I dropped by and visited Dos Gatos today, and came away seriously impressed.
What an awesome place this is going to be.
I hung around with the owner, Jason Albertelli while the carpenters were working on the main bar, and hes a nice laid back californian with full sleeve tatoos and a contemporary view point.
Ths interior is unrecognizeable from previous incarnations.
The bar is just kind of breathtaking. The top is finished off in rare Zebrawood and Wenge, and the sides are made of panelled fabric. The walls are exposed brick with accent walls that are covered in an awesome velveteen print combining fuscia and a chocolate cherry motif. There is a back room that is beautifully tricked out in the same wallpaper and lined with black leather semi circle booths and modulare leather contemporary furniture.
We talked a good while about the bar philosophy: Highly skilled traditional bartenders and high west coast service.
This place is going to be awesome.
I haven't been in that space before.........how large would you say it is?
Do they have a specific clientele they are shooting for?
Stephen - Where is it located?
Did they not get to take advantage of this weekend's crowds?
FYI, http://www.dosgatosjax.com/
I heard they had a soft opening Friday night for a "family" party. I heard they are about a week or two away from being full-fledged open. Jason is a fun guy, have known him and his family for a long time. He has some great stories!
I noticed there's also work going on in the old building around the corner at 11 Ocean St. A few years ago, there were plans to open a bar with a roof deck in that spot. Any idea if this is still the plan or something new is going in? If its a bar, combined with Dos Gatos, they would begin to pull Bay Street activity towards Forsyth and Adams.
the webiste is nice
Stockton Eller Designs created the website. Stockton is very well known for his work, and he in fact went to High School with Jason. It always helps to know someone.
Hey everybody!
First of all, thank you for the kind comments! My wife, Joy, and I have worked really hard to bring a sexy, rockin' neighborhood cocktail lounge to Downtown Jacksonville. We are supremely passionate about what we do, and you can be sure that when you order a drink a Dos Gatos, it will be made by professionals who know the difference. We will have a very unique signature drink menu, and I have some surprises coming that will blow some minds.
That being said, we wanted to let everyone know that our liquor license is in effect as of today. We have one final building inspection that will have to be on Thursday (as Weds is Veteran's Day, and all COJ workers are off), and then we will be open for business. Currently, we are expecting to open this Friday, 11/13. (Fitting, since the bar's phone number is 354-0666!)
I will be posting again with more info as it comes available. Also, please go to our website (if you haven't yet) at www.dosgatosjax.com and sign up for my newsletter. I promise only email worth reading! (think racy jokes, vintage erotica, boozy stories, as well as upcoming events...)
You can also reach me personally, at jason@dosgatosjax.com... We look forward to meeting each and every one and giving you another reason to wake up and say to yourself "Oh crap, I can't believe I did that last night..." ;D
Get ready to love this.
Your partner in crime,
J.
Sweet, Friday the 13th bar opening. I'll have to check this place out.
I will be stopping in shortly after 4... been a fan and patron of Joy during her days at Twisted martini!
C-Ya there! :) 8)
Rockstar,
What type of music and clientel are you shooting for. Is it an atmosphere like Marks or Ivery bar?
DapperD,
Thanks for the interest! Our atmosphere is decidedly different from Mark's or Ivy. While we are fans of those locations, we did not feel downtown needed another "club", and to be honest, it's just not what we do.
Dos Gatos is a cocktail lounge; a sexy, rocknroll, neighborhood lounge. To that extent, our clientele is everyone. We have an outstanding selection of everything, and we have booze you've never even heard of. For us, it's all about the cocktail; Joy and I are very passionate about this, but we don't believe that translates to expensive. You will definitely be in for some surprises.
We really hope to create a place where you feel you can come often, drink well, meet people and enjoy the downtown experience. We're all about changing people's perspectives...and good times.
J.
www.dosgatosjax.com
Gatos website does look nice. I would disagree that D-town doesnt need another club though. Its nice to have a mixture, but we need more of everything.
Quote from: RockStar on November 13, 2009, 12:23:44 AM
DapperD,
Dos Gatos is a cocktail lounge; a sexy, rocknroll, neighborhood lounge. To that extent, our clientele is everyone. We have an outstanding selection of everything, and we have booze you've never even heard of. For us, it's all about the cocktail; Joy and I are very passionate about this, but we don't believe that translates to expensive. You will definitely be in for some surprises.
J.
www.dosgatosjax.com
So does this mean that I will be actually be able to get a Sazerac in Jacksonville?
Riverside, dream on! LOL! You want a Sazerac in this town made with the correct ingredients, you have to make it yourself. There is no place to buy Pechaud bitters even.
I'm still trying to make one as good as those at Commander's Palace in N.O.! No success yet, but fun to try.
Quote from: riverside planner on November 13, 2009, 08:24:40 AM
So does this mean that I will be actually be able to get a Sazerac in Jacksonville?
the burrito gallery does have peychauds bitters behind the bar, so they could probably mix one up, ask Anthony.
I do like a sazerac and one made well is very good. It must be made with Rye whiskey. I ordered one once and it was made with Bourbon and it wasn't the same.
Not only must it be made with Rye whiskey and Pechaud bitters, it must also be made with Herbsaint, an anise flavored liqueur made only in New Orleans. French made anise liqueur, pastis, has too sharp a flavor. Never over ice, always up. It is an aperitif, not a cocktail.
Maybe we need to talk to the bartender at Orsay. He has the reputation of being a creative perfectionist.
Quote from: stephendare on November 02, 2009, 06:00:09 PM
And Lake, that is the exciting thing about the club. Its in that one little spot that creates a link in an actual walkable club district.
I'm really happy to hear you both say that. That was my first hope when I heard about this and the place on Ocean.
I guess I will now move on to hoping that someone rescues the Bostwick Building.
I wasn't planning on going out this weekend; thanks alot everyone. Another one goes down the tube...
Peeked thru the window of the "condemned" Bostwick bldg. It is in bad shape. Doubt anyone can do anything with it.
Another one bites the dust...
Gonna try to get to Dos Gatos tonight.
I know this is a cocktail lounge, but how's the draft beer selection, if there even is one?
Can't wait to check this joint out!
I lay claim to being the very first customer. Walked in at 4 this afternoon and enjoyed a few drinks. Met one of the owners of Dragonfly and am happy to report they passed a plumbing inspection. Incredible place! Rockstar and Joy should be proud. The bar is awesome... wallpaper and ceilings are of the old style cocktail lounge. They are still waiting for some supplies so please be patient. There are no outside markings at this time but understand an old school neon "Cocktails" sign will mark the location.
Stop in... have a drink... and tell em you heard about them on Metrojax.... 8) :)
Went by after work, good crowd saw DJ Triclops and Biggie T, great atmosphere, awesome bar. Wish them mucho exito.
agreed...I stopped in for a drink around 5:30 and was very impressed.
Swung in around 11 last night with a few of my friends, I must say I was very impressed with the overall atmosphere. I will definitely be back with more of my friends.
love it!
Quote from: Dog Walker on November 13, 2009, 08:45:17 AM
Riverside, dream on! LOL! You want a Sazerac in this town made with the correct ingredients, you have to make it yourself. There is no place to buy Pechaud bitters even.
I'm still trying to make one as good as those at Commander's Palace in N.O.! No success yet, but fun to try.
I'll take that sazerac challenge. We do have peychaud's bitters. Give me next week to source a quality Rye. The Herbsaint is on it's way; hopefully I'll have it by week's end. So sazerac challenge by Friday??
We've got a fantastic bourbon, tequila, scotch selection. So in the meantime come by for a fantastic manhattan or rob roy with punt e mes vermouth... I've got some things you've probably never heard of (krupnik? slivovitz? anyone?) with more on the way... Not everything got delivered on my initial liquor order (eg. some specialty items that the distributors just don't always have in stock); it was pretty massive, so I try not to fault my reps for forgetting some stuff...
Our tap beer selection is:
Anchor Steam
Guinness
Bold City Mad Manatee IPA
Rogue Dead Guy Ale
Blue Moon
Brooklyn Lager
Bottles, so far,
the usual (Bud, BL, Lite, Corona, Heineken, Amstel, Yueng etc...)
Tried to get PBR tall boys and THEY WERE OUT! (couldn't believe that) but we will have.
Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest
Mojo IPA
Newcastle
Sammy Smith Nut Brown Ale
(I know there's more I'm forgetting...)
List will continue to grow. Tell me what you want, and I'll get it the following week. I'm easy like that. And, believe me, if I can't get it, it can't be got.
Anyway, Joy and I are so happy with the response we've been getting!
A huge THANK YOU to all of you, Stephen Dare, MetroJax, fellow drinkers and booze hounds.
J.
www.DosGatoJax.com
Jason, You are on for the Sazaracs! Try Old Overholt Rye, it's the only one I could find locally and maybe why I can't equal the Commander's Palace. I forgot to look at their brand when I was there last.
But slivovitz???? Who ARE you trying to punish? It's made from fermented, overripe plums, folks, and can be used to cauterize wounds, kill insects and strip paint. Compared to it, the worst corn moonshine is as smooth as sipping whiskey. It would be good for bar bets, though. "Bet you can't drink more than one shot of THIS!"
Riverside Liquor has Sazerac Rye. And I will say that you guys do have a very good scotch selection, thank you for that. One request would be either Lagavulin or Laphroaig, didn't see either of those yesterday, but you did have Bunnahabhain which was nice to see and enjoy.
Jason & Joy,
Best of luck!
Jax gets a taste of the LA lounge scene. And we are all the better for it.
To those that don't know them I can add they are not only talented, but friendly and down to earth.
I want to hear more stories from the Hollywood, Ca. nightlife they both know so well. All we are missing is Mickey Rourke buying drinks for "all my friends".
This is a HUGE addition to the downtown nightlife scene. Check it out now!
The Patron is cold. Need I say more....
Welcome Dos Gatos!
Regards, Mark
I am at Dos Gatos now with a group of friends. The place is really nice, friendly staff, should be good times.
Good times tonight. This place is awesome. There was a really good crowd, drinks were great, and the whole staff was awesome. Both of the owners came over and talked to us, and were super friendly, and our server, Megan I believe, was great. Considering that they haven't even had their grand opening yet, there should only be good things to come.
Karl!
You didn't see the Ledaig? From Isle of Mull? I's peaty baby. Believe me, I love scotch...it's not a Lagavulin campfire, but it's tasty...you'll dig it. Promise.
Dog- As for the slivovitz...the one I got is quite smooth...like a punch to the kidneys. Actually, I use it to highlight notes in other liquors in certain cocktails...as a shot, it can be quite brutal, but like anything else, balance is the key (besides, you never know when someone needs a wound cauterized or some paint stripped).
Mark- thank you! Much love! Ask me about the time I was wasted, hitting on Christina Ricci...Joy still calls her my girlfriend...it didn't end well...
For the Sazerac Throwdown, I will be sourcing a superb rye...more to info to come. I will keep you all posted. When I have everything I need to do it right (Friday I hope, as long as my herbsaint shows up), it is on. I expect several of you to show up. We will need judges!!!
Thanks again for everything! Stephen it was great to see you...I love making a rusty nail...it's the first drink every bartender learns, and the one they never get to make!
J.
Quote from: RockStar on November 15, 2009, 04:04:21 AM
Karl!
You didn't see the Ledaig? From Isle of Mull? I's peaty baby. Believe me, I love scotch...it's not a Lagavulin campfire, but it's tasty...you'll dig it. Promise.
I've not had it, but will give it a try on my next visit, thanks.
I checked it out last night too (for about 4 hours!)...a great addition to the downtown nightlife scene. I was drinking Jack & Ginger all night and for such a simple drink, they tasted different...smoother. Was there was something special done/added that made them taste so good or am I just imagining things? Regardless, good times...I'll definitely be back!
We went there after work Friday, and then after the show. The interior is comfortable, the people friendly and knowledgeable, and there's a lot of stuff on the shelves I've never tried before. I'm looking forward to going back for some drink experimentation.
I walked over Saturday night around 9. I definitely dig the vibe of the place and sounds like they have some great ideas for coming additions to the bar. I'd definitely visit again
I can't wait to check the place out! My nightlife excursions are few and far between these days, but hopefully I can manage a happy hour for the Sazerac Throwdown.
Sazerac Throwdown Update:
My Herbsaint is en route; it will be here Monday, 11/23. I'll have some great rye as well. I am planning on a Tuesday Happy Hour Throwdown. Who's in?
Also, this Friday is Dos Gatos' Official Grand Opening Party. Music! Booze! Giveaways! Did I mention Booze?? We'll be unveiling our signature cocktail list as well.
Saturday night, we'll be part of the ConMoto Music Festival which runs from 7 to midnight. Jon has hooked us up with some great bands. Should be awesome. (If you come to the bar and aren't there for the ConMoto, just let my doorman know you just came to drink! Secret passphrase = "booze me brother")
Should be a great weekend!! More updates to come.
Please sign up for my newsletter at www.dosgatosjax.com.
Thanks!
J.
Since I was actually born in LA, I'll have to check this out sometime, maybe next art walk. :3
Anyone from California (or all the rest of you) the Anchor Steam Beer on tap is like 1 in a Billion. Glad to see they brought this little brew treat all the way from San Francisco to Jax! RARE INDEED!
We also moved here from Southern California, 30 years ago, to get back to MY home town! Unreal. Lemoore, Fresno, Long Beach, Paramount and Santa Clarita, been there, done that, plus a current cabin in Landers (500 miles from nowhere - 2 feet from HELL). Good luck on your adventures in Jax Lil' brother and sister!
OCKLAWAHA
Hey everybody!
I just want to thank all of you for a great opening week! Friday night's party was fantastic!
As for the Sazerac Throwdown, I received this email from UPS just now:
Exception Reason: THE PACKAGE WAS DAMAGED IN TRANSIT. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH THE DETAILS
Exception Status/Resolution: ALL MERCHANDISE DISCARDED. UPS WILL NOTIFY THE SENDER WITH DETAILS OF THE DAMAGE (RESOLUTION)
The klutzy guys in brown dropped my bottle of Herbsaint apparently.
Will work on getting another shipped ASAP. Thanks for your patience. If we're going to do this thing, we're going to do it right!
Yours,
J.
If the boy in brown broke it in the truck, he had to ride around with ALL the doors open for a while. That stuff is powerfully aromatic!
Did you get a good rye? Found that I have been using Jim Beam Rye, not Old Overholt and that might be my problem with hitting a N.O. quality sazerac.
DW,
I'm using Michter's small batch rye whiskey. It's fantastic.
I'd say Jim Beam rye is definitely the problem. You wouldn't order a martini with Popov vodka, right? That's kind of what you're doing. With a cocktail like the sazerac where a lot of subtle flavors are at play, all rye's are not created equal.
Will keep you up to date on the new bottle of Herbsaint.
J.