Jacob Herr
2/5
Honestly, going to Happy Endings is like a crapshoot. Sometimes, it's decent, and other times, it's below par. The first time I was there, the bartender wasn't very approachable. Looked like he has an RBF. Since they don't have a food program, I asked why that was the case, given that the owners of the bar also own/operate a hotel and seafood restaurant. His cold and sullen response was simply because it was "too hard". Statistically, customers will stay longer and spend more money if there's a food program to accompany the alcohol. Otherwise, the bar becomes just a "filling station"; not a hangout. Keep in mind, Skagway is a tourist town, with about 14 restaurants, bars, and food trucks along two main roads (Broadway & State Street). It's a very competitive market and if you can't draw in the tourists, the locals alone will not guarantee survival.
The second time I went, the bartender was different; far more superior in mixology & social skills. Played it safe and ordered a Tanqeuray and tonic. Yet, the late night crowd can be a bit rowdy. I get how in a tourist town, it's great to find a place where the locals can gather and relax after the tourists sail off on their cruise ships, but one of them put their hands on me without my consent. I didn't want to say anything to make a scene, but I definitely felt less comfortable, and less inclined to purchase another drink.
The third (and final) time I went, it was the guy from the first time. He had his attitude from the first time, and even groaned when I asked for a gin martini. I then watched him make the drink completely wrong.
- Didn't use any vermouth.
- Used some sort of ingredient from the soda gun before adding the gin.
- Over-poured the gin.
- Shook the drink with a plastic cup in the silver shaker.
(the rule of thumb is to stir martinis, not shake them)
- Didn't strain it correctly.
- Didn't even bother to garnish the drink at all (no olives, no lemon peel, no cocktail onions, nothing).
Needless to say, the drink's presentation was terrible, the drink tasted terrible, and rather than complain, I drank it anyway; but it wound up getting me sick in the morning.
Pardon me if it sounds like I'm senselessly bashing the place, because that's not my intent. The atmosphere is great, and it's in a decent location, but compared to the competition a stone's throw away, there are far better options. Unless the folks behind the operation are willing to step up, I won't be coming back.
