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Jentri Colello
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Jentri Colello
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Jentri Colello
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Jentri Colello
The Robin Room at 821 E. Johnson St. is another feather in the cap of the East Johnson corridor. Several great restaurants already exist in that neighborhood. But for dedicated drinkers — who may occasionally want to roll out of bed for something other than shots and pitchers at the Caribou — this new cocktail spot is a definite enhancement.
If I had to summarize the vibe at the Robin Room in one word, it’d be “cordial.” It's a double entendre and a compliment. The rotating cocktail menu has drinks made with a variety of homemade ingredients, exemplified by a blood orange and cognac cordial that sweetens the Robin Room’s version of an Old Fashioned, known as the “Wisconsin Compromise.” If you like an Old Fashioned sweetened with fizzy corn syrup, this may not be for you. (But you can get a homemade cocoa nib phosphate soda, right from the tap.)
The Robin Room isn’t pouring pretention. With draught beers, a conscientious gender-diverse bar staff and a welcoming neon pineapple hanging above the couch, the room is warm, hospitable, neighborly.
It takes experience to run a place that feels this relaxed and easy. The Robin Room was launched by renowned local barman Chad Vogel, who also co-owns the consulting group Three Count Beverage and a bustling national business called the Barmadillo, a nomadic craft cocktail bar in a vintage Airstream trailer.
Now, Vogel also has a room of his own. And it’s officially open for visitors. Hours are initially 4 p.m. to bar time Monday-Saturday.