Glass

Alright, I’ve been here often enough now that… I get it. And I like it.
Glass’ identity is supposed to be reminiscent of a sixties and seventies bar. You can come in and: curl up in a dark corner with a sexy-​time friend, or enjoy an afternoon networking meeting, or squat at the bar and watch whatever old-​time movie is being projected on their wall (which is always entertaining… especially when you catch the odd risqué scene! Even as an adult, I can’t help but giggle).
Currently, I think a large part of their personality also comes from the Food and Beverage Manager, Josh. Is he intense? Yes. But in the «I’m glad he’s on my side» kind of way — and he really is, because an excellent customer experience is at the heart of what he’s all about. I’m also a little enamored with Madison, the bartender who seems to always be there. The last time I went in he — after just meeting once — remembered my name and my drink. This might be a tremendously simple thing, but it’s an art form that seems lost on many bartenders in this city and makes him a keeper. Swoon.
I haven’t had the food, but I have had the cocktails. I continue to be in love Snow White’s Poison (which I described in my first review as a drink with «white apple-​flavored foam that’s sweet and delicious with a layer of ginger and jalapeño drink underneath that bites and kisses at the same time»), unfortunately it comes and goes from the menu seasonally. I still think this is one of the best drinks in the city though, even at the $ 14 price point. I recently tried the Fig Martini, and it was extremely delicious. Not too sweet, and you can’t help but take another sip, another sip, another sip to figure out if you’re drinking a Fig Newton or a cocktail. Definitely worthy trying because there’s nothing like it elsewhere in the city. Lately, I’ve been coming for a glass of prosecco, which at just $ 8 is at the same cost — if not cheaper — than many places in town. Yum.
Maybe it’s cause I’m getting a little older, but I almost tend to think that Glass is a bit of a safe haven in a part of town known for it’s weekend drunken debauchery. And yes, they ARE getting outdoor seating — I think a cocktail on Fore Street to people watch sounds like a fine way to spend an afternoon, don’t you?

Perfect cocktail bar! Has the finess and atmosphere of a swanky downtown lounge, but with the welcomeness and taste of a business-​casual bar. Our waitress was extremely helpful with drink descriptions and SO cheerful. We decided the fig cocktail was our favorite, next in line was the extremely refreshing, watermelon one.
I was there with three other girls, and a high top near the bar was perfect for all of us to engage in convo. The drinks were reasonably priced, no more than 12 dollars a piece without getting a little over the top.
We didn’t try any food, as we had just had dinner down the street. That’s certainly next on the list.
We’ll most definitely be back sooner than later!

Glass is the new cocktail bar in the lobby of the Hyatt, the fortress-​like hotel looming over Fore Street. Regardless of your opinion of the Hyatt architecture (it’s terrible), Glass is a very attractive bar. Take Gingko Blue, brighten it up and open it up, and this is Glass. It’s upscale with VIP type lounge seating, and the floor to ceiling windows present great people watching opportunities.
The bar manager is Josh, the original owner of Pearl and former head bartender at Top of the East. If this was a review of him, I’d easily give 5 stars. He may be my favorite bartender in the city and is worth coming to Glass for.
The problem with Glass is it doesn’t seem to have a true identity. It’s a hotel bar with hotel policies that appear in conflict with what the managers intend. The bright blue color theme is nearly tropical. The VIP booths are straight out of Vegas. The servers wear Pan Am outfits. The cocktails are named after old movies. So the themes are all over the place. And the drinks are very expensive. There are $ 14 cocktails on the menu, which is just too much for the local crowd. It’s a hotel bar but will need locals to survive. If I’m going to pay $ 13 for a drink, I’d take the view at the Eastland over Glass. There are three punch bowl options for $ 36-​$ 44. We were told they serve four, but in reality were weak for even 3 of us. This was a big disappointment.
The food was another disappointment. The $ 12 bruschetta was good, but the 4 small pieces of bread was a sad portion. The mozzarella surprisingly came as an average salad that again was far overpriced. The gnocchi was the big winner ($ 8). Nearly a dozen pillowy gnocchi in a rich creamy cheese sauce surrounded by the bruschetta bread was simply delicious. I’d gladly come back for this.
Josh said they’re considering adding outdoor seating, which would perhaps be the best people watching in the city. They’re also adding a happy hour. Much needed.
The excellent service and cool atmosphere are Glass’ biggest strengths, but it’s still searching for its identity. Josh called it a work in progress, and I agree, though it’s already a good bar. It just needs to be even better to support the high prices.