I'd been to Billy's when they were in the hotel facility on the east side of rt 306 and always enjoyed it. I must say, with the move, they really reinvented themselves. We rolled in at about midnight on a Saturday after a casino night charity fundraiser, dinner, Chinese auction. Since we didn't win the coveted Booze Cooler door prize, we had to use our imagination for the "after party". One of the couples we were with suggested we try the new Billy's Martini Bar. We must hang with these peeps more often! But I digress...
Ambiance - Billy's is an Oasis in the ever present Mentor OH strip mall desert wasteland . Having arrived after dark we were greeted with festive and inviting white lights adorning the parking lot trees. The sirens' song of music, laughter and animated discussion drew us the rest of the way in. The place was well attended by an eclectic mix of ages, races and styles, but not overly crowded. We sat ourselves at 4 chair high top table. We had a choice of leather couches and chairs framing a casual but elegant fireplace area. It appears sections can be made semi-private by drawing the wispy opaque ceiling to floor curtains. Music that ordinarily wouldn't be on my playlist, but I very much enjoyed, filled the place (albeit a tad too loud) All in all a very cool cabana meets India vibe!
Service - We sat ourselves but were quickly attended to by Mike. We spent a couple minutes perusing the vast martini menu and made our selections. Thinking Mike was going to bring our bar filled glasses of nectar of the gods, we got a pleasant surprise and very nice touch. The martinis are delivered in the shaker and dispensed in to the awaiting glass/s after a good table side shaking. Your martini is poured into a classic glass and, as a bonus, into a tall shot glass sized "sidecar". I hadn't even brought my martini to my lips and I was already enjoying it. Throughout, multiple staff members made sure we had everything we needed. We were well taken care of without being smothered.
Quality - We adventurously ordered (2) Hot and Dirty and (1) spicy Bloody Mary vodka martinis. After they arrived with all their regalia, we dove in head first. This was the best martini I can remember having and my companions concurred. Perfectly chilled, shaken and formulated! Having the sidecar to pour in to the glass or sipped out of directly added to the experience. Yuuummm...
Value - Of course you can make "similar" concoctions at home at a fraction of the cost. However, you can't duplicate the experience of having a martini expertly delivered to you in such a great atmosphere. At $8/martini I found it to be an excellent value (all things considered). I say $8 IS a good value because I've been to self proclaimed martini bars serving'em up at $12-15 a pop.
Bottom Line - if you haven't already , check out Billy's for a nightcap or to get a great evening started. We didn't get to experience the other side and outside areas of the bar, so we will be back soon. Maybe we'll see you there!