Grey Hen Rx - M.E. Lee's House of Exotic Imports

Step into the world of M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports, where Grey Hen Rx has once again transformed itself, this time into a 1920s curiosity shop in the heart of Chinatown, New York City. Located on bustling Mott Street and Canal, this fictional shop is known for its connections to the underworld, but in reality, it’s one of the hottest new spots in Phoenix for cocktails with a twist.

The moment you step into M.E. Lee’s, you’ll be transported to a world that feels like it’s straight out of a vintage film. The decor evokes an air of mystery, with dark wood shelving, antique curios, and the unmistakable influence of Chinatown's vibrant streets in the 1920s. This isn’t your typical cocktail bar, it’s an immersive experience that pulls you into a story of bootleggers, intrigue, and hidden secrets.

At M.E. Lee’s, it’s all about cocktails, but with a twist: each drink is inspired by food, bringing a playful and unexpected element to every sip. Forget the usual drink menu, here, each cocktail is a culinary experience in liquid form.

The talented bartenders take classic dishes and deconstruct them into creative cocktails that blur the lines between food and drink. Imagine the bold flavors of a dish, reimagined in a glass, like a cocktail that resembles a traditional wonton soup or a delicious drink that reminds you of walnut shrimp. The focus is on creating flavor experiences that feel familiar yet completely new.

Instead of a traditional menu, you’ll find your guide to the cocktails hidden within the pages of a fictional local newspaper, the Gazette. Each section of the newspaper introduces a different themed cocktail, from prohibition-inspired classics to innovative creations that play on both flavor and nostalgia.

With every sip, you’ll uncover new layers of flavor, just like the rich culinary traditions that arose from the fusion of Chinese and American cuisine in the 1920s and 1930s.

I got to try a handful of their cocktails, each one unique in it's own right. The Very Special Walnut Shrimp is a play off a favorite dish, walnut shrimp, and I have to say tasted phenomenal. A bourbon based drink mixed with some banana and candied walnuts, the drink is really smooth, yet has such an unique flavor that I've never experienced before. Another favorite of mine was the Don't Call Me Jerky. Rabbit Hole Rye Whiskey with a sweetness of honey, floral, sherry and spice, the balance of this drink is remarkable. I also have to make a note and say the quality of spirits used here are premium. Rabbit Hole is actually one of my favorites and while it runs towards a medium/higher price whiskey, it's great to see Grey Hen Rx using these premium brands.

M.E. Lee’s House of Exotic Imports at Grey Hen Rx is a place where creativity knows no bounds. With its 1920s Chinatown-inspired setting, immersive storytelling, and innovative cocktails that play on food, this is one bar that stands out from the rest. When you visit, I challenge you to explore the menu and maybe even step outside your comfort zone. The drinks here are so unique, yet enjoyable with ever sip. So, whether you’re looking for a drink that pushes the boundaries of flavor or simply want to enjoy an atmosphere filled with charm and intrigue, M.E. Lee’s is the perfect place to quench your thirst for adventure.

Grey Hen Rx - M.E. Lee's House of Exotic Imports

3626 E Indian School Rd Phoenix, AZ 85018 (Located inside Century Grand)

You can see more of my visit here - https://www.instagram.com/p/DAQ_tt1vJ9e/