A fine dining and elevated drinking experience is not the first thing that comes to mind when one first mentions going out in Tallahassee. When most nights out near America’s No. 2 party school involve impossibly long lines and the infamous, frantic search for any pocket of space in a much-too crowded bar, a respite becomes necessary.
Located on the top floor of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Eve On Adams offers a panoramic glance over the Tallahassee skyline 17 floors above the cacophony of the city’s downtown area. The rooftop cocktail lounge is only five years old, but has made a name for itself as an elevated experience for college seniors looking to unwind and legislators enjoying a hard day’s evening.
“If you want to experience the city from a new perspective, this is definitely the perfect place to grab a cocktail with friends,” Florida State student Clara Collins said.
Eve On Adams’ clever name — inspired by the hotel’s location on South Adam Street — and simple yet effective theme is perfect for those with a knack for theology. They can admire the creative decoration while sipping on one of the lounge’s many cocktail options. The ambiance is relaxed yet elevated, playing with theological themes and decor that portray the Biblical Garden of Eden.
A beautiful suspended tree sculpture, constructed by FSU’s Master Craftsman Studio, and minimalist decorations make the space the perfect backdrop for any great night out.
As you enter the alarmingly slow elevator to the 16th floor, it beckons you to take a bite of the forbidden apple, much like the bar’s namesake. Upon arriving, you’re prompted to board a second elevator that will take you to Eve On Adams. By the time the elevator doors finally open, you’re rewarded with a striking custom mural from local Tallahassee artist and FSU graduate Cosby Hayes.
The dimly-lit space feels both intimate and expansive, as the lounge’s high roof feels open and the wraparound terrace offers sweeping views of the city.
“Despite the overall layout being pretty spacious, it still felt very intimate,” Kricia Figueroa Villatoro, a first-time Eve On Adams patron, said. “From the art of the two hands when you walk in, the red rope when you go outside, making you greet the person opening it for you and the fact that it was on a rooftop made it feel very romantic.”
To get the best experience at the bar, arrive after the sun has set and ask for terrace seating. This gives you a peek into the city’s nightlife, which many have experienced at ground level, from above.
While Eve On Adams offers extensive cocktail and wine options for their patrons, the star of the show is undoubtedly its martini menu. Seven cocktails that range from the classic mix of dry vermouth and olive Juice (Holy Trinity) or a complete twist that brings together Svedka and Sour Apple Pucker (Sour Appletini).
This fine-tuned drink menu is perfect for those who like their drinks comparable to candy as well as those who enjoy the hint of bitterness.
Beyond the drinks, the dinner menu also stands out. Patrons can expect upscale dishes like a crab-stuffed pork chop and, a personal favorite, stuffed chicken as well as shareable plates like their incredibly filling and very popular Italian nachos. The dining experience lives up to the bar’s reputation for sophistication as well as the three dollar signs they have on Yelp.
For students who want to enjoy a cinematic night out but, like many, cannot afford the bill that comes attached to such experiences, the Eve On Adam happy hour is the perfect solution.
From 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, Eve On Adam offers $8 specialty cocktails, $7 select martinis, $3 craft beers and more discounted options for the food lover on a budget. This happy hour menu leaves little to complain about.
Be aware that the happy hour appetizers, including the delicious Crab Rangoon Dip, are only available to patrons sitting at the bar. If you come with an appetite, make sure to secure one of the many coveted seats at their indoor bar.
A more overlooked aspect of this nightlife gem is what happens on Fridays and Saturdays after 11 p.m. After the dinner crowd clears out, Eve On Adams transforms into Eve After Dark and becomes a lively party scene with cocktail specials and good music, a more elegant version of the popular Tallahassee clubs many have grown tired of.
“Sure, the drinks may be a bit pricier than the traditional bars visited by undergraduate and graduate students,” FSU third-year law student Alec Hudson said. “But the ambiance, the quality of the drinks, and the views of the city are well worth it.
If you’re looking for a relaxed evening with a carefully crafted martini or a late-night rooftop rendezvous that you won’t need a wristband for, Eve On Adams offers an experience worth taking a very long elevator ride for. Next time you’re deciding between the usual crowded spots, step up and see the city from a different perspective.
Denise Perez is the Views editor of the FSView & Florida Flambeau, the student-run, independent online news service for the FSU community. Email our staff at contact@fsview.com.
This article originally appeared on FSU News: FSView Bar of the Week: Eve On Adams — take a bite
Reporting by Denise Perez, Views Editor / FSU News
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