In a bizarre attempt at upscaling the humble act of serving drinks, Washington D.C.'s newest restaurant, Second State, is set to charge customers an extra dollar for what it calls "artisanal" ice cubes. The "hand-cut rock" – essentially, a bespoke ice cube crafted by local bartenders Owen Thomson and Joseph Ambrose's boutique ice company, Favourite Ice – will only be added to drinks that don't typically come with ice.
According to the restaurant's menu, customers can expect to pay a premium for this luxury. The Pennsylvania-themed eatery, which opens on October 21st in the former Mighty Pint space, is the first establishment in D.C. to list an ice surcharge on its cocktail menu. While it may seem frivolous at first glance, bar manager Phil Clark insists that the added expense is worth it.
"For when it goes into a cocktail, it's crystal clear," Clark explained in an interview with Washington City Paper. "It's purified water, so there's no minerally taste." However, not everyone shares Clark's enthusiasm for this ice cube obsession. One commenter on the original article post was scathing in their criticism: "F*ck this times infinity."
The novelty of these bespoke ice cubes seems to be more about the experience than any tangible advantage it offers. Whether or not customers will be willing to shell out an extra dollar for what amounts to a premium product remains to be seen. One thing's for certain, though: in a world where seemingly pointless luxuries are being touted as essential, Second State is certainly taking the phrase "artisanal" to new – and expensive – heights.
According to the restaurant's menu, customers can expect to pay a premium for this luxury. The Pennsylvania-themed eatery, which opens on October 21st in the former Mighty Pint space, is the first establishment in D.C. to list an ice surcharge on its cocktail menu. While it may seem frivolous at first glance, bar manager Phil Clark insists that the added expense is worth it.
"For when it goes into a cocktail, it's crystal clear," Clark explained in an interview with Washington City Paper. "It's purified water, so there's no minerally taste." However, not everyone shares Clark's enthusiasm for this ice cube obsession. One commenter on the original article post was scathing in their criticism: "F*ck this times infinity."
The novelty of these bespoke ice cubes seems to be more about the experience than any tangible advantage it offers. Whether or not customers will be willing to shell out an extra dollar for what amounts to a premium product remains to be seen. One thing's for certain, though: in a world where seemingly pointless luxuries are being touted as essential, Second State is certainly taking the phrase "artisanal" to new – and expensive – heights.
What's next, charging people for breathing room in the bar? I've had my fair share of craft beers and fancy cocktails, but this is just ridiculous. And what's with the "hand-cut rock" business? It sounds like they're trying to make the ice cubes sound fancier than they actually are. Let's be real, it's still just water that's been chopped up into little rocks. I'm not gonna shell out an extra buck for some novelty nonsense... unless they start serving 'artisanal' air or something 
I get that some people might appreciate the uniqueness of hand-cut rock ice, but $1 is just too much. I think it's one of those things where the novelty wears off after a few sips and you're left wondering if it was really worth the extra buck. And honestly, who even uses an ice cube to cool down their drink? A nice glass of chilled water or a refreshing beer on a hot day is all we need. Not some fancy-schmancy artisanal ice cube that's just going to melt in your hands anyway... 
. I mean, what's next? Charging me for air? 'Artisanal' ice cubes? Give me a break 
. It's just not worth the cash. And I gotta ask, who thought this was a good idea? "Oh, let's take a perfectly serviceable product and overprice it to make us feel like we're above the rest." Yeah, no thanks 
I get that the bar manager thinks it's a big deal because it's purified water, but is it really worth an extra dollar? I don't think so. My kid could make those ice cubes at home with like 2 seconds of effort, and they wouldn't charge me extra for it! 
. And what's with the "artisanal" label? Is that supposed to be some kind of marketing magic? 
I'm not sure if people will actually pay extra for this, but it's definitely giving me life 
It sounds like more of a marketing gimmick than actual quality. I mean, what's so special about purified water in an ice cube? Is it really that hard to get from the tap? The price is definitely a bit steep, especially when you consider that most people just want their drinks to be cold and refreshing without all the extra fuss 
. Maybe it'll catch on and become the next big thing in drinks, but for now, it just seems like a novelty 
!
its pretty easy and you can control the amount of water and everything... might be a better deal than paying an extra dollar
. But on the other hand, is an extra dollar really worth it? Like, for most people, a drink without ice is still gonna be just fine 
️. And isn't the point of drinking a cocktail supposed to be about enjoying the flavor and the vibe, not about some fancy ice cube? 
its just water with a fancy name. back in my day we used to make our own ice at home by putting ice trays in the freezer and it was always good enough lol. plus what's next? charging us for air or something? 
this second state place is like one of those overpriced restaurants that everyone goes to just to say they went there...
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