Committed to providing an indulgent drinking experience set to live jazz, this underground bar serves up classic cocktails and French-inspired fare with aplomb.
Named for George Temple Poole, the 19th-century architect of what is now the State Buildings, Pooles Temple takes up the subterranean space formerly occupied by Halford. The tone is grand European hotel bar meets jazz cellar: bartenders in fitted white coats, the cocktail menu erring to the classic but with some contemporary twists (see their dry Martini with Beluga Noble Russian vodka).
Manager Ludovic Kirchstetter, formerly of the precinct’s fine-diner Wildflower, heads up this underground bar. And while you’ll doubtless be impressed by the team’s handle on all things shaken and stirred, there are some serious names on the French-stacked wine list – Domaine William Fèvre, Mayard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Pol Roger, Dom Pérignon and Krug among them.
The tone is grand European hotel bar meets jazz cellar: bartenders in fitted white coats, the cocktail menu erring to the classic but with some contemporary twists.
A bar menu overseen by State Buildings executive chef Kim Brennan adds culinary weight to what is already a stellar experience. Brennan’s offering includes a decidedly decadent Croque Monsieur, with truffle béchamel and potato crisps for added oomph. The simple go-to, however, has to be Albany rock oysters. Tip them back plain, with a dash of pitch-perfect mignonette or add a paired Martini or glass of Champagne for next-level luxury.
Open Thursday to Saturday with live jazz every night, Pooles Temple keeps the schedule tight, but proves less is more, with good times into the small hours all but guaranteed.
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