Despite being located on the outer limits of the East Village by Avenue C, drinkers from all over the city wind up here. The owners like to call it the ‘anti-cocktail bar’ – a place that serves the high quality drinks one would expect at a stylish speakeasy, but they don’t tolerate any of the bull sh*t formalities.

From the menus to the music, they rock a modern look with black wood, granite furnishings, exposed brick walls and an illuminated bar. They got the classics down from refreshing Ginger Margaritas to potent Vieux Carrés, but the real joy comes from the original ‘alchemist’ cocktails created by owner Greg Seider (formerly of Minetta Tavern). We loved the Guv’nor balancing scotch and bourbon with yuzu agave and orange juice, while the Lions of London took a tea-infused twist on a traditional Negroni. They’re doing the beer cocktail thing here too with the Johnny Lee Hooker (bourbon, beer and a bunch of bitters).

The scene on the weekdays is laidback, perfect for getting to know someone on a first date or catching up with an old friend, but the weekends are a totally different experience when the narrow bar feels less cosy and more cramped, great if you’re into non-stop shoulder-to-shoulder action around the bar.