BTWs Crafted Concoctions - (Near Tavares, FL)

5 /5 Flizbap: Since this place is only a mile from me and had great reviews figured Id give it a shot. Was rapidly sat at the bar by the extra friendly and warm staff. Tried their house old fashioned first, which is fat washed with brown butter, and was immediately impressed. The fat washing made a world of difference, and this may have been one of the top old fashions Ive ever had, if not the outright best, and at only 15 bucks, is really reasonably the priced. Next up I ordered a pine barrens, and was again taken aback with how good this simple cocktail was. It took all the strength I had not to down it immediately. It was unique flavorful and strong. And also very reasonably priced. If your cocktail person and you stop here, this is a must try. Lastly I had their wedge salad that didnt skimp on the dressing or the toppings. I know its hard really to give high marks to a salad, but this was fresh, tasty, and a great value. I know its a little bit out of the way, but my highest recommendations to this place. I need to stop by again and try a couple more drinks and dishes, I was incredibly impressed by all of it.

1 /5 Brianna Chavis: We went into Crafted Concoctions after the trunk or treat, an hour before closing, and there were no tables available. I asked if we could wait for something outside and was told it wouldn’t be anytime soon because everyone had just been sat. No problem, there was a table outside we didn’t mind sitting at and we were told they don’t serve you outside you order food from BTW and then they’ll give you your drink in a plastic cup. It wasn’t ideal, and mainly, they were just rude and made everyone feel like we’d done something wrong by simply trying to be a customer. We ended up getting our food from BTW and ordered the drink “to-go” from crafted. It was a special espresso drink but didn’t taste anything like an espresso. I kindly explained I was thinking it was an espresso and asked to swap for a traditional espresso. The gentleman then very demeaning described the drink to me (ingredients and how it’s prepared). I acknowledged his information and asked again, if I can just have a traditional espresso. It simply wasn’t good but I wasn’t going to be insulting to who prepared it. Ingredients or not everyone who tried it said it was awful. His response was “I can’t pour the ingredients back into the bottle and serve it to someone else. So you can order a different drink but you’ll be paying for it”. How absolutely rude of a response. It’s was an $18 drink that was awful and then when I kindly explained and asked for a traditional espresso since this wasn’t good, to be talked down to in such a rude way was not only unprofessional and uncalled for but down right cruel. We’ve been here several times in the past and some of our friends have as well, apparently the service team here really needs a team customer service training today. I worked in customer service for years, and can confidently say this was less than a 1 star experience. I hope the owner’s take the time to really explain how the hospitality business and experience should be. The staff is rude, acts as though you’re the biggest inconvenience of their day trying to be a customer from the get go. An overall awful experience for the entire group that just got worse with each encounter.

5 /5 R Vincik: So, we were on the boat and found this gem! Just, wow! Not your ordinary “bar” food. Chef driven spectacular flavors. The food here is anything but ordinary. The service was equally impressive. Hillary behind the bar will become an instant friend. BTW shoes you can create and operate an outstanding place, even in light of current challenges. We are now regulars. Well done!! The tacos!!! Heaven. Perhaps the best I’ve ever had. And I’ve had a ton!!!!

5 /5 Renee J: Amazing selection of food and drinks. We visited during their Alice in Wonderland theme menu and tried some delicious specialty cocktails. Staff is friendly and gives great recommendations.