Courtesy photo.
THOUSAND OAKS — Stepping into a cocktail bar can be an intimidating experience for many people. Not so at Oak & Iron, a craft cocktail lounge in Thousand Oaks that prides itself on making high-end cocktails accessible and fun, said Director of Operations Oliver Clowes
The bar recently reopened after being forced to suspend on-site services during the pandemic and has since undergone a major redesign, including an updated floor plan, furniture, and décor. Now, Oak & Iron is back with a whole new look – and mission, Clowes said.
“We’re looking at how to produce liquid hospitality,” he said. “We look for the best spirit we can possibly put in our recipes, the best ingredients, the most creative combinations, all served with a smile. We want people to feel this is a place they can come and enjoy a great cocktail, but it doesn’t feel too pompous.”
Cocktails include new takes on old favorites such as a the ‘Smokey Edward,’ a riff on an Old Fashioned that combines Buffalo Trace bourbon, blood orange, angostura bitters and smoke flavor. There’s also the ‘Brown Butter Manhattan’ that involves adding caramelized butter to bourbon and serving it chilled with chocolate and biscotti (servings are limited to 40 a week). Then there are Oak & Iron’s original creations such as the ‘Hair of El Dragon’ that mixes tequila, lime, dragon fruit and Gogi. Or customers can request the ‘Dealer’s Choice’ and allow the mixologist to whip up an entirely new drink based on their preferences.
“Someone can walk into the bar and say: I want gin, something floral, with strawberries and on the sweeter side. The mixologist will make it for them,” Clowes said. “Our mixologists are incredibly skilled and creative.”
Customers can also enjoy a daily Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily, which offers $2 off all Revival Cocktails. On Sundays, drinks are served alongside Santa-Maria-style barbeque. The hallmark red oak smokey flavor from the barbeque pairs excellently with a Smokey Edward, Clowes said.
Launched by three local entrepreneurs, Oak & Iron originally opened in April, 2019. Business was thriving until the pandemic pushed the owners to shutter the establishment and switch to takeout cocktails, deliveries and online sales. Clowes said he’s grateful to the customers who helped the small businesses survive during the COVID-19 crisis. Now, he’s excited to have people return to enjoy all the establishment has to offer, from innovative cocktail experiences to food pairing events, to bartending classes and home bar cocktail kits.
“People always tell us ‘We didn’t’ think we would find night life like this in Thousand Oaks,” Clowes said. “At Oak & Iron, we’re trying to be the place where you can come and have an elevated experience.”
— Oak & Iron is located at 2967 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362. The bar is open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Happy Hour is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Home bar purchases are available online.
For more information go to https://www.oakandiron.com or call 805 630-1638.