The original
On the ground floor of the celebrated Hotel Torni, American Bar was established in 1960 and is one of the oldest cocktail bars in the country. For many Finns, it defined the very idea of what a cocktail bar should be. It has an elegance that is not always in tune with changing fashions but its commitment to class is timeless.
The trend here is “tradition” although modern molecular mixology has lately been a source of inspiration. Its CR Margarita comes in a glass with an unsalted rim for instance, but is accompanied by a separate cup of salt foam tweaked with fresh lime juice.
Needless to say, only the freshest ingredients are used.
“This autumn will see a whole bunch of brand new tricks,” says chief bartender Mika Vitikka. “We’re designing three-course drink menus with an aperitif, warm main drink, and a sweet dessert drink.”
“As the new smoking law put an end to cigar smoking in the bar, our biggest sellers are also bound to change,” he adds. “Cigars and whisky go hand-in-hand, so fresher cocktails are probably going to become more popular.”
American Bar may take an innovative approach to its drinks list but an absolutely impeccable table service has been the norm here for decades, almost too formal at times. This establishment has acted like a university for many top young bartenders even though most staff are generally mature and experienced. Restraint is their watchword – they know that less can often be more.
Around 80 per cent of sales are cocktails and the typical customer is a 25 to 50-year-old aficionado. The majority come here specially, others drift in by happy accident when looking for the Ateljee Bar on the hotel’s top floor.
American Bar
Address Kalevankatu 5, 00100 Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 4336 6310
Website www.americanbar.fi
Seats 75
Open Mon-Thu 16:00-01:00, Fri-Sat 16:00-02:00,Sun closed
Signature drink Mojito
Restaurateur Sokos Hotel Torni
Restaurantmanager Rainer Vento
Head bartender Mika Vitikka
Bartenders Riku Hailio, Mikko Kemppinen.
Location in the heart of Helsinki, on the ground floor of Hotel Torni.
“Has seen ups and downs, but has always been one of the cornerstones in Finland.” / “Classy old-school establishment with timeless quality in service and cocktails.” / “One of the most international spots in Helsinki – a genuine bar and an elegant one at that.” / “Easily accessible, refined meeting place and a comfortable choice for a woman to sit and wait for her date.” / “If I definitely want to have a certain cocktail that is mixed correctly rather than haphazardly, I go to American Bar, for the image gained over the years is of solid professionalism.” / “Clients can trust the quality and range of the beverage selection – and the bartender not trying to be funny and asking banal questions like ‘May I choose the color of your wine?’” / “Well-suited for pre-dinner drinks or for spending the entire night – chic, but casual. No strutting around.”
