Mixtape

Mixtape was made for me… or at least it feels that way. At first glance, it’s just another storefront in Garfield, but once you walk in you are met with a gorgeous interior, complete with couches and tables with hidden chairs great for seating lots of 30-​something butts. And that’s exactly the crowd to which Mixtape appeals. Sure, there were younger and older patrons present, but the general vibe is «semi-​mature partier.»
Mixtape has also joined the ranks of Bar Marco in the tip-​less world. Their employees are given a fair wage and benefits, so gratuities of any kind are gracious declined. Bonus — their late night happy hour boasts $ 1 off a bevy of beverages and half-​off premium well liquors. In short, I was drinking Pinnacle and Diet Cokes all night long and could not have been happier. The DJ was perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed watching him bounce to the beat. He is one of those DJs who is clearly so happy in his element. Bull Dawgs food truck was outside throughout the evening, but ran out of a few key items, so I passed on the Dawgs. Maybe next time. There will definitely be a next time since Mixtape is totally rad.

Came here last night for 90’s night! It was my first time and I was really excited to check out a new place in Garfield. I’m looking forward to more things popping up in that area!
Mixtape is a smaller space with a lounge area, dance floor/​DJ and a bar in the back. They have local art and overall it had a great vibe. The set up was a bit confusing with the bar in the back and lounge up front but I think I would like it more on a less busy night. They had a lot of interesting craft cocktails, but I stuck with the basics, as it was busy and I was a bit impatient. I’d love to see them do more events there, but maybe be a bit more organized in anticipation of a large crowd.
They don’t accept tips here! So naturally drinks are a bit pricier but it all evens out. In fact, sometimes after a few I can be a bit too generous so it could even help me out. My favorite part is that if you do tip in cash, they donate the money to charity! Amazing! What a cool work environment. And although they were a bit scrambled at times, the staff were all super nice and helpful. I’d definitely come back – and bring cash!

Mixtape is amazing! There are so many vegan options across the board and the food and drinks are to die for! We went there for brunch on Saturday and I got The Tempeh Trap (breakfast sandwich that came with a spring mix salad with fresh cherry tomatoes and balsamic) and That Apple Pie (OMG french toast like panini w/​cinnamon cream cheeze and apples) and my girlfriend got The Tempeh-​Tations and Livin’ La Vida Loca (mocha coffee frapp). They were all incredibly delicious and all plant-​based. The owner Katie and employee Stacey were so considerate and sweet. We played some of my favorite board games (they have a kickass selection) and they have a craft station to make ornaments! We each made really pretty ornaments (paint, glitter, gems). They have the best self-​serve options for coffee add-​ins. The vibe and decorations are sleek but welcoming and comfortable. There are cool paintings on the walls. I cannot recommend this place enough. I’m so excited to check out their dinner menu! They serve drinks at the bar which look very unique and tasty. There’s a walk up counter for ordering and you can call in to order for pickup as well.

Enjoyed the venue — beautiful chill spot with friendly staff, great drinks and live entertainment. Definitely a chill joint. Will frequent often.

Mixtape is a wonderful little eatery and bar. I have not tried the daytime menu, but the handful of food items they serve in the evening are tasty and very fairly priced. This coupled with a creative drink selection from cocktails to wine to beer all at fair prices that include the tip and you have a terrific combination. Add onto that a chic ambience and its a place to get out with friends or a SO to relax.

The space is awesome! It’s cozy and warm for the cold weather to come! There’s a nice lounge area and friendly staff. On Saturdays the dance floor is the best. Good bands to come from what I hear. The drinks are carefully made and delicious, and this is coming from a long time bartender. Definitely a place to check out!

A new place that doesn’t have it’s feet yet.
THE GOODS:
* Cool décor.
* Intimate space, created from the deep row house architecture. Tables, lounge areas, etc. are near the dance area. (Oh, wait. Is there a dance area? In effect, you dance wherever.)
* Diverse menu with different items.
* Friendly staff. They add to the warmth of the place with their smiles and willingness to chat a bit.
* The music. I liked what I heard when I was there. Danceable and yet not intrusive if you are chilling with friends in the lounge area. Not sure if the music is always this way.
THE BADS:
* The service. They are so busy being friendly, you can forget service. I went in twice when they were slow (maybe 10 people in the place) and eventually left each time without being served. The second time I even pointedly said to the (apparent) server, «I want to be served by you.» Sure!” she responded, and I ended up with menus. 20 minutes later, no one had come to take the order.
* Drinks and food looked good by menu descriptions, but I can’t tell you whether they were any good. See point above.
* If you want a discreet space for chatting with friends, forget it if there is dancing or a crowd. What can be intimate (the whole place as dance) can also be off-​putting if you are looking to lounge.
* The «LOVE» sign. It’s a good fit artistically for the place, but too bright. At night it shines on the front third of the place like a spotlight. I’d suggest lower wattage bulbs that create a glow.
THE CONCLUSION:
Two times with no service, a month into operations? There are lots of other places to check out. Maybe I’ll check in again in a year.

I love Mixtape. Great atmosphere during the day and at night, from juice bar to dance night! I especially love their egg muffin and granola bowl. Organic ingredients and super reasonable prices. And the drinks on their dance nights are fabulous. Along with the music. Super happy to have them as our neighbors to the dance studio.

Great cocktail bar with room to hang out, it even looks like they serve food during the day. Newly renovated upstairs and basement, large DJ booth, huge copper bar, we will be coming back!