
It’s the signature bevvie because: Made with fresh cucumber, lime juice, simple syrup and your choice of tequila, gin or vodka, it goes down so easy it’ll creep up on you.
The masterminds behind it: While living in New York, bar owner Matt Kaye (along with Kaye’s fiancée Victoria Rozzi and childhood friends Chris Stone and Craig Dragoonis) found a drinks-to-go spot on the Lower East Side while skateboarding with friends.
“We got these cucumber margaritas in plastic cups,” Kaye said. “They were neon green, refreshing and perfect for a hot day of skating.” He concocted a fresh cucumber juice margarita for the Bends; they soon renamed it the “Cucumber Creeper” and offered a choice of spirits. “After that, it just took off.”
Ambience:“Everything we built this place from has a story,” from John’s Pass recycled wood to pallets from Innisbrook Golf Course. “The raddest people accumulate here,” Kaye said. “Artists, musicians, cocktail lovers and beerheads.”
Best time to go: There’s always a party at the Bends, especially late night. That said, Tuesday-Sunday happy hours are the best times for good (and audible) conversation, legroom and a low-key vibe.
Don’t miss: The frozen drink machine, notorious for many a wild evening, returns this summer. Kaye says they’re working on a frozen guava drink that’s “fresh, tangy and just a little sweet.” Check out Smiths Sundays, the monthly Smiths night where you can shimmy and sip to This Charming Man among friends.