High Fives is one of the most casual, chilled-out bars I’ve been to in a while. This simple-fare watering hole doesn’t seem to take anything too seriously – which, in a city full of polished clubs and perfectly urban-hip microbreweries, is quite refreshing.
The Atmosphere: High Fives opened in June (brought to us by the guys behind So & So’s and The Standard Pour) and still has an unpolished feel to it. This, of course, lends perfectly to its comfortable, unpretentious atmosphere. The bartenders are cool and happy to chat, providing they’re not too busy. The indoor space is rather stripped-down – high tables, a couple of flat screen TVs, wooden benches. The light-strewn patio is the focus, with plenty of fire pits for winter and a cornhole game in case you feel like a little friendly competition. Also, check out the big, colorful mural of the high-fiving hands.
What to Order: There are 10 local beers on tap, a decent assortment of canned beers, a handful of wines and bubblies, and a cocktail selection that reads like a list of ex-girlfriends: Lauren (a fruity Patrón drink), Kimberly (a vodka, strawberry, and ginger beer mix), Megan (a cinnamon and whisky concoction), etc. The bartender told me that women get a kick out of ordering their own names – but that the Susie (red wine, Pierre Ferrand cognac, apple and orange juice, cinnamon cloves, star anise, blackberries) is a favorite. Also, try the High Fives Fish Bowl – a $50 mix of Stoli, Schnapps, various fruit and fruit juices, grenadine, and Sprite. If you’ve ever springbreaked in Fort Lauderdale (or, um, used to write about bars down there) this will seem very familiar.
Who’s There: High Fives’ usual weekend crowd is a mix of Henderson and Uptown folks. It’s also a good place to pregame: Partiers will stop by for a sandwich and warm-up drink before heading over to the The Eberhard or Candle Room. The patio is dog friendly, so on sunny days you’ll find sports-watchers and their four-legged friends.
What I Liked: Obviously, I loved the vibe, but I was also amused with the wall shelf lined with brass disembodied high-fiving hands.
What I Didn’t Like: I’d like to see some dudes’ names on that cocktail list. James (something that takes itself too seriously)? Chris (something for the unadventurous types)? Michael J. Mooney (something that’s basically straight whisky)?
