There’s no hiding the difference between a handcrafted cocktail — and one made for the sole purpose of getting drunk. Roselle Bar & Lounge in Meriam Park is a bar-forward experience that is meant to be enjoyed, not forgotten in an alcohol-haze. With specialty drinks and small plates, this new and hip 21+ joint is sure to invigorate the senses.
Upon walking in, the mid-century modern and earthy-toned decor provides a warm, inviting welcome.
Murals of exotic animals fill the corner to the left of the bar with accents of pink, gold and dark green setting an edgy, jungle-esque tone for the lounge. The greenery along the walls provides a sense of freshness.
Guests can simply sit at the bar, patio, high-top tables or the cushioned benches lining up against the plant wall.
Ordering food is a little different compared to other Chico lounges. You’ll need your phone to scan a QR Code and order from the menu and a debit or credit card to keep on file during your time.
This felt unnecessary, as human interaction is an important part of a dining experience. Despite this aspect, the staff were very friendly and accommodating.
Specialty cocktail
The Summer Crush
8 out of 10
When I asked the server what the most popular cocktail was, they recommended the Summer Crush. This gin-based drink consisted of a blend of grapefruit, strawberry, Montenegro Amaro — an Italian bitter liqueur with floral and citrus notes — and lemon. The drink was balanced, tangy and smooth. It truly lived up to its name, bringing the warm feeling of watching the sunset on a dewy summer night.
The food: small plates, mighty in flavor
If you’re looking for a place with appetizers packed with flavor, this is the place to go. Roselle has a wide range of refreshing and delectable tapas and gluten-free options that are fairly priced for the quality you’re getting. With influences of Spanish and Asian cuisine, each dish had a sweet and spicy balance.
Garden Ceviche
6 out of 10
The ceviche truly lived up to the “garden” aspect of the dish. The dip consisted of an avocado base topped with crisp vegetables and a zesty seasoning. My one complaint was the chip-to-dip ratio, as there weren’t nearly enough chips to finish the ceviche. One can never have enough chips!
The Corn Ribs
11 out of 10
If I could, I would’ve eaten three orders of this dish and called it a day. These corn ribs changed my life and for the better. The dish consisted of perfectly roasted corn ribs, topped with queso fresco, tajin and microgreens. What plays a dramatic role in the flavor is the miso-togarashi butter which adds an Asian twist to the beloved elote-style dish. Both sweet and savory, this dish is sure to leave an unforgettable impression on your tastebuds.
Roselle is a new take on what it means to go out for a drink in Chico. Its sophisticated and contemporary environment, handcrafted drinks and delectable bites are sure to attract a trend-setting crowd. Each customer will want to drink and eat to experience the stories Roselle has to tell, not just to get blacked out.
Juliet Perry can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com.
