If you had a 50-50 chance of getting a nearly-free cocktail at the bar, which one would you order? Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse in Carmel gives you the opportunity to find out with their new nightly late-night hour dubbed “Nightcap.”
“It’s been a blast,” says bartender Sam Maples. “Even when people don’t win they still have a good time.”
The rules are simple: Starting at 9pm—the final hour before the restaurant closes—patrons at the Seventh & Dolores bar and lounge can choose any drink or bottle they want, whether it’s a cocktail, beer, wine or spirit, flip a coin and if called correctly get a 99-percent discount.
According to Maples, the first contenders decided to chance their luck with a half-shot of Louis XIII, priced at $150—normally $600 for a standard two-ounce pour. The couple ended up calling it correctly and their half-shot of the prized cognac rang in at $1.50.
Folktale Group CEO Greg Ahn came up with the idea, and says he did so because a traditional happy hour seemed too boring. “I’ve played a lot of bar games,” he says, going on to explain that this one is effectively a two-for-one late night special. He adds that since the event came online, he’s seen more people trying their luck at top shelf liquors. Customers in the dining area are drawn to the commotion like a craps or blackjack table.
“There’s no limit at this ‘table,’” he jokes.