Bar Fausto Now Pouring in RiNo

One glance at the summer cocktail menu at the newly-opened Bar Fausto in RiNo, and I was struck by the presence of something atypical: descriptions. Developed by beverage director Rob Corbari (also of the Populist, located just across the street), the drinks don’t actually have names (a welcome departure from the long-winded puns at certain spots). Each beverage is, however, flanked by a list of ingredients, a picture of the glass it’s served in, and a couple sentences describing its inspiration and flavor profile.

The #3, for example (Bar Fausto’s take on an Old Fashioned) was indeed, “citrusy and bright” as promised, but it also ran a little sweet. More balanced was the #7, an unexpected mix of Vida Mezcal, Lillet Blanc (a French apéritif wine), ginger, citrus juices, muddled celery stalk, mint, and a scatter of pink peppercorns. Served in coupe, the misty green beverage lived up to its billing as “one harmonious, worldly cocktail.”

Whether you’re a cocktail enthusiast or not, you’ll appreciate the extra info for context. It’s also easy to appreciate the concise food menu, which features charcuterie (most of which comes from Salumeria Biellese in New York) and straightforward small plates like radishes with whipped butter. Oysters and a couple of simple sandwiches and bruschetta round out the eats, which invite a snack-style approach to building dinner. For dessert, there’s soft-serve ice cream flavored with Fernet-Branca.

Partners Jonathan Power (of the Populist) and Koan Goedman (of Huckleberry Roasters) haven’t tried anything overly ambitious with Bar Fausto, and that’s precisely its appeal. Like a favorite pair of jeans, Bar Fausto feels effortlessly comfortable yet still edgy and hip—and its a perfect fit for the neighborhood.

3126 Larimer, 720-593-1260, barfausto.com