Sherry is Caring: Ham & Sherry’s Back Bar, separated from the restaurant section by a tinted window and accessed through an unassuming door through an alleyway. It was a pretty well-kept secret until the addition of a sign that pointed it out to passersby.

Look & Feel: Walk a few steps down the alleyway next to the front entrance and you’ll find an unmarked door that takes you into the Back Bar. The bar inside takes up most of the small space — it only accommodates around 30, with seats by the bar and more intimate tables by the wall.

Meet the Bartender: Bar manager Ryan Nightingale is an award-winning bartender known for his eccentric take on cocktails. The current drinks menu, for example, is inspired by bootleg DVDs.

On the Menu: Whereas the restaurant side serves up tapas and sherries (obviously), the Back Bar places a heavier focus on cocktails, while also offering bar bites that are good for sharing. Bar bites include everything from marinated olives ($48)to a mixed ham board, plus desserts like churros and chocolate sauce ($58).

Service: With such a tight space, the wait staff doesn’t miss a beat.

Jeng: We all love a “secret” bar with great drinks and great looking people frequenting it. We’ve actually been to the Back Bar more times than the restaurant. We recommend The Ron Burgundy ($130): It’s served in a perfume bottle (a nod to a scene in the film involving a perfume that apparently works like an aphrodisiac) and is made with rum, burgundy syrup and perfume bitters. The bar bites are also pretty awesome, especially the aged ham on the charcuterie boards ($208).

Not So Jeng: On crowded nights, the Back Bar gets so packed it’s hard to move. Getting the whole squad down here together is probably not the best idea.

Great For: Intimate evenings for two, quick bites, slow drinks.

FYI: The Ship Street trio — Ham & Sherry, Back Bar and 22 Ships — are all run by Yenn Wong and British celebrity chef Jason Atherton.

This writeup was based on an independent tasting. The Loop doesn’t guarantee/sell restaurant review coverage. See our editorial policy here.