I guess this place is closed now, but when it was open it was a cool speakeasy in the back of a taco joint with superb classic cocktails. Now it is just a memory - its the way of the world. read more

I saw this place on tiktok wayyyyy back and put it on my Buck-list. I ended up traveling to Detroit and this place was not too far away. I was super excited to have a real speak easy experience. The experience is definitely worth the drive but the drinks are $$$ so come prepared to drop some serious dough. read more

The Relief & Resource - a glass of liquid with a lemon wedge in it - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

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Great place! Known about it since it opened but just making it in. I've tried before but it's always been busy so I was happy to get a seat. As I'm sure everyone already knows it's inside El Topo. In the back behind the Pringles Vending Machine. Such a great concept. Inside it's dimly lit cozy feeling vibe is very welcoming. They have a bar you can sit at as well as some table seating. The menu is very small but has some interesting choices. I also love the way they do their Charcuterie. It starts at a base price of $7. That includes Bread, Pickles, mustard etc. Then from the board on the wall you can choose which Meat and Cheeses you wish to add. Each has a set price, each is 2oz. This works great for me especially as I can't have any of the usually accompaniments on a Charcuterie platter anyway. We already had eaten so we just stopped in for some drinks. However; I did end up indulging in some Brie and Reggiano as well. The bartender was extremely helpful in finding out the ingredients/labels for me although there ended up being no meats I could have due to allergies. The Cheeses were very yummy though! She really went out of her way which I appreciated!! They also have Milk and Dark Chocolates you can add for that sweet tooth in all of us. For the Cocktails they have a great selection of homemade Simple Syrups. From fruity based ones to Ginger, Honey, Rosemary and Cinnamon. I tasted a few to determine which to get in my cocktail and they were all delicious. Only improvements I can see... Better coffee. It was very weak and also very bitter my hubby thought. I tend to like mine a bit bitter at times but I definitely agree with him. I also wish they had dinner Alcoholic Coffee Drinks especially for the winter. And the bar stools...ouch. Very hard. But hey you can't have everything and they pretty much do! read more

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Such a cool place! I love that the entrance is "hidden", like it should be.. You enter through a Pringles vending machine in the back of the Mexican restaurant in front of it.. so unique and just plain fun. The atmosphere is dark and nice, it would be perfect if they had some more comfortable seating options aside from just the bar and tables. Not a big deal, though. We went here on a double date and everybody really enjoyed their time and cocktails ordered. They have a nice selection of liquors, house made syrups and absinthe. Bonus points for being able to order some tacos and other Mexican fare from next door. I don't know if they've ever paired al pastor tacos with cocktails during prohibition, but they probably should've because it's a winning combination. read more

The best of Fenton right here! People have been telling me to try this place out for a while, and I wish I had come in sooner! I had. I had no idea what I was missing out on! Well let's just start by sayin g you have to park and go into the taco shop El Topo. Down the hallway there is a vending machine. Hot the button and someone will open the door. It has such a cool vibe an aesthetic--definitely a big city feel in a small town. The staff are all very friendly and the drink menu is AMAZINGLY large--seriously there is something for everyone! If you live in Fenton, check it out. Otherwise...it's definitely worth the drive! read more

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This a a neat speak easy style bar. They use craft ice for their cocktails which speaks to the quality of their drinks. I didn't try the food, however the old fashioned I had was great and properly made. It's a neat vibe. read more

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Such a fun place to go to chance things up. Our waiter knew everything about what he served us between alcoholic beverages and cheeses for the charcuterie board. Love going here read more

Thank you The Relief & Resource for taking my speakeasy virginity. I wouldn't want to have it any other way. I'm not sure what the speakeasy unspoken rules are, so I have no idea if I'm supposed to be adding the entrance details here...but anyway, once you're in, helllllooooo extensive drink list! I liked that even though something wasn't on the menu, they still catered to the request. After enjoying four cocktails between the two of us, our bill totaled to around $40, which is much less than I expected. read more

Getting through the last few Coronavirus weeks is not easy but thanks to Jon and the Speakeasy cocktails it's been fun! Here's to the 5:00 hour read more

The Relief & Resource - Sunday is special right? - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

I read the other reviews, so I'll start by clarifying that both times I went primarily for the experience and atmosphere. And I went knowing how to get into the speakeasy (which can be found in other reviews). The place has a super chill vibe. If you sit at the bar, you'll see the drinks are made artfully. Once your drink arrives (it may take a bit longer than somewhere that is just pouring drinks), sit back, sip, and visit. There's nothing fast or loud here, just class without being pretentious. My suggestions: 1. Try something new. I usually don't order whiskey, but the Old Fashions were the happy hour special so I went with it. Forget ordering your usual beer, college drink, Flaming Zombie, etc. (They may have it, but why bother.) Be adventurous or ask for recommendations. 2. Don't come here to eat a meal. I've gotten the charcuterie board twice which was a nice accompaniment to my drink. (And reasonably priced.) If you're looking for food, stop on the way out at El Topo or walk down the street to a place like The Fenton Fire Hall. NOTE: I haven't ordered dinner here simply because--to me--it's about the drinks and atmosphere. 3. Come on a weekday--you'll get in quickly. Other 5 stars Yelpers confirm its about the drinks and the place. The low reviews confirm that it's not a destination spot for a meal. Looking for an entire experience? Try this: A. Park at El Topo, head inside, and enter the speakeasy. Order from some cheese and meats, and a drink or two. B. After, walk down to Fenton Fire Hall for dinner and a beer. (It's a short distance with a pretty view on the way.) C. Walk back to El Topo for your car, then drive to The Laundry for dessert. (Desserts are expensive there, but delicious and big enough to split.) read more

John the owner cares deeply about his business and his customers and despite it being a 45 minute drive, I plan to be a regular. Incredible bourbon selection at fair prices and the charcuterie rotates regularly. read more

Man I felt like a secret agent coming into this place. You can definitely miss it if you don't know even how to get in. The drinks combined with the ambiance is the reason I will be back. Be prepared to wait for seating as the place isn't big but that is what makes it Elite in its own way. I didn't get a chance to try the food but the cocktail choices were abundant. I was happily surprised because they carried Michter's 10 year bourbon which a favorite of my husband's and not common to find. I was extremely pleased to see they carried Nolet's gin, which if you haven't had Nolet's, is one of the best gin's out there. I ordered the last broadcast and subbed for the Nolet's gin. It had to be one of the best cocktails Iv ever had. My cousin got the French 75 cocktail which was like a champagne cocktail that seemed to be popular with the crowd we had that night. I have never been to a speakeasy but man were my drinks pricy! My upgrade to Nolet's wasn't even too bad, the cocktails in general can run over $10 a piece. It was definitely worth the price but not somewhere I could go get a cocktail any ole day. I highly recommend trying this place out if you love great craft cocktails in a classy and intimate environment. read more

The Relief & Resource - Last broadcast with Nolet gin and French 75 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

Came here with my girlfriend a week ago and we had an excellent experience. We sat at the bar and Courtney took care of us and we had the nicest conversation with some locals. Great drink menu, cool ambiance, and the tacos were ! Can't wait to come back during the summer when the Tiki bar is open! read more

Love the ambiance here. Staff is awesome and very accommodating with kindness and very sophisticated. Bartenders rock the house with their talented mixes. read more

I can't say enough good things about this place. The vibe, the drinks, all of it. Wonderful hidden gem. Rare booze. Bartenders are fantastic, and really masters of their craft. Get here, y'all. You can't go wrong. read more

Been here many times and it's super cute and we always have a great time. This time was very much different, I was very disappointed in the visit and staff! I made the reservation on "Opentable" a week + before October 16th our reservation. I called 2 times prior to the date, I emailed and also put the request in on Opentable for the group size to be increased from 4 to 6 people. We were only going for drinks. When I arrived they said they didn't get any of these request by me, I even had a local friend call and try as she knows owner, however they put us outside for the time being, which is not the experience you want when going to a speakeasy. The outside needs to be heated more, it's bright and no ambiance what's so ever. They moved us inside after about sitting outside without drinks for 10-15minutes. The "owner" came out and asked to speak with me. He wasn't pleasant at all and said he didn't ever get a call or receive an email. Anyways we finally had our drinks inside as requested a week + prior and had a nice time, not great, the service was mediocre. They obviously don't check voicemails, request from Opentable or emails! Because I used all of them and never heard a peep! The best was when we were leaving after our drinks... we exited the building and where you exit is the taco shop, which was closed. As we were walking out the hostess (very very rude) came flying out pretty much yelling "put your mask on" in which my friend who CAN'T wear one said "I can't and don't have one" she said "well I can give you one or you will be banned from this place" REALLY!!!!! This will be the last time I go here and I will be for sure to let everyone know about this experience. I will now frequent the speakeasy in Flint X once it reopens!!!!! I was just extremely disappointed in this and now, Fenton has lost a customer who goes down there many many nights, but will never go to R&R again! read more

This staff is knowledgeable and great at recommending pours! One of my favorite spots. I liked the charcuterie board and the Mexican food is a great price for tasty food. If you are looking for a whiskey bar or some fabulous craft cocktails this is the place to go! Be sure to make reservations well in advance. read more

This little speak easy is so romantic and perfect for any occasion. First date, 100th date, night out with friends... my wife and I came here for the first time last night. You walk into a taco shop, walk back towards the restrooms and at the end of the hallway is a Pringles vending machine, press the right button and the door opens to reveal a dark candle lit room complete with its own kitchen and bar, with some tables and chairs as well. They have a menu for food, small selection of entrees cheese and charcuterie boards, but we just had drinks. Our server was extremely friendly and the drinks were delicious. They take a lot of pride in their craft cocktails here. The tacos in the front taco shop smelled and looked amazing to, so I'll have to come back for that. Love this place. Keep up the great work guys, it's much appreciated. read more

The Relief & Resource - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

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Food was mediocre at best. Ordered the hush puppies. It came with 3 for $14. One was over cooked, one was cooked right, and one was still raw in the middle. Everything was way too salty. Ordered the surf and tartar and couldn't even eat half of it. Sorry to say, a cool evening out was a complete bust. Will not be back. read more

Really can't say enough about Relief and Resource. Whether you're looking for a classic cocktail or something creative, they have it. Clearly experienced and knowledgeable bartenders lead to an always fantastic experience here. read more

We did enjoy our visit, however we thought we could get "tapas" according to the description. We went for our anniversary and were limited to a cheese plate and Mexican food from the place in front. Kinda put a damper on things. read more

Great place to meet friends and have a few drinks. Been going to this place for a few months now and just had the meat and cheese plate. Cheese options were amazing. Staff was able to help direct what types of meats and cheese pair well together. The bread from Crust tops off the meat and cheese plate to make it one of the best I've ever had. Drinks are a little pricey but that's what you are paying for to walk through a vending machine door. read more

The Relief & Resource - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

Place and atmosphere is SICK! Love it. Bartender was super nice, made us feel at home, gave us some great recommendations, and managed to do all that while dealing with a lady who didn't know her limits. Love the drinks and the charcuterie. 10/10 will definitely be back read more

Stop referring to yourselves as a Speakeasy. Unless you have no business or liquor license. A hidden restaurant, yes. A Speakeasy, no. A Speakeasy is like Fight Club, you don't talk about it. Anyone looking for an actual Speakeasy experience needs to visit the D. However, if this is intended as more of a Cosplay thing then that's great, lost star is for not being clear on this aspect of the bar/restaurant. read more

Probably the coolest speakeasy we have been too. It was very much hidden! And I won't give awa the details but very cool. The vibe was chill and hipster along with relaxing. There were plenty of cocktails to choose from. They are pricey, but we knew this, however, it could be shocking to some. They range from $15-$7(simple drink). The service was very quick even though the bartender was making a lot of difficult drinks he was very attentive. read more

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Seems to be losing a step. Bartender we had was a jerk. Came a far piece to have the same great experience. Totally disappointed. Wanted a zombie. Great flaming drink. He didn't want to make one, which is fine, but was a jerk about it. In the past, the bartenders made the experience. Now he wrecked it. Not coming back. Im ok paying 15 bucks for a drink, and have told many people about this place. Now I'm over it. No excuse for rudeness in a customer service industry. read more

Love it hip and stylish. Secretive and the service was AMAZING! Dim lit and quiet. All the drinks were well crafted!!!!

Awesome place but the male bar tender or "mixologist" (Jon) is rude and condescending. He was the main reason we left and will never come back. It happened once and I brushed it off as he was having a bad day. Came back and he was even worse. After speaking to others, I have found out I am not the only one that thins this and won't step foot back in there. read more

I've only been here once but will definitely be back! We stopped in on a Saturday right when they opened. I asked the bartender to make me something not on the menu ( ___ liquor-based, with flavor but not too sweet) and boy did he deliver! Those two drinks were the best cocktails I've ever had. And when it came time for the bill, I was pleasantly surprised at the reasonable cost. We did not try any of the food but the small menu looked tasty. A fun place to surprise an unsuspecting friend. read more

Visiting this speakeasy was very worth the trip. The atmosphere was intimate and the decor was appropriate for the "time." Their drink menu featured some phenomenal blends. My favorite is definitely the Upstream Color (so far) but the Queen Anne's Revenge was a close second. The servers have all tried each drink on the menu and are able to provide valuable insight on drink selections. I was particularly impressed with the spirits list (as well as the plethora of options for Bourbon, Whiskey and Ryes) and the glossary of liquors and drink additions in the rear pages of the drink menu. I wasn't there for a full meal but shared three delicious appetizers with friends. The Mousse Pate Deviled Eggs were to die for and I was impressed with the depth of texture and flavor on the snap peas. While I won't eat tortilla chips, I did also try a spoonful of the avocado hummus. Excellent! read more

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This is easily one of the coolest bars in state! The Zombie was the best cocktail I have ever had! Don't forget to add the dark and milk chocolate to go with your cocktail or wine. read more

Very well stocked bar with knowledgeable bar tenders, the food was good, the price was reasonable. Not your basic beer and burger, upscale but informal. The whole speakeasy hidden door thing is fun. We will definitely be back next time we are in town. read more

I visited this establishment on their second night open for business. We arrived shortly after 7pm and our group of 4 was able to be seated immediately. Apparently their first night open had a very long wait. For those who aren't familiar, this is a speakeasy located behind a taco joint. The entrance is a secret door disguised by a Pringles machine. The cocktail menu is enormous and it was difficult to decide. The dim lighting also made it hard to read the menus. I finally ordered the Nemesis, which is from the house specials section of the cocktail menu and came served in a tiki glass. I sampled the other drinks at our table and they were all strong and well mixed. Our table shared the prosciutto-wrapped figs, which I would highly recommend. I also ordered the lobster roll, which I was a bit surprised by. Coming from the DC/Maryland area, it was not similar to lobster rolls of the northeast/mid-Atlantic. It was more of a deconstructed lobster roll served with toast and dill sauce on the side. I suppose I was expecting a creamy mayo-based sauce and a bread roll that was able to be picked up like a sandwich. That said, the lobster roll was good, just not what I was expecting. Service was a little slow, but good -- I assume since they are new they are still working out the kinks. I will totally go here for cocktails again next time I'm in town. read more

Love this place! Mad John is the best bartender around. He is really knowledgeable and makes a mean cocktail! Go there for the fun atmosphere and charcuterie board! The cocktails are yummy, but the menu is very short but ever changing. You won't be disappointed with the flavors. Chef Jody rocks ever selection BUT. It's more of a pre dinner or post dinner place to me. OR Fill up on charcuterie. Can't go wrong with that!! read more

The Relief & Resource - Inside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

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Terrible.the hostess said 35 min and suggested we go out side and have a drink. But excited to go in decided to wait. A party of 4 behind us got a 10 min wait time, and then a party of 3 had a 20 min wait all entering before us. Meanwhile a couple came in and asked oh are you waiting. We said yes. They knocked and the hostess said oh, come in there's 2 seat at the bar..., what??? Yes, I got mad! Felt so rudely treated... not sure of the reason. Super disappointed and will never go back! read more

Reserve system could be better. Like scheduling a time rather than a wait list. Excellent service and appetizers

Cute secret entry into this Speakeasy! Dark intimate Candlelit atmosphere. They open at 5 and get there early to get a seat! The "fondues" are really a dip but very good! Interesting menu items. We ordered the charcuterie board and selected 2 meats and 2 cheeses . They give you the fixens, bread , mustard etc. ive been here 3 times the first 2 times very friendly and accomodating bartenders . This last time was a different guy I felt like he was annoyed.. no smiles. Anyway next time I will get more put of my comfort zone drink wise. This time I tried The Wasp it was excellent as well as the Sangiovese wine. read more

We love coming here for the charcuterie boards! The menu rotates seasonally so try the cauliflower fondue or the baked Brie if you see them on the menu. read more

Bartender was a total jerk! He also bartends at The Laundry and is typically accommodating and friendly but I realize now it is only for the tip. Drinks really are not that good. Totally turned off tonight. Won't be back. read more

Great drinks. Great service. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and helped us pick out any drinks that we really enjoyed . I would say the food is hit or miss. We did not like the oysters the texture was very odd...they were partially cooked not raw... but that being said our great waiter took them off and we chose some cheese and meat selections from the board that were great. It's a cool place to go check out on a date or with friends :) read more

The Relief & Resource - Secret entrance was really cool - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Fenton, Michigan

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