The House of Illicit Liquors

 For the past few weeks, I've been receiving updates from my gin-loving coworker (the man wrote a Hendrick's haiku!) about the building of a new establishment that was to become The Holland House Bar & Refuge, a Patterson House for the East side.

Today, while Twittering, I noticed The Holland House is now open for business and offering daily Chalkboard Specials. Who can turn down a $5 Gin Rickey? Not this girl. So I called up an East Nashville friend and convinced her to meet me there for an after-work drink.

Although the drive across the river was stressful, I'm glad I made the trip because the experience was worth it. (Note to those unfamiliar with West Eastland--there is no sign distinguishing The Holland House, just the chalkboard out front.) I arrived first and grabbed a seat on the patio, where I struck up a conversation with the owners/head mixologist Case and Terrell. Case had a great mustache that curled on the edges and an accent I couldn't quite place. (Given the name--maybe Dutch???) Terrell is apparently quite creative, as he lends his name to several of the cocktails on the menu.

The Holland House offers a Chalkboard Special daily until 6:30 p.m., even on Fridays and Saturdays. (Next to valet parking, weekend happy hours are my favorite perk!) Today's list featured $5 gin rickies and gimlets, margaritas & mojitos, $3 high-gravity German beer, 1/2-priced wines, and 1/2-priced "snacks". Yep, that's how they're listed on the menu. "Snacks." Love it!

All cocktails are crafted in the style of the 1890s to the 1930s and are primarily concocted of gin, bourbon, or whisky. My trifecta! In fact, only one vodka and rum cocktail appeared on the menu. Katie ordered the Rum Swizzle which looked delightful but lacked sand and waves. I got the Rickey and we split some fried deliciousness with edamame sauce and fried vegetable deliciousness with garlic aioli sauce.

Our "Snacks":

My Gin Rickey:

I've been asked to compare The Holland House to its Midtown counterpart The Patterson House.

Here goes:

• Appearances:
• HH is housed in an old brick building which looks unimpressive from the outside but feels like a piece of an old mansion has been sliced off the historic registry and placed in the middle of East Nashville for us all to enjoy. With a four-sided bar in the middle, a longer bar in the back and chair rails for standing, milling about, and talking, the owners have anticipated the crowds yet to come.
• PH is housed in an actual old house, which you have to know of in order to find, and is tucked behind a blue curtain, like a true speakeasy. The interior resembles a library, with its dark, cozy booths and low lighting. PH also has a four-sided bar, but no place for milling about, as standing is prohibited in this Prohibition-era bar.
• Atmosphere:
• HH felt like any other bar from the outside, but I'd need to go back in the evening and sit inside to get the true HH experience. It definitely evokes an East Nashville vibe, but mixes in class with an abundance of crystal chandeliers, wooden accents, and private booths that would make a great environment for nearly any occasion.
• PH feels like a secret, like maybe you really will need a password to enter. The booths are also cozy, but I wouldn't go to PH for just any celebration. I personally think it's best for a date. A really romantic date.
• Cocktails:
• HH offers cocktails made mostly of gin, bourbon, and whisky but many include fruit. With the exception of the Chalkboard Specials, wines, and beers, all cocktails are $10.
• PH offers cocktails distinguished by spirit and listed in order from smoothest to most potent. The menu also features classic cordials and many concoctions featuring raw eggs. Cocktails are more a dollar or 2 more.
• Menu: 
• HH features a full dinner menu with snacks, small plates, salads, entrees, and desserts. Snacks range from $5-9 and entrees from $12-19. Cocktails are designed to complement the food.
• PH features small plates, which are actually quite small and not intended to substitute for dinner. These plates also highlight the cocktails, and are complementary in price to The Holland House.
• Both HH and PH mixologist wear period attire and both feature boutique ice to enhance the drinks. Both would love your business. 

The End Notes:

• Regardless of your location in town or your feelings towards Prohibition-era cocktails, you should venture cross-Cumberland to West Eastland and sip a signature drink. Go after work for a special deal, try out dinner, or end a special evening with a nightcap.
• Despite this post, I hope The Holland House will come into its own and not be perpetually compared to The Patterson House. Is Nashville big enough for 2 turn-of-the-20th-century cocktail lounges? I can't say.  You'll have to visit and make up your own mind about its worth. I suggest you go sooner rather than later.