Turks & Frogs

I have to say, I was a little intimidated to review Turks & Frogs because it is such a well known bar. It’s located at 323 W 11^th St in the adorable West Village. I did some research on the bar after my visit and it has such a large following that people from all over the world even make a pilgrimage of sorts to this place. Very cool!

Even though it was a Friday evening, I was the first to arrive again! I’m actually getting used to this. Early bird gets the best service…or something like that, right? Right? Not quite. When I walked in and the staff realized I was alone, they asked if I wanted to sit at the bar, but I told them that I had some work to do and requested the cozy looking back area, mainly so that I could take my notes for the review in secret. Plus it’s less awkward than staring at the bartender the whole time seeing as I was the only customer. Although I did tell them that I was going to do a little work, it didn’t necessarily mean that I didn’t want any wine. Several staff members walked by my table and didn’t even acknowledge me, let alone ask me if I wanted anything to drink. Eventually, the bartender did take my order and everything was great from there on!

Turks & Frogs was eclectic with a 1930s/40s vibe. I half expected Sinatra to come strolling in at any given moment. The back area of the bar had mismatched antique-looking furniture and ornate rugs adorned the wooden floor. The entire bar is lit only by candlelight and soft lamps placed near some of the tables, which are tucked away in corners allowing privacy for intimate conversation over tall glasses of wine. Bubbly jazz and 1930s music, such as tunes by Ella Fitzgerald, were playing. It is a very sultry atmosphere and absolutely a perfect date spot. I’m coming here again with the hubster :)

There was a pretty good wine selection, with many of the wines being from Italy, California, Turkey, and Australia. Glasses were priced well and most were $9 and $10, with a couple priced at $14. Wine bottle prices were very reasonable. They were not more than $100, but they did have a reserve wine list with wines that were more expensive, yet still affordable enough if you want to spoil that someone special without breaking the bank.

The wine menu is divided by Red and White and arranged by body and flavors, which I think is a really great way to showcase the wines available. Rather than relying on your own knowledge of wine, it takes some of the guesswork out of whether or not you will enjoy the wine. Reds were listed under the categories of Light to Medium Bodied, smooth texture, supple; Medium to Full Bodied, richer texture and structure; and Full Bodied mouth-filling, jammy, oaky. Whites were categorized by Light Bodied, medium-sweet, flowery; Crisp, dry, refreshing; and Medium to Full Bodied, aromatic, oaky. This helped me choose my glass of 2009 Rosenblum Zinfandel (California) because Zinfandel is one of the few wines that can have very different styles and characteristics. I prefer mine to be full bodied and rich, so I was easily able to determine from the menu that I would like this Zin. Pretty genius menu organization if you ask me.

I was getting a clove flavor with the Zinfandel. You know how certain tastes and smells bring back distinct memories? This wine immediately reminded me of the Christmas season when my husband and I make lots and lots of wassil, which is mulled with cloves. The wine reminded me of the acidity and spices of wassil. Suddenly I wanted a roast beast, cranberry sauce, and a big pile of mashed potatoes. This inspired me to take a look at the food menu and saw that they serve hummus as one of their appetizers. I automatically like any place that serves my most favorite of snacks :)

I obviously can’t say much about the typical customer of Turks & Frogs, since I was all by me onesies. Aside from mid 20s girl (i.e. ME), I would venture to guess that since it is a very popular bar it would draw all sorts of people from all age groups and walks of life. I may have to update this part when I visit it again, because I will certainly be back.

Turks & Frogs is going to be one of my favorite wine bars for an intimate setting and if I want to feel like a vixen of the 1930s. I rate this bar 4.5 out of 5 glasses.

My glass of nostalgic Zinfandel

Hello old school coziness

Candles along the wall by my table