and drinks, and everything is brand new; no repeat drinks whatsoever (bye bye, Idol).  What has also changed is the entire first floor with mild alterations to the second floor.  Let's start with the layout. 

Windows have been punched into the first floor facade creating a more light filled space than before, making the environment more suitable for dining rather than drinking.  Booth and banquet seating make up the majority of the first floor area now.  In the back, the open, narrow kitchen, which used to be the main bar, offers stool seating where you can experience the former chef of Buddakan whipping up dishes such as Masa Tots, Grilled Truffle Cheese Short Ribs, or Grilled Tuna, Eggplant Caponata with an Olive Tapenade.  Mmmm!  Venturing upstairs, the layout has pretty much stayed the same with the exception of an added booth for seating/snacking and some new decor.  Drinks and apps can be ordered upstairs, while the first floor is intended mostly just for dining.

The food menu is small and moderately priced, but it still offers a great array of items to choose from, and with the former chef of Buddakan working the kitchen you know it's tasty.  The drink menu, no surprise, is smashing/creative/inspired.  While happily munching on the Masa Tots, my friend and I eagerly sipped on 4 new goodies; The Final Pillage, Lady Belladonna, Hotel Nacional, and my personal fav, Corpse Reviver #2 which consisted of Plymouth Gin, Lillet, Combier, Lemon, and Absinthe.  It was sensational!

Overall, I was delighted and pleased with The Corner.  The long, narrow space certainly makes better use for dining rather than trying to gather around a tiny bar all the way in the back for those dangerously, delicious drinks.  In the past, the rest of the floor was always unoccupied, making the space seem less lively than it could have been.  My fingers are crossed that the new concept takes off without a hitch.  So, here's to the revival and transformation of my top fav place to grab a great drink (and food now too)!