For those of us who used to like the bar in the old Japanese gem, Okku, the place has opened up again but now under the name Phoenix Social Club, and with a focus on the 1930s and 1940s in the US, rather than the swanky Japanese that was Okku’s attribute. As always with new restaurants, it’s hard to fault the interior, the place is impressive. The cocktails are a bit overworked, but that’s ok since the staff is properly trained and well versed with the history of the classics. During my visit, they only had clear ice for their Phoenix Elixir (rum, milk oolong tea, citrus, oleo, saccharum and milk), which was a letdown, but I believe they will pick up in the coming months.
A bit disappointing though is the fact that the place has transformed into a neon-busy nightclub rather than the Frank Sinatra-tuned cocktail bar that they advertised before opening. It only goes to show that it’s always easier to try to please the crowd rather than sticking to you original thought. Money talks.
Get here early and relax in small banter with the bartenders, before it’s too busy.
Atmosphere: 5/8
The old Okku has undergone a total transformation with the ambitions set high.
Cocktails: 5/8
Nice glassware and the cocktails are decent, but a bit overworked.
Bartenders: 6/8
The bartenders know their stuff, but are a bit too mixology-eager to listen to their guests.
Ice: 5/8
Proper big clear ice cubes, but only for one of the cocktails.
http://www.phoenixsocialclub.com/
04 338 3434
The H Dubai
1 Sheikh Zayed Road
Dubai