Photo from NewsOK

To all of those people who still believe first impressions are important, I suggest you may be incorrect. Starting the Savings & Loan Co. review with a statement like that should lead you to believe it will start slow and end with a bang. So sit tight, grab a cocktail and join me for a step back into a time when the cocktail became an art form.

Before we start, how about a cocktail? We were lucky enough to enjoy a few special cocktails by Dave Jewett. A guest Bartender from Wichita, Kansas. Mr. Jewett happens to make his owner bitters and tonics, Muddy Joe’s. Which made his cocktails stand out for their flavors.

“Once, During Prohibition, I Was Forced To Live For Days On Nothing But Food And Water.” – W.C. Fields

Cere’s Gin & Tonic:
Ford’s Gin, Muddy Joe’s Herbal Tonic, Muddy Joe’s Bee Pollen Bitters, Cucumber

So back to the part about first impressions. Considering Savings & Loan Co.’s location, directly connected to the Tower Theatre, it shouldn’t be to hard to find. However, there is no significant sign stating that the entrance is Savings & Loan Co. If you can’t find your way in, it is the door directly East of the Tower Theatre entrance. After you find your way through the door it seems dull and dark. We arrived around 5 p.m. and there was already a good crowd in the first floor bar. The Second floor bar doesn’t open until 6 p.m.

We found seats, menus and a bartender. The bartender seemed confused by us. As if this was already a bar where everyone knows your name, and we were tourists invading their turf. We looked over the main cocktail menu and realized we were missing out on the guest bartenders cocktails. As if awakened from a deep trance the bartender realized we weren’t just your average cocktail rookie and quickly got us the guest menu. Dave Jewett had a list of 6 signature cocktails of his own making all for only $8 per cocktail.

Both were served with a tall glass and garnished conservatively. This is the secret to his cocktails, the look is deceiving. As soon as you take your first sip, a blast of flavor hits your palate. The best part of a Dave Jewett original is the taste you get from his signature tonics and bitters. It made a regular gin & tonic into a taste vacation!

1,000 Days War:
Here’s to never taking coffee and rum for granted. Rum, Elemental Cold Brew, Banana

After an hour in the deep dark first floor bar, we decided to go on an adventure up the staircase to the second floor. As we climbed higher and higher toward the light from above, the anticipation of what was to come had hit a breaking point. Your first reaction upon entering the second floor bar is like being on a lazy Susan. You find yourself looking all around at the furniture, the open space and the windows of light. The only other light comes from the bar itself. And like moths we were drawn to it.

New bartender, new view, a new sense of wander. So naturally we tried the first thing on the menu. Bartender Brandon Choate was more than happy we asked for the 1,000 Days War. It might actually be a cocktail design from the man himself. If that is the case, let this man create more cocktails. This drink is the perfect end to a long day. Have a bad taste in your mouth? Drink this and it will make all things new again. Served over one block of ice that barely fits in the glass, the rum and coffee is slowly poured. It would also be a perfect starter cocktail for those rookies out there.

Old Fashioned:
Rye Whiskey, Bitters, Sugar, Orange Peel & Cherry

Savings & Loan Co. does an amazing job at keeping their menu updated and new. Yes, they can make most cocktails you ask for, but I would keep with the old classics and the special menu for each night. The bartenders love informing you about the cocktails they prepare. They also love treating you like a regular.

One last thing, please don’t be that guy who orders a Jack and Coke. This bar is meant to show you the art of the cocktail. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Everyone from a cocktail rookie to the biggest cocktail snob will enjoy this new concept in the Uptown 23rd District.