ORIGIN:
The Bevy Co opened in late spring 2023. Owners Stevie Sacco and Mallory Monagan are cousins who share a decade of experience in all aspects of restaurant management and service outside of the kitchen. The Bevy Co is a play on the word beverage, an aspect of restaurant experience for which Stevie, formerly a general manager and bartender for the local Market Hospitality Group enterprise, has developed expertise.
CONCEPT:
The Bevy Co is a quiet, tucked away cocktail lounge where people can gather and connect without the distraction of crowds, loud music, or flickering television images. Unique cocktails are highlighted, including liquor-free versions with ingredients that produce a calming effect, but glasses of wine or beer are at hand as well for those feeling less adventurous.
LOCATION:
The Bevy Co secured approval to be located in a small commercial strip that is perpendicularly situated on a road that connects to Southbury's Main Street. As such there is a sense of discovering a hidden gathering spot.
EXPERIENCE:
Unlike most bar/lounges, the Bevy Co is light-filled, with sunlight streaming through large windows. Similarly, the decor draws in nature, with organic shapes (e.g. curvy cafe chairs and hairpin-shaped bar), elements (e.g. hanging plants), and references (e.g. coneflower mural) woven throughout space. Collectively the lounge has a feminine vibe, which is not surprising given the Bevy Co founders and the entire floor crew are women.
SUGGESTED SUMMER 2023 PAIRINGS:
GONE ON HOLIDAY + HONEY PINEAPPLE WINGS:
If unique cocktails aren't enough, the Bevy Co produces its own infusions, syrups, and bitters. I felt compelled to try one during my first visit and experienced the "Gone on Holiday", a nutty take on the classic Mai Tai, composed of spiced rum, macadamia nut liquor, lemon and lime juice, and pineapple ginger shrub. Wanting to check out one of their accompanying dishes from the menu, which includes plates prepared for individual or shared nibbling, I thought the best pairing for this beverage would be the Honey Pineapple glazed chicken wings. I received five wings that were slightly crisp on the exterior, and plump and moist in the interior. The wings were enveloped in just the right amount of glaze -- the flavor did not take away nor distract from the cocktail. The tropical cocktail was served in an ice-filled, clear pineapple-shaped glass that was decorated with a single pineapple leaf. I found "Gone on Holiday" very refreshing, and a perfect taste for a summer evening.
EXODUS + THAI PEANUT WINGS
During my first visit the bartender, Sara, shared with me her two favorite cocktails on the menu -- Exodus and Roxanne -- both of which invite surprise through their totally unfamiliar combinations. At a subsequent visit I ordered Exodus, but struggled to identify a dish that would pair well with its flavors (sesame orgeat, Cherry Heering, sake, and lemon). I landed on the idea that the Thai Peanut Wings, topped with sesame seeds and cilantro, was the best pairing option from the specials menu. Exodus proved to be a sweet, fruity cocktail, that is surprisingly smooth and somehow very dainty in its presentation. The Thai Peanut wings provided an earthy balance to the pairing.
CUCUMBER CARTEL + CHICKEN BAO BUN:
The flavor and scent of cucumbers are associated with summer, so for my most recent visit I chose to experience Cucumber Cartel, composed of muddled cucumber, house jalapeño-infused vodka, lime juice, spicy honey, and carbonated water. This bright and flavorful cocktail perfectly complemented the Chicken Bao Bun, where Kimchi, moist Hoisin shredded chicken, fried shallots, and spicy Aioli are brought together in a pillowy Asian bun. This results in a complex, interesting contrast of flavors and textures.
BLONDIE WITH THE BODY + CHEESECAKE
Pistachio syrup-infused espresso martini is a perfect end of evening match for a thick slice of juicy fruit-topped cheesecake. Very popular cocktail!
TIPS:
Menu changes seasonally.
Happy Hour is between 3 PM and 5 PM Thursday through Monday, during which there is a discount on beverages.
Bevy Co is closed on Tuesdays.
A private room that adjoins the lounge may be booked for an event -- perfect for a special celebration.
The bar/lounge is a short swing off of I-84 exit 15. read more