While I would find the hidden entrance of this bar tiresome in a big city, I understand the hip effect in a city the size of Rochester. I had to push a bookcase to find the hidden door. That’s a risk, given that the Mayo Clinic is the primary reason anyone is in Rochester, Minnesota. With all the ailments on display in the city, a visitor pushing that bookcase could drop dead on the spot, and the lawsuit would put Bitter and Pour out of business. I almost broke the damn thing pushing and pulling.Bitter and Pour has all top-shelf liquor, and their cocktail list sounds fascinating. The mixologists are well-trained. Our bartenders on a Wednesday afternoon in September were professional, but they lacked the warmth I encountered everywhere else in this city. Our drinks were great, though, and B & P must be the best cocktail lounge in Rochester. I wish they served some small bites, but that’s not their thing.

We have been to several speakeasies, including in Sydney and other countries, and normally the speakeasy itself is hard to find, but once you’re in you can navigate it. In this case, it was well marked from the street, but finding a way inside was the challenge. What fun!We also live in a town where the craft cocktail game is very strong. Featuring Award-winning mixologists and places that make their own bitters and shrubs etc. And I will say that the cocktails here absolutely stood up to those in our best cocktail joints!I ordered off menu. I love a ‘naked and famous’, and I was certain they could make it, and they did not disappoint.Our server said that was one of his favorite drinks as well. Then I ordered something that was on menu, and it was well-balanced. My daughter had a couple of fun drinks and I believe my husband probably just had a bushMills or Jamison. Pretty vanilla, but that’s just him. ;)The menus are beautiful. That sounds like an odd thing to be bragging about, but I love the detail of the sheen and the paper on the menus. I used to be in printing and publishing, and so I appreciate a pretty paper. This was a beautiful paper. And with the lighting, the menus actually seemed to glow.A big party settled in near us, and so we switched to another nook. That’s the other thing I love about this place. Lots of cozy nooks to have conversations.The lighting was gorgeous, sort of a purple blue hue. And, as you can see, we even took pictures of some of the light fixtures. I’ve uploaded some videos, but none of them are spoiling the entrance. You will have to discover how to get in for yourself.My daughter just got a job at the Mayo Clinic, and so we will be back!

I won't spoil the fun but it took to solve a riddle to get into this great place... I really appreciate my local colleague brought us here... Their cocktails looks great, but since I am not a cocktail person, I went with wine and bourbon, which they have a great selection as well... lots of fun in this great bar.

We visited Bitter and Pour last night. We happen to be the first ones there shortly after it opened. We expected to stop for one drink and move on with our evening, but we ended up staying for several. We had wonderful cocktails their mixologist created. The care they take in crafting cocktails is top notch. They cut their own ice and juices for mixers daily. We had great conversations with Andy, one of the owners. He is so knowledgeable and friendly. We will be back! Do not pass this place by. What a great find!

Really unique experience. After disappointment in Newts being shut down, another bar being closed on Monday and cold tacos from another location I was looking for some redemption in downtown Rochester. This place opened since I last visited. Totally made up for the rest of the night. Reminded me how all of my issues were truly First World Problems with a drink with the same name. Followed that up with a Midnight - an off the menu creation by Medhi, a great mixologist at the bar. The riddle to get in was a neat touch. Really great atmosphere and drinks. Completely made up for the rest of the evening. Highly recommend. Will be back again later this week.