The bar: Pistache

The vibe: Pistache feels like a bar where you’d want everybody to know your name, even if they don’t already. It has the feel of a fancy French bistro, with a welcome spirit of a neighborhood bar. The hostesses greet you like they know you, even if they don’t. There’s a lot of double cheek-kissing in the bar area — could be French, or Palm Beach-y, or just a lot of friendly people. Either way, there a lot of other places you could be on Clematis Street, and this is one of the places where you want to linger.

The drink: We have never been kicked in the head by a mule, nor would we want to be. But we do enjoy the time we’ve spent Greg’s Moscow Mule, a potent mélange (See! A French word!) of punchy ginger beer, vodka, fresh basil and lime. It’s tart, tangy and delicious. We’re stubborn as a mule about our cocktails, but we wholeheartedly approve of this.

Other notable libations: Our faves include the French pear martini ($13) and the My Precious Martini ($12.50).

Bar bites: While all of Pistache’s menu items are available at the bar, their recent special bar menu offers some favorite small plates. The steamed mussels ($12) are always a great choice, especially if you have bread to sop the white wine, garlic and shallot broth with, as is the cheese plate ($16) with apples, grapes and walnuts to go with your fromage.

Deals: Besides the restaurant’s Supper Club, offering those with free membership cards half-price on food after 9:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Happy Hour offers two-for-one drinks from 4:30 through 6:30 p.m. every single day.

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C O C K T A I L

Greg’s Moscow Mule

4 basil leaves

2 lime wedges

1/2 fresh lime juice

1 1/2 ounces Absolut vodka

3-4 ounces ginger beer

Simple syrup or sugar, to taste

Muddle 3 shredded basil leaves, lime wedges and juice. Pour into a high ball glass with vodka and fill with ice. Fill with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with the remaining basil leaf. Add sugar or simple syrup to taste.