Secret SAVOR: Crave-worthy Cocktails and Sushi – at Whitaker’s Bar in Downtown Conway

By Tammie Hughes

I didn’t let them know I was dropping by, and I arrived just as the doors opened. It was just before Christmas, and the holiday cocktails were flowing to tables from the bar. A steady stream of festive creations continued throughout the evening, and it was the main attraction from my vantage point. I chatted with the talented bartender while he mixed, muddled, and smoked. The beverages were presented in a wide array of different glassware options, each befitting the cocktail itself — much like choosing a frame to match the artwork, not the room.

I delighted in the Hallmark® movie playing before my eyes. I eavesdropped on nearby bar mates as they discussed plans to leave Conway for Charlotte, one of them mentioning they had moved away before and came back. I pondered if she would return to her hometown of Conway after settling in Charlotte; perhaps I’ll see her again at the same bar in the distant future. I’ve lived in many different states across the country, and I can certainly understand the lure of something new, something different.

Turning my attention back to the bartender and servers gathered near the corner of the bar, I noticed how they were all excited to be there, conversing with one another as friends do, and scanning the room for guest needs. I hear them laugh and cajole each other into group plans.

I started off with the seasonal cocktail “Cinnamon Snowfall,” which consisted of vodka, coffee liqueur, cinnamon and clove infused syrup, and cream. It was very fall-forward and a heavy start. I switched to “Steep Dreams,” which was much lighter, consisting of hibiscus tea-infused gin, fresh lemon, and sparkling cava brut. It was perfect. I imagine that the seasonal cocktails they offer throughout the year are just as amazing.

The bartender, TJ Brister, is focused. You can tell he enjoys making beautiful craft cocktails. My husband joined me and promptly ordered a Budweiser®. If I were to describe the nuances of his beverage, I would say that it was light, refreshing, and conjured memories of fishing overnight on a Jon boat, LOL.

I chatted with TJ about the venue as he filled drink orders. He is the general manager and likes being creative behind the bar. He was also overseeing every aspect of the restaurant that evening — answering questions from team members, attending to the expo window, talking with guests, and so on. I like to see an active GM. I have been to restaurants before where I noticed the manager standing in the corner watching everything. That’s not active participation in the functioning of the venue. GMs are supposed to fill in the gaps where needed and back up their team members with a physical presence. They should be talented and able to jump into any role. I like seeing managers like TJ, who lead by example and create a great culture where team members can take ownership of the venue’s success. Leadership that takes on active participation garners a higher level of respect. Employee engagement is the first thing a manager should satisfy. When employees are happy, engaged, and respect their leaders, the result is high customer satisfaction. Happy team, happy customers.

I first ordered a little teaser of Tina Tataki. It was a perfect small bite and is on their happy hour menu. Seared tuna, wakame, fresh herbs, sweet ponzu sauce, and togarashi.

The happy hour menu is offered on weekdays 4-7PM and it features a fantastic selection of small bites. And, not to be overlooked and the reason for visiting on a particular day, is the half-off sushi menu available on Monday and Wednesdays, also 4-7PM. The choices are delightful and you cannot beat the price.

While they do not have a visible sushi counter, they do push plate after plate of the most amazing sushi rolls through the expo window. There must be a sushi genie in the kitchen casting spells because they all look so beautiful. I took notice, inquiring about several of the rolls, and searched the menu trying to decide which ones to try. They all sounded incredibly delicious. I narrowed down the selection to three rolls.

First we tried the KungFu Crunch roll. It is stuffed with salmon, avocado, and cream cheese and topped with spicy tuna, unagi, spicy aioli, tempura flakes, and scallions. I fell in love with this roll at first bite.

Next, we ordered the Jersey Roll, which is also stuffed with salmon and avocado but adds cucumber inside and omits the cream cheese. It is topped with yellowtail, spicy aioli, and scallions. It was a lot lighter than the first roll and delectable. It paired well with my Steep Dreams cocktail.

Our third roll was not listed on the half-off sushi special; rather, I discovered it within the regular menu. The Sunset Crab Roll is stuffed with spicy crab, avocado, and cream cheese. It is tempura fried and topped with bang bang sauce and sweet potato strings.

As we sat, enjoying the final bites of sushi, I decided to order a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco, which was divine. Their menu is inviting with their modern take on Southeast Asian cuisine.

Whitaker’s Bar is owned by Collected Hospitality. Local sister concepts include 1229 Shine and CO Sushi in Market Common. They have a dozen venues sprinkled throughout the Southeast.

I highly recommend venue. I also recommend snagging a chair at the bar to observe the majesty of the craft cocktails first hand. I like how they thoughtfully choose each glass to accentuate the cocktail that it contains. I adore the fresh herbs, the array of bitters on display, and the smoke and mirrors of it all, act artistic creation in motion!

Collected Concepts: https://www.collected.com/
Whitaker’s Menu: https://www.whitakersbar.com/location/whitakers-conway/
Address: 1025 3rd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526