AWOL Bar &amp; Grill

•$$

Thyme used to be a fun, charming spot that I genuinely enjoyed visiting and bringing out-of-town…read morefriends to. I was warmly greeted by the gentleman at the door (5 service there), which set a great first impression. However, as soon as I walked downstairs, it felt like the space had lost its speakeasy vibe. I was seated right near the stairs and could feel cold air from outside every time the door opened, which made the experience uncomfortable. I was also surprised to see how much the cocktail menu had been reduced. When I asked about it, the response was that "the place changed a lot." That's fair -- places evolve -- but instead of highlighting the improvements or new strengths, the explanation focused negatively on what the bar used to be. As someone who really enjoyed the former version, that wasn't reassuring. Unfortunately, the drinks themselves didn't make up for it. One of the two cocktails was simply not good. No one came back to check on the drinks, and when I asked for the check after about 20 minutes, there was no acknowledgment that I had barely touched mine or any inquiry about my experience. Overall, a place I once enjoyed and recommended now feels more like a standard dive bar where " Mixologist " were replaced by bartender and were fun cool looking and tasty drinks were replaced by " less complex cocktail ", lacking the warmth and attention to detail that once made it special.

My expectations were high for my first NYC speakeasy. TLDR version - disappointing and not planning…read moreto return. Easy to find if you know what you're looking for, if you arrive right at 5pm on a cold weeknight in the winter, you'll easily find a table or seat at the bar. Very cute space, cozy like everyone says, but nothing mind blowing. Music is moderately loud. The menu in early February still included their winter holiday cocktails. I was more interested in the apple sage house-made fermented soda, and it was pretty good-large glass, flavorful and not too sweet. My friend enjoyed her pomegranate version. The space started to fill up at around 5:30. Service was polite when you could get it, but generally very inattentive, even before it got busy. It honestly didn't feel too different from anu other very nice NYC bar, in terms of menu selection, prices, ambiance and service. Maybe that's standard for NYC speakeasies, but the places I frequented in other cities were more fun and felt more worth the price. I'll still give another NYC spot a try, but not coming back to Thyme.

Squirrel on a beach (@joeynht)

Roasted Garlic & Tarragon Ketchup

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(@joeynht)

Raines Law Room

4.3(1.7k reviews)

0.7 mi•Flatiron

Honestly the best speakeasy I've been to. Randomly happened upon it tonight and decided to walk in…read more It was a short wait for standing space but got in on a Friday night and enjoyed a few drinks with the hubby. I recommend for anyone looking for a nice evening to sip and chat.

Truly phenomenal and inventive cocktails in an intimate cozy setting!…read more Love the rotating menu and attentive service here! A great spot after work, date night, or girls night! Came on a saturday night around 9pm, and luckily we were able to walk in with no resy with no wait !

Drinks

Monarch migration | vendor's treasure

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Interior (12/10/22). @RainesLawRoom #NewYorkCity #NYC #Speakeasy #Drinks #Cocktails

Patent Pending

4.2(432 reviews)

0.6 mi•Flatiron

I'd give this place 6 stars if I could. It's my favorite speakeasy in the city by far…read more The drinks are absolutely phenomenal. They're experimental, whimsical, delicious, and worth every penny. My absolute favorite is Child of Light, and my BF's was High Frequency Device. The interior was dimly lit, with a couple of candles per table or counter. It's a perfect place for a date night. And while there may be a wait on busier nights, it's always worth the wait. We were sat at the bar once and were very well taken care of by our bartender, Nikola. It was a Sunday night, so it wasn't terribly busy. We chatted up a storm and he was able to create some drinks off the menu just for fun (on request). He also made my BF and me a couple of drinks to celebrate our anniversary too. Wonderful people and wonderful service. Needless to say, we will be back as frequently as we can!

One of my friends and I were looking to grab a drink before calling it a night. She had been to…read morePatent Pending before and had good things to say, and since it wasn't too far from us we decided to head over. Patent Pending is a speakeasy, located behind Patent Coffee. It was dark when we entered the coffee shop but an ajar door gave way to the bar. The decor is a homage to the works of Nikola Tesla, which can be seen in the subtle electric theme throughout the space and the naming of the cocktails. The space isn't too large - the bar and stools take up most of the space but they also have some booths/tables. The place looks great. The cocktail menu is very creative - I got one of their seasonal mixes that was actually two drinks in one. The main cocktail was meant to be sipped first and they provided a small glass of beer to be sipped after. The name escapes me but it was very good. Since we had cocktails at dinner, we only stayed for one round. Service was good, and overall I enjoyed my time at Patent Pending. I would definitely return to explore more of their menu.

Entry to Patent Pending

Strange Magic Cocktail (~$21)

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Impossible Idea

Little Ned

4.7(55 reviews)

I was looking for a spot in the area to meet a friend, and after a quick search settled on Little…read moreNed. As I walked in and saw just how swanky this place is I panicked - there was no way we could just walk in here without a reservation, right? But the hostess was, thankfully, so down to earth. I was straight up like hey I totally messed up and thought we could just walk in here, she was like you know what, let me see what we have. Lo and behold, she did have a table for us - as long as we were out in an hour and a half, which was just the right amount of time. Stepping into this place feels like you're in some secret, super special cocktail club. Decor is super high end, vibes are upscale AF. The cocktail menu is incredible -- and incredibly pricey, but truly worth it. I ordered the Valentino which was strong and sweet, really well made. They gave out a complimentary nut mix that was also delicious. Service was swift and gracious. If you're looking for a spot to impress a date, this is it.

Come to Little Ned for fantastic cocktails in an intimate setting, you won't be disappointed…read more The space is gorgeous, with bar and table seating on the main floor, as well as some standing tables next to the bar if you can't find a seat right away. There's also seating on the second floor, perfect for couples or small groups. I tried two of their cocktails when I went. The first was the Eastern Julep, a delicious twist on a classic. The mint Moroccan tea gave the drink a cool, refreshing taste on every sip. I also tried the Silver Screen, the closest drink I could find to an old fashioned. It was interesting, there was definitely a hint of a buttery taste. Overall a really balanced bourbon drink. I walked in and found room at the standing tables. A bar seat eventually opened up but I was already on my second drink by then. Definitely make reservations if you're planning a visit!

0.4 mi•Gramercy, Union Square, Flatiron

Saturn

Yankee Hanky Panky

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Dear Irving Gramercy

4.3(797 reviews)

Gotta love the original. Dear Irving has a couple locations, but this one is my favorite. Each…read moresection has a different elevated vibe and the cushion chairs make you sink in and not want to leave. I had some mocktails here and I can't wait to go back for the full cocktail list! Pro tip! There is a button at every seat and you turn on the light for the server to come! So you can get lost in conversation

Date: Monday, March 2nd, 2026 Time: around 8pm…read moreParty of: 1 Accolades: No.26 North America's 50 Best Bars 2022 *Whiskey Business ($21) *Tax ($1.86) I had a little bit of time to kill before heading to dinner. Since it was right next to where I was leaving my friends, I decided to see if I could get a seat at the bar without a reservation. I checked in with the host and she said they had room. So no rezzie needed that night when solo. The bar area is very dark and intimate. I only had time for one drink and decided on the one above. It was nicely balanced. I'm a whisky girl, especially rye, so I enjoyed sipping on this. A nice stop on the way to diner. I was here years ago, but that experience is a little hazy. Glad I was able to revisit. REVIEW #4002

Outside

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Caesar Salad Bites

Experimental Cocktail Club

4.2(48 reviews)

Cute speakeasy in flatiron. Came on a Wednesday night and there was a decent crowd…read more Very chic & great vibes. The snack pack was delicious (manzanilla olives, wagyu bologna croquettes, frites, & chef's choice cheese + meats)

This place feels like it's straight out of Mad Men.. that perfect mix of casual and upscale. Great…read morespot to swing by after work or take a date if you're trying to impress a little. Went around 6pm on a weekday and it was definitely buzzing with happy hour energy. Started with the Milk Money, which honestly wasn't it (basically all foam), but the Tarte Tatin cocktail made up for it..tasted like boozy apple juice which I lovvvvveeedddd Definitely get the chicken sandwiches. They're more like sliders, but stacked with chicken (no complaints there). load them up with the house hot sauce. easy five stars for me.

Gorgeous interior

Inside of the venue with the lights down low.

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Bar area, as viewed from the back

The Tusk Bar

Met with some girlfriends for a night of drinks and bites. Atmosphere is high energy and large…read moreformat so if you have a big group this is a great spot. We enjoyed several types of drinks from the bar and they made the martinis and Last Word "skate" Service is quick and a pleasant experience. A great drink spot.

Tusk Bar inside The Evelyn Hotel feels like stepping into a well-kept secret from another century…read more The space leans fully into that Prohibition-era Art Deco elegance, low lighting, polished brass, velvet everything. It somehow manages to feel both refined and relaxed at the same time. The kind of place where you half expect to spot Hemingway in the corner pretending not to eavesdrop. We started with half a dozen oysters, which were fresh, briny, and exactly what you want with serious cocktails. Crisp, clean, gone in about three minutes. For drinks, we ordered the Smoke Show and the King Tusk. The Smoke Show was beautifully balanced. The Grey Goose vodka and Dolin Dry gave it that classic martini backbone, but the fino sherry and brine added depth. The smoked olive oil and blue cheese olive brought just enough savory drama without overpowering the glass. It was complex but not fussy. The King Tusk leaned more aromatic and layered. The vermouths gave it richness, while the Buddha's Hand and osmanthus flower added subtle citrus and floral notes that lingered in a really elegant way. It felt like a cocktail designed to be savored slowly. The music fit the mood perfectly, not too loud, just enough to give the room energy without killing conversation. Overall, it's a great spot if you want elevated drinks in a space that feels transportive without being pretentious. Definitely a place I'd come back to when I'm in the mood for a refined, slightly cinematic night out in Flatiron.

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Clemente Bar

4.3(48 reviews)

0.3 mi•Flatiron

This is a hidden bar upstairs of a restaurant. Small and intimate dimly lit space. Although small,…read moreyou still felt the energy of the room. Very full cocktail menu. Staff was accommodating and let us sit for an hour as we didn't have a reservation. Don't try any of the light bites. I'd come back

Date: Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 Time: 7:15pm…read moreParty of: 6 Reservation Made Thru: Resy about two weeks prior Accolades: No.15 North America's 50 Best Bars 2026, No.11 North America's 50 Best Bars 2025 *Clemente Martini ($26) *Negroni Colada ($24) *Apples to Orange ($26) *Oyatsu Club ($25) *Parakeet ($24) *Glenfiddich Reserve ($25) *Against the Grain ($26) *Three Boxes ($25) Our reservation was originally for a party of five. We had an extra person when we checked in and they happily added her to the rez. We just had to wait about 15 mins which was fine. We were seated around 7:30pm. It was busy and bustling in the upstairs bar. We were seated at a spot resembling a coffee table(s) with chairs / ottomans surrounding it. I got the martini. It was a fun play with the green curry and saffron. This place is a little loud, so it is not easy to have a convo with your party. I am old so this probably wouldn't have been something I clocked in my younger years. They do have food which looks intriguing. Especially anything with truffles on it. If in the area, would definitely consider coming back for a quick drink and bite. REVIEW #4013

Interior

Truffle Tofu Dog

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The Lounge

Ampersand

4.3(286 reviews)

0.1 mi•Gramercy

•$$

Excellent cocktails! Menu is small but delish. Staff is always helpful. Nice intimate energy.read more

Ambiance: a cute small bites and bar! They have a lot of seats available and we didn't have to…read morewait. Service: the service was great. They don't rush the check and great place to yap! Food $$: They have small bites but we got cocktails! Audience: Solo Trip [X] Family Friendly [ X] Friends [X] Date Spot [X] Recommendations/tips: I recommend it here!

Chips and guac

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The Ivory Peacock

3.9(177 reviews)

My coworkers and I decided to try The Ivory Peacock and it was exactly the reset we needed. The…read morespace is intimate and stylish with a warm, low-lit atmosphere that's great for catching up. Our server, Angel, absolutely made the night. Friendly, thoughtful, and on top of everything. Angel helped guide our order, paced the food well for a group, and made us feel taken care of from start to finish. Drinks were a highlight: bright, refreshing cocktails (we loved the mint/cucumber moment and a spritz-y option). We ordered a few plates to share and everything hit. The bao were fluffy and satisfying, and the crispy chicken was a standout. Finished with a light, not-too-sweet dessert that was the perfect ending. Would recommend for a casual celebration or a coworker night out.

A cute, robust, lively space we got going over here! The…read moreHawaiian pizza was decent - hit the spot after a long day at work! The drinks were good too! Noise level was pretty up there when my group and I arrived. However, the staff was friendly and energetic - helpful with bringing us our drinks in a timely manner.