Bin 77 Side Bar’s thirst-quenchers for the last warm days

Photo by Stephanie Landry

At a time of year when summer won’t seem to give up, sometimes you just need a respite with a refreshing drink, preferably at a bar that feels like your own private hangout. Bin 77’s recent expansion jumps across its spacious courtyard to occupy the former The Wine Loft space next door. Now, wine and dinner are the focus in the original space, and the new Bin 77 Side Bar caters to the cocktails and small plates crowd (though they do allow overlap).

With a nice mix of comfy seating options and a prominent bar with chalkboard specials, the Side Bar is the perfect place to escape the heat when strolling around Perkins Rowe. Go during a late afternoon, when the crowds haven’t yet arrived and conversation is easy.

The cocktail list offers a few classics with plenty of subtle twists. We sidled up to the bar for one of its more popular craft cocktails: the Mississippi Magnolia. It’s a mixture of the herbaceous Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka, a couple squeezes of fresh lemon juice, house-made honey syrup, a splash of soda and a hefty chunk of ginger root for garnish.

It tastes bright, citrusy but not too sweet, with a kick from the ginger to leave you longing for a little more—much like the final days of every summer. bin77.com