12/08/06

The most interesting part of a trip to Hamilton's is trying to find parking

by jstevenson1212

If you can penetrate Cleveland's Euclid Avenue construction obstacles and eventually find a parking spot SOMEWHERE along the side streets, which is in itself an adventure, you'll find a totally smoke-filled average bar. I found the martinis to be extraordinarily expensive and their taste mediocre compared to the surrounding bars. There's a martini bar next door that I would highly suggest, especially since the crowd next door is usually more diverse. I also found Hamilton's to be so smoke-filled, it's almost difficult to see from one end of the bar to the other because of the thick haze. The bar is very small, so you're shoulder to shoulder with people even there are only four people in the place!

• Pros: Decor was well done
• Cons: Parking, thick cigarette smoke

Sleek mahogany and chic martinis rule at this theater district saloon.

by Contributor

In Short
The after-work, pre-theater crowd has flocked to this 12-table Playhouse Square hideaway since it opened in January 2004. Jockey for space at the mahogany bar while sipping a silky Coffee Lover's martini made with Stoli and Kahlua, or a take-no-prisoners Bombay Sapphire gin martini. Food is limited to complimentary hors d'oeuvres (request the owner's recipe crab salad on Triscuits).