A new cocktail bar/restaurant has opened up in the former location of Lacey Lou’s on Broad Street. I mourn the passing of Lacey-Lou’s, it was a unique take on going local; the vibe screamed indie and earnest as a young woman tried to start a new business. But after several sighs, it was time to visit the recently opened Saint Frank.
Created by the people that brought you Wheelies and Victory Barber you can expect hipster on steroids and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Not only can you eat and drink here, you can also play pinball (once BC Gaming gives its nod of approval) and get your hair cut. It’s like going to the niche-iest of malls. You won’t recognize the place if you’d been there in the days of Lacey-Lou’s but then you will recognize it from any current design magazine – dark, brick walls, Restoration Hardware vibe.
The cocktails, of course, are bourbon-centric as you’d expect at any self-respecting hipster bar and it’s a very short list of six. Starting with a Maple Bourbon Sour, I was impressed with the lovely balance, not too tart, the right amount of maple and a nice hit of bitters. The Old Fashioned was built and stirred correctly and for the finalé a Moscow Mule was the only misstep. I was surprised that with all the great vodka being produce locally, and a price point of $9 for a one-ounce cocktail, that Saint Frank’s might have gone local but instead they’re pouring Absolut Vodka mixed with a very bland, house-made cardamom ginger ale. Hot dogs or Franks, I should call them are on offer for $11 to $12.