I visited Noir tonight with my partner for the pop-up Maccabee bar during Hanukkah. The bar was bustling upon arrival, adorned with festive Hanukkah decor, capturing an upscale yet lively atmosphere befitting the Charles Hotel. With limited seating, my partner sat on a stool at the bar while I stood next to her, eagerly anticipating the experience.
The bartender's friendly demeanor set the tone as we explored the special Maccabee menu. Opted for the "oy, wat a night," an Ethiopian-inspired mule with tequila, mezcal, berbere honey, lime, and ginger beer. It delivered the smoky and spicy kick I anticipated, living up to its description.
To complement the drinks, we ordered a dozen oysters. Unfortunately, our excitement took a nosedive when one oyster turned out to be spoiled, leaving my partner with an unpleasant aftertaste. The disappointment lingered, making it impossible to enjoy the remaining oysters with peace of mind. Looking back, I wished I had sent them back.
Upon checking-in on Yelp, a $1.50/oyster offer popped up. Unfortunately, the manager did not honor it. While the offer wasn't a significant discount given the $2 price per oyster, the lack of acknowledgment left a sour note. In good conscience, I find it hard to wholeheartedly recommend Noir after this experience. I sincerely hope they take steps to improve their quality control and customer service. I love the Maccabee bar pop-up, though, and I hope they'll take it back to the Backbar in Somerville or somewhere else next time. read more
