Siren Sings Sweetly

From Greek mythology, sirens are alluring and mysterious songs sung from the sea, so enchanting that sailors’ lives could be lost to their seduction. Boulder’s latest addition to the cocktail bar scene, Siren Cocktail Bar, seduces as well. It is the mythical “perfectly comfortable neighborhood bar.” 

At a time when we’ve witnessed long-loved local haunts disappearing, Siren fills a void. Owners Jake Novotny, Yoav Monjack, and Cassidy Bradley—of Jungle Rum Bar fame—came across the vacant location and were inspired by its potential for a nautically themed bar. Not that South Boulder feels coastal, but the place they have built is a cared-for neighborhood haunt similar to older pubs along the Eastern Seaboard.

The small group of dedicated and enthusiastic purveyors is a welcome change, and their hands-on approach is felt immediately. The sea shanty motif is a familiar one for coastal transplants. You’re instantly transported to a favorite neighborhood watering hole found easily somewhere between Maine and Maryland. 

Everything in the bar was curated by the people planning to spend time there, and it shows in the wooden bar, nautical-themed artwork, kitschy light fixtures, and even the fishing nets draped on the wall. The sea vibe can’t be missed. There’s the feeling of a shared community spot, where you can pop in after work, see some friends, grab a snack, and sip a perfectly crafted cocktail.

Although the colorful Christmas lights behind the bar might suggest Siren is a laid-back pub, the drink menu is a curated page of craft-cocktail perfection, each drink a thoughtfully prepared work of expert mixology. The Siren Martini is the most popular drink, and for good reason. It is cold, classy, and complex. A dash of sherry and bitters creates an interesting and perfectly balanced blend. The extra cocktail that doesn’t quite fit in the elegant, tiny martini glass is served on the side, as is a “bump” of caviar if you’d like to add it to your Siren experience. In fact, guests can order their caviar bump for $11 to go with any snack or cocktail.

Beyond the martinis, the cocktail menu page is fun and delicious. Try the Sichuan Siren if you’re in the mood to feel fabulous with a mermaid-shaped vessel and a tasty concoction of bourbon, Sichuan peppercorn, rum, lemongrass, and coconut. Or for a beguiling cocktail that you won’t find anywhere else in Boulder, try the
St. Elmo’s Fire—a gin concoction made with Adriatic Sea water, blood orange, sherry, and marjoram.  

Even without a proper restaurant-sized kitchen, the ingenious owners created a menu that pairs well with both cocktails and the nautical theme. From assorted tinned fish served on a red-and-white checkered picnic plate to old-school fish sticks (as delicious as you remember them) to an A+ grilled cheese with chips, each small plate is a proper salty treat, perfectly complementing the potations.

Mondays are a great night to pop by, as live jazz from 7–9 p.m. adds great vibes to the already cozy public house. And like the haunting songs of the sea, this Siren will be calling you back before you know it.

Visit Siren Cocktail Bar at 623 S. Broadway, A, or get more information at sirencocktailbar.com.