Restaurant Review: Club Soda

Located in Downtown Fort Wayne off Superior St. (235 E Superior St.), Club Soda is downtown Fort Wayne's classiest hang-out. The food smells delicious, unfortunately I have not yet had the pleasure to enjoy dinner, but I have had the privilege to enjoy several martinis and desserts. Walking up to the old school building you know you are going to be in for an enjoyable evening. Neon lights spell out Club Soda on the brick outside of the restaurants with neon bubbles moving up the brick. Once inside you'll be greeted with quotes on the wall and pictures of the Rat Pack. Super-cool, swanky atmosphere that is you wouldn't expect in a city the size of Ft. Wayne. Make sure you call ahead for reservations as we nearly weren't able to be seated, luckily a party downsized and we swiped in to get their seats. Great customer service as we waiting for them to get a table ready. We sat next to the stage where the band plays, and although we went too early to hear the band this time, it is a great experience to be that close and listen to some terrific jazz. It also has an upstairs and a pretty large outdoor space which tables if that is your thing. I believe you can smoke purchased cigars outside (very cool...), but I'm not positive. On to the martinis! The martini list is fun and extensive. Each martini has its own clever name and a description below it. I read through the entire thing every time I go. My drink of choice is under the 'Dark Side' category, a Manhattan. 2 parts Maker's Mark Bourbon, 1 part vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a maraschino cherry, if you like your bourbon, this is a go-to drink. They make their drinks strong here, so you definitely get your money's worth. If you don't customize your martini's much your looking at around 8-9 bucks a drink, which for what you are getting and the experience is a fairly good value. Of course not all of their drinks are as strong as the Manhattan, they have the Classic Dry Martini, the Vesper (a James Bond homage), the Harrison Ford ( self explanatory), the Chocolate Kiss (vodka,creme de cacao, cream, Hershey kiss), the Purple Haze, the Blue Moon, and the Molotov Cocktail (vodka,whiskey, and more whiskey!) They have a wide variety and anyone who enjoys a well made beverage will be extremely happy with their selection. Their desserts are also incredible, so if you saved room make sure to try something from their menu. Its one of my favorite places to go in the Fort, and if you have the opportunity to try it, you will too. Perfect for a sophisticated (until you have a couple of their libations) night out on the town... Cheers!