Its not the first time I have been in the Bar de Lion during my travels. Its an institution and everybody who likes cocktails and comes to Hamburg should at least visit this place once. Had nice evenings in there with friends, early at night but also late to get a knock-off drink. It opens every day a week which is something that I really like since I cannot always choose when to be in the city. So the place is a safe bet. You have to ring the bell to get in if you can find it, as not a lot points out to this centrally located spot. A well dressed host opens the door for you and if there is space you will be granted entry. There are not many seating spots and they let in a few people to stand so the place will never be crowded. At least it was never when I was there which made it comfy. The ambience has a slight upmarket feel to it. Opulently decorated tapestry at the walls, a golden lion behind the bar, rather dimly lit the whole place and carpeted floor. There is a mixed crowd of people you find here even though it can sometimes be a bit too much ties and suits to feel relaxed. The bar draws a well-heeled crowd in there. There was a new host who just worked there since a short time. I was outside with a friend having a cigarette and it was getting rather late. The bar was still well visited. A group of tie wearing men showed up a the door.
Drink Selection
Rather loud and I could instantly see the host was not too excited but stayed very polite. One of the guys said: “We are five guys but we can all behave well and hey, don’t worry we have enough money”. The reaction of the host was priceless, answering cool and dry: “Well that’s probably the only reason why I should not let you in right now”. Big smile on my face. In the end the guys came in and all was fine. Le Lion offers great drinks and knowledgable, friendly and well dressed staff that make it definitely worthwhile coming here.In the background you hear jazz and the drinks are prepared in a very professional manner. A water service is right there when you find your spot in the bar. A little detail one should find in every nice cocktail bar. In the middle of the bar, there is a display of crushed ice. Everything is rather minimalistic and clean. A small selection of spirits are visible, just a few bar utensils lying round. For my first drink I opted for a Sazerac. Immediately the question came back on ice or not. As I know the glasses are cooled and the stiring of the drinks is done in the stiring glass placed into the crushed ice, the choice was clear. Very well executed. Glasses are rather simple and standard if not to say a bit cheap. Fancy crystal glasses which would fit very well to the bar, you search for no end. Would be a nice detail to find this in such a place. If you come here for the first time and you have nothing against sweet/sour cocktails you must try the Gin basil smash. Rumour has it, it was invented in this bar. This grass green drink is very refreshing in summer. You start getting it all over the place now in Europe which can be annoying. My second drink was a recommendation as i wanted to have something in the direction of a Manhattan. What came was a Kennedy Manhattan. El Dorado Rum, Noilly Prat, Angostura and maple syrup. Very good recommendation indeed. I enjoyed every sip of it. One small detail to mention in the end. As all glasses are cooled water condensates on them and they are very moist. The rather cheap paper napkins offered look ugly after minutes on the bar or on the tables. A different solution would certainly give an extra touch to the overall feel. All in all I like this place and will regularly return to Bar de Lion even though it got competition from a different bar called the Walrus which you will also find in my reviews.
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