Bar 404 is a speakeasy, amusingly hidden behind a faux candle shop in the Entertainment District. 

Upon entering the befuddling spa-like space, you make your intentions to enter clear and a clerk at the counter will open a large door that leads into an expansive dark room.

Larger than your typical speakeasy, Bar 404 is a lounge and bar rolled into one. The glowing and grand "Get lost and find Dionysus" sign sets the tone for a boozy and mysterious night ahead.

The golden circular bar is situated against a raised wall by the entrance and was a key design element to building out the interior.

Comfort was of high priority, opting for the bar to be designed with a two-step elevation so low comfortable leather chairs could be used instead of high bar stools, which usually feel more transient. 

In fact, all the seating options here are low, encouraging a sense of slowness one wouldn't associate with a bustling bar.

Their logo of Bar 404 is modelled after the delete button on a PC computer. It's a charming signal of hope that people will delete their worries momentarily whilst here. 

Ethan Kim was tapped to develop the drinks program and there's a substantial amount of cocktails to try on top of "the largest Macallan Collection in North America" for whisky enthusiasts. 

Got Lychee ($19) features a mango tea gin, peach soju, and clarified milk punch served with an edible flower on a lychee jelly. Kim was inspired to create a lychee martini that is equally sweet and delicious. 

Your classic espresso martini comes in the form of 1 Per Day ($20). Coffee-infused mezcal, espresso, shaken with Frangelico create a smooth dark blend. A touch of honey keeps the drink from veering too bitter and it's finished with a touch of cocoa dust. 

Daydreaming ($20) was born out of Kim's love for ice cream — specifically Melona, a popular Korean popsicle. A spin on a Ramos Gin Fizz, kiwi-infused gin, apple soju, melon liqueur, lime makes for a creamy sip.

Pushing the limits on food-inspired drinks, Kim has concocted a peanut butter and jelly cocktail called Peanut Booze and Jelly ($21). It's an absolutely fascinating drink where you can taste all three elements.

Using a bourbon sour recipe as a guide, peanut butter rye acts as the base while maple pecan bitters add to the nuttiness. Milk liqueur and frothy egg whites act almost as a bread-like layer while a fine jelly mist on top rounds out the drink.

Candidly, it tastes like an Oh Henry chocolate bar.

Kim has also daringly crafted a popcorn-inspired drink.

A new take on an Old Fashioned,  Sip in Theatre ($21) mixes fat-washed corn butter bourbon, rye, fino sherry, and slightly torched bay leaf and corn for that true burnt popcorn detail. 

In the kitchen chef Shiv Patel has created a tapas style menu that features dishes from different parts of the world. 

Blistered Shishito Peppers ($18) come with a side of aji amarillo Peruvian pepper aioli that's easy scoopable. Careful with these — the claim is one in every seven is unexpectedly spicy. 

Tiradito Nikkei ($21) is a seared tuna tataki, a cuisine inspired by the fusion of Japanese and Peruvian flavours. Done as a ceviche, ahi tuna comes in a pool of soy citrus marinade, with cucumbers and crispy onions. 

Burrata ($28), a consistently easy crowd-pleaser, is simple plate of rosemary flatbread, blistered cherry tomatoes, a basil salsa verde, with a touch of pistachios.  

Tandoori Shrimp ($21) sees large tiger shrimps served with coriander yogurt, microgreens, and pickled onions to refresh the palate. 

Truffle Flatbread ($20) is an easy order suited for groups, and also their most popular item.

Roasted mushrooms sit on a bed of truffle béchamel sauce that cooks for six hours. Arugula, truffle oil, and parmesan shavings adorn the pizza. 

If you're searching for bar vibes in a more private setting, there are three large booths that are semi-closed allowing for an intimate yet open seating experience.

No matter where you seat yourself, table side bottle service is available to keep the evening flowing effortlessly. 

The exit of the space is subtle, through a seperate door than the entrance — and you'll have to ask for directions first to find it.

There's one way in, and only one way out.

It was a cheeky yet poignant construction, intended to encourage you to not worry about leaving and hold onto the night a little bit longer.  
Bar 404 is located at 85 John St.