Ebanos Crossing Discreetly Soft Opened Thursday

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Ebanos Crossing, the anticipated new Downtown restaurant and bar by former Death & Co. (NY) head bartender Phil Ward and Mayahuel partner/GM Justin Shapiro, announced its Thursday soft opening via Twitter and Facebook. Formerly the Pho Citi space, this expansive multi-level lounge has a dark, bordello vibe with a prominent DJ stand, comfy banquettes and seating all around, as well as two bars that boast craft cocktails. Upon entering the place, named after a Texas border crossing, one will notice two illuminated walls of stones, reminiscent of the bootlegging ventures of Prohibition.
The cocktail menu has a strong focus toward tequila, mezcal, and Prohibition-era spirits, like gin and whiskey. The Jet Scream and The First Battle of Tabasco are made over crushed ice, with a refreshing, strong flavor that respectively highlights ginger and jalapeño (the latter has an extremely spicy kick). Meanwhile stirred drinks are served in fancy Nick-and-Nora glasses, a departure from the now ubiquitous coupe or martini glass. The Angel's Flight focuses on the flavors of grapefruit, with smokey mezcal mixed with Pamplemoose, a grapefruit liqueur, and Aperol. Finally the Bear Flag Revolt is a sweet, smokey concoction of rye, mescal, Cocchi, Benedictine and mole bitters. Overall the drink program is up to par with some of the best bars in Downtown, so that's swell company to be in.

The food menu offers bar-friendly small bites such as empanadas, baked oysters, medianoche pulled pork sliders, and a red snapper ceviche, but also larger dishes like goat tacos, paella, and brisket taquitos. Right now the soft opening phase has limited hours, tonight starting at 8 p.m, but once fully launched the lounge will run 5-8 p.m. Tuesday to Friday for happy hour (useful for office workers) and close at 2 a.m. Saturdays regular hours will be 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
·All Ebanos Crossing Coverage [~ELA~]