The Bar: Southern Culture on Main and Strawberry. Southern Culture is rare because it is a martini bar that serves real, genuine vodka martinis, not just shooters in a glass. Jimmy Tsamouras, the owner and resident martini guru, created his own recipes for a wide variety of martinis. While they'll gladly serve you a traditional one, they also have an awe-inspiring selection that will tempt you in every way imaginable. They serve up a mean Dirty Greek, which includes a feta-stuffed olive, or a Chocolate Kiss with Baileys and a Hershey's Kiss, and over a dozen more. The show stopper, though, is their Apple Martini, which is a smooth blend of Van Gogh Appel, Stoli Vanilla, Sour and a Secret Sauce. Wow, after a couple of those, I had some trouble operating my glass, but that doesn't really mean I have a drinking problem, does it?
The Happiest Hour: While sadly Southern Culture doesn't have a happy hour, the power and beauty of their martinis makes one unnecessary. The prices for martinis range from $6 for a traditional to $11 for one of the deluxe models. Be warned though: These things pack a punch, ranging in size from 5 to 7 ounces, they can really ring your bell this holiday season. Unless you're a professional, you should limit your intake to two, that way you can help me get home.
Style Weekly's mission is to provide smart, witty and tenacious coverage of Richmond. Our editorial team strives to reveal Richmond's true identity through unflinching journalism, incisive writing, thoughtful criticism, arresting photography and sophisticated presentation.
We make sense of the news; pursue those in power; explore the city's arts and culture; open windows on provocative ideas; and help readers know Richmond through its people. We give readers the information to make intelligent decisions.