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Bar Hopper: Nulu East Market Lounge

A bar with an intriguing menu of cocktails

Erin Keane

Velocity
June 8, 2011

Mozz's bar is now called NuLu East Market Lounge. (Credit: Erin Keane)

Mozz Mozzarella Bar & Enoteca

Address:: 445 E. Market St., Louisville, KY, 40202

Phone:: (502) 690-6699

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Hours:: Monday-Thursday, 5:00-10:00 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 5:00-11:00 p.m.

Official Web Site:: http://mozzlouisville.com/

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Dive bars suffice just fine for most of my barhopping needs, but every now and then a lady wants a nice night out. The bar at the eatery Mozz is now called NuLu East Market Lounge, and it is as close to a perfect date-night bar as they come — amazing snacks and drinks, soft light and engaging service in a casual yet luxurious setting.

The wine list had plenty of tempting choices, but when a bar has an intriguing menu of signature cocktails, I always start there. These are the drinks that embody the spirit and flavor of the house, and NuLu East Market Lounge doesn't disappoint. I ordered the eponymous Mozz ($12), a bourbon cocktail that blends Woodford Reserve with Carpano sweet vermouth, the Italian liqueur Amaro Nonino and grapefruit zest. The grapefruit lends the cocktail a tangy bitterness that works beautifully with the bittersweet herbal flavors of the Amaro.

My boyfriend ordered Three Floyds Robert the Bruce Scottish Ale ($6), one of the regional favorites on draft that also includes a BBC offering, NABC's Hoptimus and Falls City. Bottled imports, including some Italian selections, are also available.

The bar offers a sweet short list of ciccheti (small plates), and we ordered the delightful marinated mushrooms and a bowl of eggplant caponata ($3.25 each) at the urging of our bartender. But you can't nibble from Mozz's kitchen without trying the fresh mozarella cheese, please. What they don't make in-house they import, and some pretty fine selections are available by the board.

We selected the classic Italian Trio ($18), with bufala, burrata and a creamy fior dilatte that made me want to weep tears of cheesy joy. The three fresh white cheeses were served with a rustic Italian flatbread and accompanied by an array of condiments, including tasty olives and a delicious corn relish.

NuLu East Market Lounge opens at 4 p.m. It closes at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and midnight Friday and Saturday. There is ample parking in an adjacent lot.