Oak Bluffs Whiskey and Small Plates Bar Opens
by Meagan A. Dion
Mark Twain says too much of anything is bad, but too much good whiskey is barely enough. Adam Jaime of 20byNine agrees.
Aptly named to reflect the small dimensions of the island, the rustic whiskey and small-plates bar is focused on driving a sense of community back into the realm of food and drink. By preparing their menu with local products and paying fine detail to craftsmanship and quality, the newly opened Oak Bluffs’ hideaway has already begun fulfilling its mantra.
“Our emphasis is on the ideology. We want people to come in and be communal and take advantage of our expertise. It’s a place to go to learn new things and be guided through the processes,” Adam, a partial owner, explained.
20byNine enforces this philosophy by offering menu items that are shareable and an intimate space to indulge them. Tall table and bar tops coupled with booths are arranged to encourage conversing and dim lights and dark complexions cultivate warmth. Charcuterie boards are prepared with locally sourced meats and rare cheeses and are the perfect accompaniment for long conversation and slow sipped beverages. Small plate items such as the fennel sausage and three mustards served on a pretzel roll or jambon ham and aged cheddar cheese croquettes are also up for ordering and are listed with suggested drink pairings. Served on black slate platters and in finger size portions, the carefully crafted fresh and seasonal menu is chef driven and totally approachable.
Beyond their flavorful food selections, 20byNine’s unique drink service reflects the craft beverage revolution. Offering nearly sixty American-made whiskey brands, a variety of wine, 16 ever-changing craft beers on tap, and more than 25 in bottles, the extensive drink menu bids patrons an opportunity to move outside shots of Fireball and Budweisers. Beers are stored at appropriately selected temperatures in order to preserve their natural flavors and the whiskey is served to guests with a single, massive, quadrangular ice cube to discourage melting and mixing with the fine liquor.
Non-whiskey drinkers should fear not; the knowledgeable servers and bartenders are not just college students funding a thrilling summer on the vineyard but rather connoisseurs of their trade. One hint of apprehension and the bartender will go to work concocting a treat to prove your instincts wrong. Beginners should try one of their signature cocktails such as a classic Manhattan or the #4, which is a delicate mixture of peach moonshine, pineapple bourbon, and lemon juice. The sweet and spicy finish will erase all your preconceived notions about swilling heavy brown whiskey and leave you asking for another round.
Small touches to the service prove 20byNine’s dedication to restoring camaraderie and appreciation back into our meals. Attentive servers will deliver carafes of water to your table without prompting and checks are dispensed in funky vintage cocktail cookbooks and liquor dictionaries. The staff is happy to accommodate your palate and will extensively explain any item on the menu.
A night at 20byNine is an interlude to life. Smooth and elegant whiskey will be poured, muffled laughter will resonate, and Mark Twain will smile upon you.
20byNine is open daily from 5:00pm – midnight and located on 16 Kennebec Avenue Oak Bluffs, MA 02557 Phone: 508.338.2065
