This place was heavily shown to me on social media so naturally I had to make a reservation to check it out. My friends and I came here for happy hour on a Tuesday - do recommend making a reservation online but they were not super busy. They are in the basement of Judam - be careful the stairs going down to Barbam are pretty dark. They do have a happy hour drink menu and all the drinks on there are pretty solid. I do want to come back to try the other drinks that was not on the happy hour menu since they look super pretty and sounded super unique as well. They also have small snack items as well - we got the truffle popcorn which was pretty good. The bread pudding was super yummy so if you were deciding on a snack dish - highly recommend that one - it was not too sweet and went really well with the drinks. Overall - a solid happy hour spot, the staff was also super friendly and the service was solid. Highly recommend checking it out! read more

cha cha cha ($24) - i like this a lot a lot! It was delivered looking like a tea set - i like how there's edible flowers in the tea cup and i wasnt expecting them to taste amazing but i actually kinda liked it; they have a dry lychee aftertaste that pairs well with the cocktail - cocktail tastes like soda and it's my personal fav here naengmyeon ($24) - im not a whiskey lover so i fear this drink is a bit too strong for my liking but objectively it is goooood - wouldn't relate the taste to naengmyeon but i can see what they're trying to do - friend did say he can kinda taste the naengmyeon though given he's had lots of naengmyeon before clarified makgeoli punch ($26) - i like this too! This one is light and refreshing - i think it's a good starter to ease into the night but wouldn't end with this rating: 4.5/5 - drinks were very well thought out in terms of the presentation, flavor, and uniqueness - my fav part is not only the presentation but also the menu!! It reminds me of the bars in taiwan with creative, well designed menus - cha cha cha is my favorite and all other drinks were also good - seats are very comfy i can sit there all night; i like that they have options between bar seating and couch - surprisingly spacious given it's a speakeasy; nice dim, warm lighting with music that isnt too loud; interior is more of a classy, elegant vibe but also has A BIT of a cozy feel from the wooden furniture and plain white wall - semi japandi w traditional korean architectural design - friendly and genuine service; not pretentious at all - Would recommend & come back IG: @nom.noms.only read more

Barbam - IG: @nom.noms.only | clarified makgeoli & naengmyeon - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

We came to Barbam for date night drinks before dinner last night. It was early evening, so it wasn't busy and we could choose either a table or the counter. I loved the beautiful decor and we decided to sit at one of the tables. In hindsight, the counter may have been better, since it's further away from the entrance and the upstairs restaurant. They were playing music in this bar, but the music from upstairs was so loud, as if it were a karaoke room, and really downgraded the speakeasy vibe and experience. The service was fine but the drinks did take time even though it wasn't busy at all and they weren't served together, so we had to wait. Also to my surprise, my "drink" actually wasn't a drink--it was alcohol-infused ice cream. It was called Sesame Parfait ($26+) but was listed under drinks and not food, so I wasn't expecting it to not be a drink. It was beautifully presented, but had I known it was ice cream, I would've selected a different drink. If the music from upstairs weren't as disturbing and there were a drink that I liked, this would be a nice spot for date night, especially when it's colder. read more

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This is a small, intimate speakeasy. The wait staff is very attentive. The menu comes with a graph of how sweet/sour each of the signature drinks are along with alcohol content. I found this very helpful as someone that does not frequent bars/speakeasies. The Hadong Festival had a creamy consistency, matcha + red bean flavor combination, and low alcohol content. I found it very enjoyable to drink. The bam bread pudding was soft, sweet, and melts in your mouth with the vanilla ice cream! My only complaint is that some of the seating was a bit cramped with adjacent tables. We were sitting close to our neighbors and having to talk across the table. read more

Barbam - hadong festival and perilla sour - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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My friend and I were looking to catch up, and in addition to dinner plans we wanted to stop somewhere for a drink beforehand. I chose dinner, and she chose Barbam for drinks. Barbam is a bar located in the basement of Ju Dam, a newish Korean restaurant. The bar isn't too large, with a small seating area as soon as you enter and the bar along the back wall with stools. The aesthetics are lovely - it's modern with clean lines and light wood tones; it looks great. The menu has several signature cocktails, classic tried-and true ones, and some small bites. We had two rounds, I chose two of their signature cocktails - the Milk Kiss and the Koriental Breeze. Both were great, not too sweet and beautifully presented. Service was good - it started filling up after we arrived but service stayed consistent. They were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and drinks were made swiftly. Overall, I had a great experience at Barbam. This is a great find, especially for being in the Midtown area. I wouldn't hesitate to return and explore more of their menu. read more

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The drinks were delicious and the vibe is nice. The service was ok. There is limited seating so it's much easier to go with just one other person. The drinks were very pricey and some of the drinks didn't taste as cool or unique as I thought that they would. read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

This is hands-down one of my top 3 favorite bar in New York, and I honestly think it's one of the city's best hidden gems. Their drinks are not only delicious but beautiful -- some come with bubbles, some are served in the most charming teapots, and others have these creative, unexpected flavors you won't find anywhere else. Every cocktail feels like an experience. The ambience is another reason I keep coming back. It's cozy, calm, and never too loud -- perfect for real conversations, catching up with friends, or a date where you actually want to hear the other person speak. It strikes that rare balance of being stylish without being pretentious. I recommend this place to everyone, and every single person I bring ends up loving it. If you haven't been yet, you are genuinely missing out on one of the most fantastic bar experiences in the city. The staff there are always nice :) read more

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This bar was such a great find during our trip to NY from LA. I've never seen a bar that takes such a substantial spin on authentic Korean flavors. The drink menu is so creative and it is such a treat to watch the beautiful drinks being made and served with such care. read more

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Went to barbam while visiting NYC. This was one of the most anticipated places on my Yelp list, but to be honest it fell a bit short. First off, the ambiance was pretty good inside and very intimate, but I wish my friends and I sat at the bar. We instead sat at this tiny table next to everyone else so it felt a bit isolated. We tried the tangerine, milkis & matcha cocktails. The matcha one did not really taste like matcha at all and was just bitter. My favorite out of the 3 were probably the milkis one. However, I don't think any of them really stood out to me. Overall would probably not come back to try new drinks, just an average experience ): read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

What a perfect GNO place. Awesome drinks and the apps were so delicious! Loved the soft dimmed lights and quiet music. The staff were also so nice and accommodating! If you are ever in NYC, you gotta try this place! read more

Hidden gem underneath Rib n.07 (Kbbq). Felt like a great IYKYK type of bar. Unique, beautiful cocktails inspired by Korean culture. Not pricey at all - standard price for cocktails in New York. If anything I'm surprised about the price since it could easily be 30+. Great date spot. Lovely hostess. Favorite cocktail: Cha cha cha. read more

Barbam - Naenmyun - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

This bar under the new restaurant, Judam, is a great Asian bar. With its intimate setting, it's great for a date night. Their menu has a unique selection of different ingredients that are very Asian/Korean-inspired, such as milkiss, red bean, matcha, and more. I got their Cha Cha Cha and my friend got their milkiss and we both loved it. The Cha Cha Cha was very light and refreshing, but also strong. Presentation for both drinks was amazing. Would love to come back. read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Had a great evening at Barbam. Everything was spectacular. Honestly, I didn't understand 95% of the ingredients in the drinks, but a little internet research cleared that up. I trusted my gut, and it didn't disappoint. We ordered from the Chapter 2 drink menu. I chose the Koriental Breeze and my friend went with the Make You Blush. For snacks, we had the Patatas Bravas and the fried chicken. I was curious about the oysters and asked my friend if she liked them. To my surprise, she did. I quickly got the bartender's attention and ordered some. When I say the oysters stole the show, I mean it. The server mentioned they came from Blue Point, Long Island. They were so fresh and thick. Just a little drizzle of lemon on top, and my taste buds were overjoyed. The patatas bravas were also a great choice. By then, I had ordered my second Koriental Breeze, and my friend decided to try one too. The fried chicken thighs were coated in a crispy tempura batter and came with two sauces. Both were delicious, but the wasabi one was the standout. The chicken was so good that we ordered another round, and I got another Koriental Breeze as well. What a great night. We eventually had to leave for our event, but I can't wait to go back with my husband. read more

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You need to go here! The vibes are soft, cozy with dim lighting, relaxed atmosphere and just the right amount of energy. The drinks are incredibly creative and well made. I got the Cha Cha Cha, while my friends ordered the JMT and the Hadong Festival, and we shared a truffle popcorn. My favorite was definitely the Hadong Festival sicne it was sweet with a mild taste of alcohol. The Cha Cha Cha was a close second, definitely a great tea-inspired cocktail. The JMT won in terms of presentation. Highly recommend checking this place out and getting the Hadong festival or the Cha Cha Cha. Defs will try out more of the snacks at the next visit! read more

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This place is one of my favorite cocktail spots in the city. Barbam has some clever cocktails highlighting different Korean flavors. My favorite drinks to order are the JMT, Hulu Punch, and the clarified Makgeoli punch. All of these drinks are packed with flavor and provide a wonderful cocktail drinking experience. In the summer time, you also have to order their sesame parfait. It is insanely good and helps cool you down after entering the bar from the NYC heat. What really made this place stand out for me is the service that my friends and I received. Both Nanoto and Sun provided my group excellent service throughout our entire visit. Despite the bar being completely full on a Sunday, there wasn't a moment where we struggled to get the staffs attention. The staff also knew the menu and offered great recommendations. A couple of tips: 1. I highly recommend making reservations on the weekends. It was completely full on a Sunday night. 2. The food offerings are also very good. My favorite bite was the house made potato chip that came with a nice aioli. So you might be wondering what kind of atmosphere is offered at Barbam? Barbam makes an awesome date spot with the nice lighting and ambiance. You also can't go wrong with taking a small group of friends here for drinks. I got a feeling you could really impress a first date and your friends with taking them here. I LOVE this place and will be 100% be back next time I'm in the city. read more

Barbam - Cocktail - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Drinks 4/5 Ambiance 4.5/5 These cocktails are definitely beautiful and aesthetically pleasing, though the taste is just okay. We accidentally walked into Rib No. 7, thinking it was Barbam, which is actually right downstairs. read more

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This is the speakeasy under Ribno7. You definitly need a reservation. It's popular and fills up quickly. If you try to go without a reservation, you could wait up to an hr for a table. The ambiance walking in is very dark and elegant. It's a mystery vibe that puts you in the mood for their cocktails. I wanted dessert so I got the Bam Bread Pudding. Sweet and rich, it's everything you want in a bread pudding with a light feel. It's filling though so share it. My friend got the korean fried chicken which is lightly fried and doesn't have a greasy feel. In terms of drinks, I started with the Cha Cha Cha and she got Hadong Festival. Cha Cha Cha is literally presented in a tea pot with dry ice - so wait like 10 seconds before pouring. It had a floral taste that I can recall. I found it very light as well. Hadong festival is my favorite I think. You can taste the matcha in it without a doubt. It's like drinking a matcha latte - you don't taste the alcohol. The jang trio, was the most interested I'd say. It's literally a frozen cocktail that is in the form of ice cream. And it comes with popped rice which add a nice crunch to it. Unfortunately, we were both full and couldn't finish but next time I'll definitely get the jang trio first. This is a bar I'd definitely return to and bring everyone I know. read more

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This is my second time at Barbam! We got the same table as last time, the four top that's not really parallel to the other tables so it feels more private. We made a reservation online when the reservations opened on Resy about 3 weeks before we went. Some of the drinks changed from when we went last time, with a whole page that was dedicated to sesame/perilla flavors. I surprisingly enjoyed a lot of the perilla ones! read more

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Cozy & intimate speakeasy under JuDam that serves up some good classics and Korean cocktails. We came to kill some time before our dinner reservation upstairs. They're a separate entity from JuDam entirely, so just be aware that drinks can't be taken upstairs. We all ordered the French 75 - it was good! Cocktails are on the pricier side. read more

everything runs on the sweet side and is pretty pricey. seating was tight but they let us sit and yap. i got the milk kiss and my friend got the hulu punch. hers was more alcohol forward versus mine was like drinking the real thing! i don't know that i'll come back because of how tight the bar seating was. it was difficult to orient myself in a comfortable position because the seats were so close together. i didn't even want to take a trip to the bathroom because it was such a squeeze. i would've hated being on a date here. read more

Barbam - hulu punch and milk kiss - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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The cocktails were pricy but interesting and strong at $24. The cups were fun. We tried the Perilla Sour, Clarified Makgeolli Punch, Naengmyun, and Milk Tea. The Milk Tea unexpectedly had lemon mixed with it. Service was nice. It's a little small in there. read more

Barbam - Perilla Sour Clarified Makgeolli Punch - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Barbam delivers a uniquely atmospheric Korean cocktail experience tucked beneath the Judam restaurant in Midtown West. This speakeasy-style bar specializes in creatively presented, Korean-inspired drinks in a cozy, subterranean setting that feels like a well-kept secret. Barbam's cocktail menu, presented in themed "chapters," showcases thoughtful Korean influences. Drinks are priced at $24 each, which is standard for New York cocktail bars, and they are known for their strong pours. JMT: The bourbon-based cocktail features a dramatic presentation with lit steel wool, adding a smoky note to its blend of Jeju mandarin, yuzu, and osmanthus. Hulu Punch: This tequila and makgeolli (Korean rice wine) cocktail is served with a strawberry tanghulu (candied fruit) skewer, making it visually distinctive. The small plates menu complements the drinks well. The Korean Fried Chicken ($15) is a consistent favorite, featuring lightly battered, juicy thigh meat served with wasabi mayo and a sweet & spicy sauce. The intimate space has limited seating (both bar and small tables) and gets very busy, especially on weekends. Reservations are highly recommended to avoid a long wait. read more

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Nice enough service, extremely underwhelming drink. Normally I'd write it off as an off night but $30 for a watery and flavorless 6 ounces of liquid is pretty bad. I couldn't taste any naengmyun flavor, just melted ice and citrus. You don't deserve me rotating this picture. read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Barbam NYC definitely nails the aesthetic -- moody lighting, beautiful interior, and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink. It's the kind of spot that makes you want to pull your phone out as soon as the drinks hit the table. Service was smooth and friendly, no complaints there. The staff kept things professional and low-key, which matched the vibe of the space. The drinks though? Visually stunning, but taste-wise... just okay. For $20+ per cocktail, I was hoping for a bit more depth in flavor. It felt like style over substance -- great for photos, but not something I'd crave again. Worth checking out once for the ambiance, especially if you're into beautifully designed cocktails -- just don't expect your taste buds to be as wowed as your eyes. read more

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Very impressed with this place, everything ordered was genuinely so good. The performative visuals of the JMT cocktail was also unexpected but quite cool. Love that the Hulu Punch comes out with a little standers tanghulu, very nice little touch. The Cha Cha Cha was also so smooth and yummy, definitely not what we expected. The honey butter chips made in-house were very light and delicious. Interior is more on the minimalistic side, but still vibey. This place is located beneath a KBBQ place, which threw us off at first. read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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I was looking for a cocktail bar that would be a nice, chill vibe. My friend recommended Barbam so I made a reservation on OpenTable. It is located in Ktown and is under a korean barbeque spot. You have to go downstairs to get to the bar. There was a good amount of people for a Thursday night. They have specialty cocktails and also classic ones. I got the Oedo Botania which had Plantation (Rum), Lillet Blanc, apple juice, lime juice, and chrysanthemum. The presentation was very nice but there was barely half the glass which was confusing. The drink itself was good though. Overall, the atmosphere was nice. They serve food as well but we didn't order any. I loved that the menu had a graph showing whether the cocktail was more sweet or citrus! read more

Barbam - Oedo Botania - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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Really fun spot! It's a speakeasy underneath the new odeng place that opened in KTown and it's an intimate vibe downstairs with creative drinks. I forget the name of it but there's one that is surrounded by a mildly flammable material that dissolves magically when they light it in front of you that's super fun and I want to get next time. The other drinks were yummy and well balanced though things do seem to be on the pricier side. Great place to catch up with someone for an one-on-one conversation, not the best for groups. Service was attentive though they never came around to ask if we wanted a second round which I found surprising. We ended up staying there on a weekday for a few hours. Would definitely come back and try more of their menu! read more

Such delicious and unique drinks! The tanghulu, JMT, and matcha bean (forgot the name) were my favorites. I also enjoyed the way they made the fried chicken too. The oysters could be skipped though. Too much crème fraîche on it. read more

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Barbam is the ultimate spot for a date night or a girls' night out--a hidden speakeasy tucked beneath Rib No. 7. IYKYK! I always recommend making a reservation since the space is small, intimate, and fills up quickly. The cocktails here are well crafted and presented beautifully. Every drink I've tried has been a hit! Here are my top recommendations: * HULU PUNCH - A slightly sweet and aesthetically stunning cocktail, topped with a delightful strawberry tanghulu. * JMT - A fruity bourbon-based drink with tropical mango-like flavors. Sweet and fruity! * CHA CHA CHA - Light, refreshing, and served in a teapot for a fun, unique presentation. Barbam is hands down one of my favorite bars--highly recommend checking it out! read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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I always use Yelp to make a wishlist of spots to check out before I go on vacation. I found this spot AFTER I arrived at my hotel. I made a reservation for later that evening. it was a bit of a NY walk but it was after hours so a fun walk. we entered a restaurant that was about to close and the hostess greeted us, We were directed down stairs. Hostess for speakeasy was down here. the space was small...a bar and a few small 2 person VERY LOW tables. We were seated at a table which was a bit disappointing since I had hoped to sit at the bar. The tables were tiny and were below knee level. I probably should have asked to wait but oh well...next time. the space was beautiful! the menu was very adventurous and we enjoyed seeing other drinks being brought out while we perused the menu. Our neighboring table ordered the CHA CHA CHA which was served in a teapot that has smoke (dry ice? ) billowing out of it . I had seen someone talk about an "ice cream" cocktail (Jang Trio) on Yelp so I started with that ...super unique and tasty. If you want to order it I think it would be better as a final drink vs 1st. My second drink was a BAM Fashioned ...also amazing ! they lit the adjacent pine cone on fire for the smokey scent. Hubby's 1st was JMT which was the aesthetic winner! the stem of glass was wrapped in steel wool and lit which caused it to sparkle and glow...his second was Naengmyeon which wa also super tasty. we also ordered food: Patatas bravas & Korean fried chicken. both were very tasty (especially the potatoes). 5 stars for atmosphere 5 stars for menu 5 stars for presentation 5 stars for quality 5 stars for service 4 stars for value 1 star for seat comfort ok I'll round it up to 5 b/c it was a really really cool experience! read more

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Barbam has a really creative and interesting selection of drinks! My favorite was Hadong Festival. My friends ordered JMT and Cha Cha Cha and I thought those were pretty good too. We also had the truffle popcorn, which was delicious. The service was attentive and friendly. read more

Barbam - Cha Cha Cha, JMT and Hadong Festival - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

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A friend of mine told me about Barbam and when I looked at the menu online, I realized that there were at least 5 drinks I wanted to try and there was no way I could do all that in one night. Solution: come two nights in a row (and bring a friend)! Between the two nights, I tried: *Milk Kiss - this was lovely and a little sweet *JMT - I love me a whisky sour, so this was right up my alley. The presentation is pretty fun too! *Oedo Botania - this had a very nice light and refreshing flavor to it *Hulu Punch - the drink was good, but the strawberry was amazing! *Bam Fashion - cool presentation, but shockingly, my least favorite drink. What I loved is that all of the drinks were distinct, and flavorful, yet not overwhelming. The food was also really good. The fried chicken (and sauces) were really good, even the chips with the honey butter were delicious! Also, the beef tartare was a work of art, both in presentation and taste, and the bread pudding was a great way to finish everything out. Would absolutely highly recommend! I also loved that the place is on the quieter side, so if you actually want to enjoy good drinks and hear whomever you're there with, it's perfect! read more

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Speakeasy with cozy modern atmosphere underneath a bbq restaurant in ktown. They have a menu of classic and special cocktails, along with small appetizer plates. The drinks are on the pricier end, but contain a decent amount of alcohol without sacrificing any flavor. We ordered the milk kiss and hadong festival. Both were enjoyable, but the hadong was definitely the standout. A must try for anyone that loves matcha. The oysters were also very flavorful. read more

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I almost don't want to tell you about this place- it's that good. Tucked away underneath a mouthwatering restaurant, is what I consider to be the best bar in New York- IF you actually appreciate the art of cocktail-making. This is not a bar to get "trashed"; it's a bar to actually enjoy each and every cocktail. It's visually stimulating and absolutely stunning down to every detail. If you are familiar with the famous Centifolia in Tokyo, this is the closest you'll get to that vibe without going to Japan. Each cocktail is made meticulously, and to watch them make it is almost as appealing as the cocktails themselves. The service is truly spectacular. Each cocktail is presented to you as art and given a full explanation. We tried about 8 different drinks, and I couldn't explain them to you if I tried. All I can say is, they are truly unique.The cocktails seem like they are balanced in such a way that you can taste every ingredient. read more

Barbam has really cute korean inspired drinks! I've come twice and my friends and I have pretty much tried the entire cocktail menu. It's located beneath a bbq restaurant but the inside is really nice. I would recommend getting a resy since it's not a large space. Service is good. read more

Barbam - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York

Not a typical reviewer but this is the first place that I've ever been that made me want to be a 'regular.' The staff is the friendliest I've seen. The cocktails are uniformly amazing. There is care and kindness at every turn. Don't miss this gem! read more

We walked in on a Friday night and got a table at this speakeasy. The seats were all full after at about 10pm. I liked the Hulu punch cocktail which was creamy and had a strawberry tanghulu on top. I also like the JMT drink which was citrusy and they light a steel wool around the drink on fire so it's aesthetic. We also tried the cha cha cha and it was light and came in a teapot. I'd come back for the Hulu punch cocktail. read more

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Elite service and drinks. All of the cocktails were skillfully curated and crafted. A lot of effort, time, and attention goes into each drink and it is noticeable. Really enjoyed the Cha Cha Cha which held velvety and tea like notes, as well as the Milk Kiss which was equivalent to an alcohol version of a Milkis haha. It was intimate and romantic inside and service was wonderful. Highly recommend if you're looking for an evening drink or two. read more

The drinks were so great. The presentation was stunning. The service was awesome but it does take some time for them to make the drinks. We had a reservation and still had to wait for a few minutes to get in. Our favorite was the cha cha cha. The flavor was great and it was beautiful. Would highly recommend and make a reservation. read more

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barbam is on the lower floor of a restaurant and has a cozy, intimate atmosphere perfect for a date. we were initially seated at a low table but then the hostess kindly offered bar seating to us. we ordered the hulu punch and milk kiss. both drinks looked beautiful and i had particularly ordered the hulu punch after seeing pictures. i was a big fan of the tanghulu strawberry on top and the drink itself was delicious as well. the milk kiss was served in a fun glass and was also yummy. read more

Barbam - milk kiss and hulu punch - Speakeasies Near Me - New York, New York