Pouring Up Great Drinks Modern Day Speakeasy Invites Patrons to Sip, Savor, & Relax, While Enjoying Great Food

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

Looking for somewhere new to congregate in the Nexton community of Summerville. How about a destination that offers up great food and awesome drinks, surrounded by a welcoming ambiance and an incredible vibe. You don't have to look that far if you happen to be walking in the door to Neat & Noble Bourbon Bar.

Open less than two months (May 28th) Neat & Noble are situated in the heart of Nexton at 1101 Metropolitan Ave, midway between 17A and Nexton Parkway. Offering up over 150 preferred bourbons, alongside handcrafted cocktails, and a curated menu that includes shareables, handhelds, and select small plates, Neat & Noble can best be described as Nexton's latest adult neighborhood gathering place.

Owners Brian Adams (not the Canadian born singer songwriter who spells it with a Y) and Wilson Rains, these two long time friends had little or no restaurant experience when they decided to open Neat & Noble. Both in their 50's, Adams retired from the North Charleston Police Department with Wilson stepping away from a lucrative career in the tech and software industry.

To be fair, Wilson's better half Laura is the owner operator of LG's in Tanner Plantation, but aside from his one degree of separation, all Wilson and Adams had were double D's aka 'desire and determination'. They saw a distinct food & beverage void in easily the fastest growing sector of greater Charleston and decided 'why not us'!

What was that particular void you ask. Plain and simple, it's 'bourbon'. The uptick in bourbon based establishments follows a cultural shift as well as a renaissance in the authenticity of bourbon itself. Ideally, the name Neat & Noble is merging the past with today. Neat refers to pouring a drink directly from the bottle into a glass at room temperature for sipping, while the term noble reflects on the age-old custom of high-end spirits being consumed primarily by aristocrats.

The upside to blindly running their own restaurant and bar is they haven't fallen into the same routine other establishments have made, rather they are taking a fresh approach. Of course they did their homework, travelling around the country and the world researching similar bourbon based eateries, using that collective knowledge combined with their own ingenuity to open what has quickly become a go to destination for many residing in greater Summerville.

The first thing you'll experience when you walk in is the fitting atmosphere. Neat & Noble projects a modern European tavern meets Kentucky whiskey warehouse vibe. Plenty of earthy wood tones and soft lighting, surrounding a long bar, a mix of oversized bar top tables, and lounge area complete with a fireplace and comfy chairs. 

Additionally there is a side area ideal for small groups to reserve for an after work social. What is not seen by the naked eye is their hidden speakeasy room, which is available to guests if they know the secret code-word, and is only accessed by calling on a yesteryear type phone. The smaller yet somewhat cozier hideaway complete with its own bar carries a intimate feel, and is perfect for couples to share lite bites, cocktails, and conversation, especially since there are no TVs to distract you.

The aforementioned is a short synopsis of the look, the feel, and the commitment the two owners poured into opening Neat & Noble Bourbon Bar. And while that is essential, let's be honest, the food and drink (primarily the bourbon) have to be worthy for patrons to drop in. A quick preview to the ensuing paragraphs, the edibles and the potent potables are 'off the chain', or in layman's terms 'freakin' amazing'.

Admittedly, as much as I review food & beverage, I would not classify myself as an expert on whiskeys or various types of corn mash. My palate is not that well defined. However, I do know enough to pass the appropriate info on to true aficionados.

Neat & Noble currently offer up 170 and growing types of bourbon, pouring everything from A to Z or at least from A to Y. Sip and enjoy one and two ounce versions of Angels Easy Triple Oak to Yellowstone Select, with another 150 plus premium and everyday bourbons in between, including whiskeys from the old country, Japan, Kentucky, and Tennessee. 

With so many distilled options it only makes sense the price-points vary depending on the age, region, and reputation of the bourbon. One ounce shots begin at $10 with sips of Barrel Grass Seagrass decidedly higher. Basically it allows guests 21 and older to enjoy bourbon at their own affordable comfort level.

If you're just getting into the bourbon game, Neat & Noble offer up bourbon flights, allowing guests four different sips that might spark your interest. Economy flight takers can settle in at $22, with coach fliers (pun-intended) perhaps opting for a $42 round, allowing for slightly upgraded blends.

True connoisseurs who enjoy flying first class might opt for Neat & Noble's Vault Flight, comprised of four prestigious and rarely allocated bourbons. We're talking George T. Stagg, Rip Van Winkle 10 Year, Poppy Van Winkle 15 Year, and King of Kentucky. A collection of smooth, oak charred, roasted caramel, and burnt flavors. A well rounded mouthful!

Although bourbon may be Neat & Noble's forte and on their sign, they do serve up a host of select rums, gins, and tequilas, as well as a premium wines and beers, including local drafts from Edmund Oast's Something Cold and Holy City's Washout Wheat.

Dark beer lovers will revel in the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Milk Stout, a full-bodied barrel aged stout infused with rich notes of chocolate and coffee, softened by sweet lactose, caramel, and a warm bourbon finish. Totally awesome baby! Nearly three dozen craft, draft, domestic, and imported beers available, with a couple offerings each of hard cider and mead (honey wine), as well as signature cocktails. All and all, a well-rounded adult beverage menu befitting Neat & Noble.

There's no reason to have an impressive drink menu without having equally impressive food to accompany it. While the food menu is rather extensive, it primarily focuses on shareables and handheld delights, making it easy to eat with your fingers or a fork.  

Of the dozen shareables listed I sampled three, all of which I would easily have again. By far my favorite, and unquestionably by anyone who loves cured meat is their Candied Bacon Slab. Four long thick cut (emphasis on thick) slabs of bacon drenched in a caramelized brown sugar and served with a bourbon glaze. Undeniably the best bacon I've ever wrapped my teeth and gums around.

I also tried their Beef & Pork Meatballs, and although I'm not from the old country I did grow up in northern New Jersey, and Neat & Noble's meatballs would make an Italian grandmother cry (they are that good). Lastly, I sampled their Steak Slider, thinly sliced tender steak blanketed under caramelized onions and provolone. Let's call this a mini-cheesesteak.

Among the four signature handhelds, I went with their namesake Noble Smash which consists of two all beef patties layered under a bed of shaved onions and house-made pickles oozing with American cheese. Served on a brioche bun, this traditional smash-burger presents with a slight twist, whereas the patties have a
perfectly thin crispy crust surrounding the outer edges. You know it's damn good when you need three or four napkins to finish it. 

Hoping for something a bit more hearty yet still light, their four main entrees consist of a 6oz Bourbon Butter Steak, a herb marinated Grilled Chicken Breast, and for seafood lovers a Blackened Salmon or a Lowcountry Shrimp Plate served either sauteed, fried, grilled, or blackened. All four entrees come complete with two sides, but I highly recommend the four cheese Mac n' Cheese. Creamy to the max. Let's be honest, all mac n' cheese dishes should be made with a minimum of three cheeses or more. Nicely done!

 Although I ddin't have an opportunity to sample their desserts, the Kentucky Bourbon Pecan Pie (no explanation needed), and the dark chocolate ganache infused Velvet Pista Reserve are calling me on futue visits. There's just something about having sauces, glaces, and desserts laced with bourbon that adds not only flavor to a dish, but a bit of sophistication Yum yum!

Let's give culinary cred to Marcus, Neat & Noble's chief cook and bottle washer, as well as their kitchen manager. Fifteen years plus chopping, dicing, slicing, frying, grilling, and every other method of cooking has turned him into a seasoned veteran in the kitchen. Kudos to you sir! While I'm at it, nods to Brian and Wilson's better halves for their moral support and for Brian's wife's suggestion on how to accentuate the hidden speakeasy. Way to go girl!

Coming full circle Neat & Noble Bourbon Bar has all the right elements. Great food, great bourbon, and not to mention great customer service, all wrapped up nicely in a contemporary speakeasy package. Given their location and their ambiance, aside from a few select bourbons, they are affordably priced with every shareable and handheld under $20. That alone leaves a sweet taste in your mouth.

For a full circle encore (pun intended) let's play off their names. Having met Brian Adamws I feel certain he would agree with his more famous namesake rock star and say regarding his own passion for hospitality '(Everything I do) I Do It For You', and furthermore inside the walls of Neat & Noble he's in 'Heaven'. 

And ironically if you put the owners first names together you get Brian Wilson, better known as the architect behind the Beach Boys. Because 'God Only Knows' and 'Wouldn't It Be Nice' if readers of this article as well as residents in and around Summerville decided to make Neat & Noble a regular gathering place in Nexton. They gladly welcome 'California Girls'. No matter where you hail from you'll enjoy 'Good Vibrations' which could lead you to 'Good Libations' (another pun).

Congrats to Brian and Wilson. They saw a specific need in one of the fastest growing areas of greater Charleston, and they jumped on it. With apartment communities literally above them and surrounding them, as well as numerous hotels all within walking distance, not to mention the affluent neighborhoods nearby it's clear they made the right choice. 

Dropping in with friends or co-workers, maybe play a little game of 'be the first to spot the bronze rabbit', an oversized figurine further meant to reflect nobility. He's been known to hop about the place, but always provides a hare-raising (absolutely the last pun) time for patrons. Open 4pm to 11pm seven days a week, Neat & Noble Bourbon Bar can be found on your GPS at 1101 Metropolitan Ave. in Summerville and online at https://www.neatandnoble.net/ Sip, savor, and relax!