A night out at Bar Saeso

12.17.2020 - Originally published on blog The Cincy Dweller

It’s like your favorite neighborhood dive, but make it sophisticated.

Near the corner of Sycamore and E 12th St, sits a beautifully renovated building. Its inconspicuous exterior would almost make one think it was abandoned. But as you step closer, one word stamped into the glass door catches your eye: SAESO. 

Bar Saeso is the latest brainchild of Guilfoil & Wulfson, the design duo that brought us The Carriage House. The bar, which had a modest opening in October, is a new addition to downtown’s Pendleton neighborhood — right across from the new Sugar and Spice diner.

I found out about SAESO through a co-worker, who suggested we try it on a night out. What we found that night was a truly one of a kind spot for our resurging city. 

As you approach the building, it’s smoky black façade stands out among the pastel buildings around it. Its large, double doors open like a pair of arms, urging you inside to the oasis within.

As you enter, the ample foliage and wicker bistro chairs make it feel as if you’re lounging in a Parisian café, while the terracotta floors and marble surfaces give the air of a kafenio in Greece.

The space is intimate and cozy but large enough that you’re not on top of one another. The layout was a bit awkward, and the music was just a little too loud for the space — I attribute this to both COVID and the new establishment finding their footing.

The quality of the staff and the drinks equate to New York’s high-end cocktail scene. The small but thoughtful menu has something for everyone, from deliciously simple cocktails to handpicked wine selections. I got the Spa Water Spritz — “Gin, Cucumber, Mint, Citrus, Fizz” as the menu reads — but don’t count on it being there next time, as their selection is ever-changing.

The atmosphere was almost therapeutic. Bar Saeso is the perfect place to catch up with an old friend or have an intimate conversation with your favorite person. But its relaxed environment and the suave crowd makes it a wonderful place to strike up a conversation with a stranger.

As my friend and I finished our drinks, we decided to explore. To our amazement, there was a smaller bar around the back. And there was a back door that led to a large, empty parking lot. It was closed during our visit, but the potential for the space seemed endless.

As we wandered the building, we ran into a manager. After we expressed our admiration for the place, he explained their plans to convert the back parking lot into an outdoor patio. Additionally, he told us about all the exciting projects Guilfoil & Wolfson have in the works, like a European style takeout window and even a Bed and Breakfast!

With its foreign style but local feel, Bar Saeso is a unique spot in our city. I am confident that by summer, Bar Saeso will be one of Cincinnati’s hottest hangouts.