Dominick's Southside cocktail

You’re hanging out with your pallies and they’re looking to you to call the next drink destination. But it’s gotta be something low key, none of this frou-frou stuff. Just because you’re a lady doesn’t mean you dig on the sugar water.

I’m thinking Dominick’s in West Hollywood. They just kicked off their new fall cocktail menu (prices range from $10-$13) last Thursday and even though it was a Rat Pack destination back in the day (what wasn’t?) it presents some respectable girl drinks. Case in point, that fall drink list.

I had the chance to partake last night, walking over to Dominick’s after a swinging shindig at Petrossian West Hollywood. Once I texted fellow Petrossian party-goer Thirsty in LA (aka Daniel) a photo of the Dom’s Manhattan and Pink Elephant, both new cocktails, I was sipping on he said he’d be right over. Soon bloggers Savory Hunter and EstarLA followed, joining us at the back bar on the patio.

Chris Newcomer, Dom’s manager, played our gracious host, trotting over cocktail after cocktail — which were comped — to sate the thirsty group.  Here are some of my fave drinks on the new menu.

Dom’s Manhattan ($13): Rittenhouse 100 Proof Rye, Carpano Antica, Angostura Bitters, Amarena Cherry

Dom's Manhattan

Unfortunately since there seems to be a worldwide shortage of Rittenhouse 100, the bar made do with Old Overholt, which was OK, but didn’t have the kick of the 100. Now, I love a good Manhattan as much as the next girl and this one was decent with a nice balance of vermouth and rye. Yet for some reason it was watery. Manager Newcomer said that the only way that could happen, since the bartender hadn’t shaken it, was if she stirred it too much, which he said she didn’t. So hm. In any case, I wouldn’t kick this Manhattan out of bed.