Best Gay-Friendly Bar

Music videos and cocktails mix like J.Lo and backup dancers—this we learned from Tini (717 Massachusetts Ave., 384-1313, tiniontheave.com), a petite bar with TVs where a four-round night might go something like this:

8:10 P.M.

THE VIDEO: “Physical” by Olivia Newton-John.
THE DRINK: Purple Raintini—Absolut Acai vodka, creme de violette, limoncello, and simple syrup, with a base of muddled blueberries and splashes of sweet-and-sour and lime juice.
SPOTTED:
Two guys walking in wearing nearly identical gingham button-downs.

8:55 P.M.

THE VIDEO: “Milkshake” by Kelis.
THE DRINK: Tini Bubbles—Ketel One vodka, pineapple, and champagne, with fresh blackberries.
OVERHEARD: Him: “You got me, hook, line, and sinker.” Her: “Oh, please. I don’t fish. I don’t have the patience.”

9:43 P.M.

THE VIDEO: “Mr. Roboto” by Styx.
THE DRINK: Spicy Mangotini—Absolut Peppar, Three Olives Mango vodka, simple syrup, lemon juice, soda, and Tabasco.
OVERHEARD: Guy No. 1: “You don’t know what love is, you just do as you’re told.” Guy No. 2: “Stop talking to me in lyrics.”

10:30 P.M.

THE VIDEO: “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga.
THE DRINK: Pumpkin Patch ’tini—Whipped vodka, pumpkin liqueur, half and half, and Frangelico.
OVERHEARD: Him: “Do you know what this song’s really about?” Her: “It’s Gaga. Stop looking for depth.”

 

Photo by Stacy Newgent

This article appeared in the December 2012 issue.