Bars like 'The Sanctuary' signal that a unique and crafty neighborhood may have transitioned to a manufactured profit center. It's the kind of place that perhaps was conjured by a capitalist 'ideator' trying to tap into a young, upper middle class market eager for authenticity and with money to spend. I imagine investors from a faceless corporation, or perhaps the child of a very wealthy immigrant, complete with Bono-style orange sunglasses and $1000 Supreme jumpsuit envisioned this bar. They may have even hired an ivy-league-educated contemporary art designer to craft the 'edgy' look, outsourced the build-out, and haven't been back since. Who knows?
The bartenders seemed super nice. They really did seem like authentic guys. Can't blame them from working here - it probably pays very well. On the night I came, it was relatively packed with somber skater-dudes staring at their phones and screechy screamo chicks looking for instagram opportunities.
I enjoyed the inexpensive drinks. And, I'm kind of embarrassed to say (given my mediocre review) that I probably would go back, if I'm ever in the neighborhood again. Hey, I drink Starbucks and shop at Whole Foods (Amazon), too.