Top Shelf

Name: Top Shelf
Address: 600 Main Street
Vancouver, WA
Contact information: 360.699.7106
Cover charge: Zip
Type of music: Piped in short loop of former top-40 goodness, or occasional live keyboard
Full bar: yes
In a line: Martini bar….Vancouver style

Review:
Amid sports bars and taverns that reek of years of cigarette smoke sits the cocktail bar Top Shelf, in downtown Vancouver. The lofted space has a U-ring bar with a few hi-tops and lower tables for groups.

On a Saturday night, Top Shelf was full, but not crowded. The staff seemed attentive and friendly and the crowd was decidedly less snooty than what you’d find in Portland’s Pearl District.

My ‘I have no shame’ consisted of Grand Mariner, Godiva and other ingredients…and set me back $9. The rotten apple with apple schnapps and a blow-pop was also tasty. I would pass on the Pooh-tini, which for $7 featured honey and cloves.

The drinks were tasty, but the list was limited (about 20) compared to what you’d find at Vault, 820 or Bartini in Portland. The prices, however, are equally inflated, if not more so.

Top Shelf is a welcomed departure from the other offerings in the ‘Couve, but those in search of more selection and a bigger turnout should make the drive across the river.