First look: Bad Decisions

(Credit: Kathy Carson)

Photos:

Bad Decisions, a new bar at the corner of Fleet and Washington Streets, opened on perhaps the unluckiest day of the year—Friday the 13th in June (though the opening date was intentional). Owner John Reusing is betting that quirks such as this one will be the key to his fledgling business' success. The low-key tone of the establishment gives it a subtle charm that hides the joint's more interesting aspects.

Crowd: Bad Decisions is decidedly for the jeans and T-shirt set; there's nothing fancy about this place at all, and that's how Reusing wants it. It's a little off the beaten path, so it's likely to attract a lot of neighborhood folks, as well as folks looking for something a little different, beverage-wise. It appeals to the young and old alike.

Food: Not only is Reusing the owner, he's also the house cook. When it comes to food, he keeps it simple. He admits that he knows more about pouring drinks than serving food, so the menu is the most basic of pub munchies: Empanadas, Monte Cristo sandwiches, sliders and fries are about as complicated as it gets.

Drinks: This is where Bad Decisions really shines. Reusing is a self-proclaimed "liquor snob;" he's constantly on the lookout for something special or out of the ordinary. He likes to "keep things as in-house as possible," so he makes his own sour mix as well as a rare concoction of spices known as Falernum. Reusing says that Falernum was once widely used, but lost popularity after Prohibition. It adds a pleasant vanilla and almond flavor to drinks.

Bad Decisions also features an impressive selection of mead, or honey wine, which is measured in drams instead of ounces (one dram = about two ounces), and surprising cocktails like marshmallow-infused vodka. Reusing forgoes happy hours and drink specials, offering $2.50 domestic non-microbrew beers and $1.50 Natty Bohs all the time; the fancier stuff costs a bit more, though.

Digs: The awning of Bad Decisions makes it feel as though the small establishment will remain true to its name, but perhaps that's simply to ward off the pretentious. The bar staff, which is made up of Reusing and his brother Mike, greet patrons pleasantly, and are more than happy to explain and discuss the drink selection. The decorating is not complete, but the warm earth-toned walls are pleasant enough, minus patches that need retouching; old time beer ads take up room for the time being. Reusing says he eventually wants the walls of the bar to be filled with pictures of his customers making bad decisions—he already has a few wedding pictures from unions that ended quickly and poorly. Two TVs are behind the counter, but the 'jukebox' with a huge database of songs probably gets more attention.

Insider tip: Ask the Reusings if they have anything special, drink-wise. They're bound to surprise you. Why not try the liquor made with elderberry flowers? Or how about Johnnie Walker Swing, a blended scotch made specifically for cruise ships so that the bottle is able to sway back and forth?

Bottom line: Bad Decisions has a relaxed atmosphere with a drink selection that packs a punch. It's the kind of place to stop by after work, and a likely candidate as a first (and possibly last) stop during a night on the town. Parts of the place, like the décor, are still a work in progress, but it's partly because Reusing focuses on finding unique offerings for his customers. You pay a little more for the off-beat stuff, but it's worth a try.