Spring Break
Cloud 9, Downward Dog a hidden find
Rachel Love
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Diversions
My first visit to Cloud 9 and the Downward Dog pub started with a brief conversation with Sarah, my server and bartender. While simultaneously talking to myself and the others at the bar, Sarah mixed drinks, took orders, and recommended her favorite dishes and drinks.
While I waited briefly for my macaroni, I ordered a red rocket fizz. The fizz was slightly reminiscent of an Italian soda and featured an interesting mix of gin, strawberry, saffron, cardamom, lemon and soda water. The macaroni, which Sarah touted as the "crowd favorite," has a different sauce every day (that day was Cajun cheddar) and could be enough to split between two people.
Staffed almost entirely by 20- and 30-somethings, the place harbors a fun, experimental, and welcoming atmosphere, which is strongly reflected in their delicious food and drinks. Although the front restaurant is small, it holds plenty of seating for a busy weeknight crowd, with more in the back bar, and outdoor seating in the front.
I soon found myself engaged in conversation with the house mixologist, Chris Churilla, about how he comes up with the creative drinks featured on their menu. Chris describes Cloud 9 and Downward Dog as a "little science lab", where they make their own bitters, and have even created an espresso stout syrup for a new cocktail (the Siberian Espresso) featured on their monthly bingo night (every first Thursday, for those that are interested).
While the prices may be high for some (in the teens for the chicken yakisoba), Cloud 9 and Downward Dog have a very cheap happy hour (4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday) and late night (8 p.m.-midnight Monday-Saturday) menu, with fries at $1.95 and "Libations," a cheaper version of the house cocktail, at four dollars. Note that these hours are slightly different than those posted online at their website, dinecloud9.com.
They also have themes for various late nights, like Tiki Tuesdays (all tiki themed drinks are $3.50), or Saturday Night delight, which features $3 White Russians and whiskey gingers. If you're hungry, late night offers a bowl of macaroni and a pint for less than $6.
Amongst their various drinks, Cloud 9 and the Downward Dog also offer sake and wine. For those in the know, these sister restaurants have potential for a great budget-friendly night on the town, even if they is a little off the beaten path.
My recommendations include the "Red Rocket Fizz", "Le Caw Caw," the macaroni and cheese, and their amazing herb encrusted French fries.
Rachel Love
diversions@dailybarometer.com
While I waited briefly for my macaroni, I ordered a red rocket fizz. The fizz was slightly reminiscent of an Italian soda and featured an interesting mix of gin, strawberry, saffron, cardamom, lemon and soda water. The macaroni, which Sarah touted as the "crowd favorite," has a different sauce every day (that day was Cajun cheddar) and could be enough to split between two people.
Staffed almost entirely by 20- and 30-somethings, the place harbors a fun, experimental, and welcoming atmosphere, which is strongly reflected in their delicious food and drinks. Although the front restaurant is small, it holds plenty of seating for a busy weeknight crowd, with more in the back bar, and outdoor seating in the front.
I soon found myself engaged in conversation with the house mixologist, Chris Churilla, about how he comes up with the creative drinks featured on their menu. Chris describes Cloud 9 and Downward Dog as a "little science lab", where they make their own bitters, and have even created an espresso stout syrup for a new cocktail (the Siberian Espresso) featured on their monthly bingo night (every first Thursday, for those that are interested).
While the prices may be high for some (in the teens for the chicken yakisoba), Cloud 9 and Downward Dog have a very cheap happy hour (4-6:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday) and late night (8 p.m.-midnight Monday-Saturday) menu, with fries at $1.95 and "Libations," a cheaper version of the house cocktail, at four dollars. Note that these hours are slightly different than those posted online at their website, dinecloud9.com.
They also have themes for various late nights, like Tiki Tuesdays (all tiki themed drinks are $3.50), or Saturday Night delight, which features $3 White Russians and whiskey gingers. If you're hungry, late night offers a bowl of macaroni and a pint for less than $6.
Amongst their various drinks, Cloud 9 and the Downward Dog also offer sake and wine. For those in the know, these sister restaurants have potential for a great budget-friendly night on the town, even if they is a little off the beaten path.
My recommendations include the "Red Rocket Fizz", "Le Caw Caw," the macaroni and cheese, and their amazing herb encrusted French fries.
Rachel Love
diversions@dailybarometer.com
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