You gotta try this!
The Burnt Offering (left) and the Tropiq (below), a “bougie take” on a piña colada.
Not Your Average Happy Hour Story and Photos by Jeremy Gonsior
Visiting The Ondergrond Bar, a hidden speakeasy below Butch’s Dry Dock in downtown Holland, is an adventure from the moment you decide it’s about time for a midweek happy hour. First you need the password. It changes every week, which means you have to keep up with “the list.” On a warm Wednesday night in July, my friend Jon and I strolled up to the host stand and explained we had a reservation for two under “random logic.” They nodded, picked up the phone, and quickly confirmed there was room in the small, dimly-lit, and exclusive-feeling venue. The secret vibes accelerated as we walked downstairs to the third door and knocked three times. The sign says “cast aside your inhibitions and immerse your senses.” Moments later the bartender, Jamie, opened it and welcomed us in. We chose seats at the bar in the back and reviewed the menus. The impressive cocktail list is user-friendly, organized in sections such as light & fizzy, sour, boozy & stirred, and nitecap. 36
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Jon couldn’t resist the summer vibes of Tropiq, a sour drink with botanist dry gin, domaine canton ginger liqueur, dry curacao, lime, simple syrup, and coconut. He described it as “a refreshing summer beverage, crafted by a professional; a well-balanced, bougie take on the pina colada.” Meanwhile, I chose Burnt Offering, charcoal filtered bourbon, peated scotch, amaro dell’etna, demerara syrup, black walnut bitters, and orange bitters. It’s presented with a small flame to the side, leaving a pleasant aroma of smoke as you take your first sip. It was strong, bourbon-forward, and so smooth. The top-notch cocktails set the tone for an awesome conversation that lasted nearly two hours. Ondergrond is a place you can get lost in, an amazing escape from the challenges of life. Just make sure you get on the list! The Ondergrond Bar 44 E 8th St, Holland, MI 49423 (lower level below Butch’s Dry Dock)