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About
Punchin' Palooka
Welcome to Punchin' Palooka, St Albans' hidden gem nestled at 26 Verulam Rd. This vibrant bar has quickly established itself as a go-to spot for those who crave exceptional cocktails and a warm, inviting atmosphere. With a reputation that precedes it, Punchin' Palooka has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
As you step inside, the cozy vibe envelops you, setting the perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. The bar boasts a diverse and imaginative cocktail menu, crafted with top-quality spirits. Patrons rave about the meticulous attention to detail—from unique glassware to house-made ingredients, like their renowned jalapeño tequila that adds an exciting twist to classic drinks.
Guest reviews reflect a consistent theme of satisfaction, particularly regarding the friendly and knowledgeable staff that make every visit feel special. Kathryn Knights highlights the exceptional service, noting her server's enthusiastic engagement, which included capturing a fun selfie with her group. Hannah Klee echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the lovely ambiance and fantastic cocktails that beckon a return visit. The bar's dedication to inclusivity shines through as many guests feel embraced and welcomed, particularly within the LGBTQ community, fostering an atmosphere that is truly congenial.
It's important to note that Punchin' Palooka can get quite busy, especially on weekends. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended to ensure you don’t miss out on the experience. Whether you choose to settle at the bar for a vibrant night out or prefer the intimate setting in the garden, knowing you have a spot reserved only enhances the excitement.
While culinary offerings are limited, with appetizers like nachos getting mixed reviews, the emphasis here is undoubtedly on their cocktail creations. As Sophie Crockett shares, the menu is always fresh and ready to cater to specific tastes, showcasing the bar's commitment to quality. Indeed, the cocktails are the star of the show, matched only by the enthusiastic ambiance and remarkable service.
In summary, Punchin' Palooka isn’t just another bar; it's an experience that delivers on promise, flavor, and connection. For those seeking a place where quality and camaraderie coexist, this vibrant establishment is not to be missed. Be sure to visit, and don’t forget to book!
“ Fab night here last night. Great cocktails (served to table), cosy atmosphere and our waiter did a great selfie with us AND booked us a cab home. Result! Scored a 3 for food as we just ate nachos and they’d run out of nuts - not a biggie for us but wanted to mention! PS Make sure you book because they get super busy! ”
“ Fantastic cocktails, lovely staff and great atmosphere! It was my first visit to Punchin Palooka and I would definitely go back! ”
“ LOVE Punchin Palooka! The team are super friendly, beautiful bar, great tunes, amazing cocktails and always busy. I always book to make sure that I can get into the bar as it’s quite often packed on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday. An important note that the place is LGBTQ friendly and the guys are super warm and friendly. I love it there! ”
“ Absolutely love everything about this bar - staff are engaging, friendly & knowledgeable. I’ve taken several dates here lately, and whilst the dates haven’t been great the cocktails always are. I’ve worked through the menu for the most part and now ask for a surprise based on what kind of thing I enjoy and they get it bang on every time. They only use top quality booze & even the glassware is unique to each drink. The only tip I’d give; book a table. Whether it’s at the bar, garden or inside you need to book on busy days. You can’t cry if you can’t get in at 7:20 on a Saturday if they’re about to fill up completely at 7:30 (but people do..) Yes, it’s crazy that you have to book just to go for a drink, but that just cements the quality of this outstanding bar. ”
“ I just love this spot so much. Sublime staff, even better cocktails. Menu is always fresh and original - but if you fancy something specific, they always make it. Their in-house jalapeno tequila is *chef's kiss* in a spicy marg. Gets better every time I visit :) ”
“ Amazing Coctails and beautiful food for our Xmas party ! We had the best time , thank you Alex and the team! We will be back ! ”
“ We were a group of four and visited on Saturday afternoon. It was a lovely sunny day so we sat in the beer garden just as the sun was setting. We all ordered a different cocktail and each was fabulous. Really well made and served in classy glassware with appropriate garnish! Service was warm, friendly and super professional. We felt very welcome and we would definitely return to sample more delightful cocktail concoctions. Do go, you will not be disappointed. ”
“ Best cocktail bar in St Albans, no more words needed I can’t wait for my next visit!! ”