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    BarChef

    4.6 (23 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 2 months ago

    BarChef Photos

    BARCHEF ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Upscale

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    They named it "Miyagawa" refreshing, scents of floral, topping with light sweet creamy taste, just like the start of holiday
    Grace H.

    BarChef finally won me over after months of Instagram hype, and wow, the hype is real, at least visually. Sleek, elegant room with Empire State Building views and the most photogenic cocktails in the city. Every drink has its own cute story and arrives like theater, complete with garnishes from the "kitchen" window. Took a million pics, zero regrets. Ordered two of the seasonal tasting cocktails, super pretty, but the flavors were a bit too experimental for me. Then I decided to order other drinks at the bar directly. Explaining and showing the bartender about my favorite drinks around the city, describing what I usually love. That's when he smiled and said he used to work at Thyme Bar (my absolute favorite spot!). Turns out it was Alex! No wonder the custom mocktail he made me was perfection: fresh herbs, delicate floral notes, and that dreamy creamy-sweet holiday finish. Easily one of the best mocktails (or cocktails, honestly) I've ever had. His creativity is unreal. The bar is the heart of this place.

    Desiree F.

    A friend of mine and I got together for drinks. When I arrived I found parking right in front. I walked in and the place is attached to another restaurant in the upper floor. I walked into a dimly lit gorgeous bar. We were sat and Jenna was our server. We had: The Coa Toasted Old Fashioned Amuse-bouche Aviation Alginate Charred Strawberry Red Wine Café De Olla Oven Roasted Chilean Seabass I enjoyed their dishes especially the seabass! I also really enjoyed their wine! All in all a good time!

    Chef's Counter (on the wall are some of their aromatics infusing to perfection)
    Monique M.

    This place is intentional as one of the bar chefs also described it. Service was great as I sat at the chefs counter and watched them prepare drinks for other guests and enjoyed conversation about the background and some of their fave drinks and elements to prepare. (I didn't catch names, but they were all great!) The bottles along the walls are infused and made in house that are actually used in the cocktails. I enjoyed 2 drinks, truffle fries (perfect portion) and a surprise treat at the end. On my way out, the bathroom hand soap smelled so good and left my hands extra soft. The elevator was lit in red and smelled like lemongrass or something similar. It was a great touch. I will definitely come back with a friend or two, would make for the perfect post dinner/night cap vibe. They have a location in Toronto, but welcome finally to NYC Bar Chef.

    Essence of Fall cocktail
    Alison C.

    From a vibe perspective, BarChef really delivered. It was located on the third floor above a Korean steakhouse, but was almost hidden to those not "in the know". The hostess met us downstairs and escorted us up using the escalator. The dark, seductive space had a full-sized bar, a small "chef's counter" for front-row views of the action, and several lounge areas with couches, which was where we were seated. Our server was very professional and took us through their interesting menu. There was a section for their take on classic cocktails, as well as modern originals that were crafted in-house. I decided to get their version of an espresso martini, which was called the Cafe De Olla, and contained Illegal Mezcal, espresso, Grand Marnier, cedar bitters, coffee liqueur, shiitake cordial, and vanilla. As noted on the menu, it had an aroma of the "forest floor". In fact, those cedar bitters were too potent for my liking, because the drink tasted more woodsy than anything else. It also contained a large amount of smoky mezcal. It was not the sweeter, caffeine-forward cocktail I had been looking forward to. I wound up staying with only that one round, but I sampled each of my partner's two beverages. First was the "contemporary" cocktail called the Bittersweet, which was composed of Great Jones Bourbon, Freimeister hazelnut gin, Laird's apple brandy, Campari, sweet vermouth, Disaronno, and cacao bitters. It was a chocolatey, nutty, smokey blend that was enjoyable, but certainly booze-forward. His second drink was the seasonal, "modernist", Essence of Fall. That one was served on a round platter of moss with a glass globe in the center, which contained a sphere of ice made from maple and Fernet-Branca, Cognac, sweet vermouth, rosemary, balsam fir bitters, orange blossom, vanilla, mint, and cedar. The waitress poured a hot broth over the soil and moss surrounding the frozen beverage, which released an earthy aroma and kicked off the melting process. Once the cocktail was drinkable, I found it way too herbaceous. Overall, I adored the atmosphere and creativity of BarChef, but I had hoped to enjoy the drinks much more, especially when I was paying in the range of $25-$40 for each of them.

    Our modernist cocktails
    Tiffany L.

    I liked this place enough that I am going back for a second visit less than one week later, if that gives you any indication! The first time I went to Bar Chef was in Toronto a few years ago and it made a very good impression on me and my friends. I thought that it was very interesting that the location in Toronto is super dark and that the location in New York is super bright and full of natural light. I will note this is on a higher floor, so we had to climb stairs (not sure if there is an elevator available for people who may not be able to climb stairs). I also appreciated that they'll open the overhead pane when the weather is good. The cocktails did not disappoint. My friends and I did two rounds of drinks, starting off with the more artistic cocktails from the modernist series and then doing more contemporary cocktails. I also love that they have a food menu. I snacked on truffle fries, which were delicious. The servers were also very friendly and helpful with explaining the menu. I loved both of my drinks: the sailors mojito and the dark necessities. The presentation is unbeatable when it comes to the modernist cocktails. I also appreciate the eucalyptus smell in the bathrooms and love that they use Aesop soap.

    The black book of goodness, ie the menu
    Olivia G.

    I had been looking forward to BarChef opening here in NYC for a while. A long time follower of the Toronto location, this experience did not disappoint. Came for an anniversary celebration and was treated to a few additional treats along the way as an added surprise. The place is really stunning and has a retractable roof for when the weather is nice. If you come early its a very quiet and intimate experience with lots of room. The wait staff is incredible and as this location is still new, Frankie Solarik was on site and enduring this location matches the Toronto standards and some. We enjoyed two cocktails each and every one of them was fabulous. You truly have to go and experience this culinary delight yourself. We spent a luxurious 2 hours and also ordered a few of the food options. The sashimi platter was delicious and the oxtail pot stickers were a really unique twist. 10/10 on all fronts and I look forward to coming back to experiencing this once again. Thank you!!

    Rosegold Margarita and Illuminated Eucalyptus
    Aditya S.

    This immersive craft cocktail experience is truly one of a kind. The elaborate presentation of the Rosegold Margarita captures the essence of Oaxaca. Its delectable edible components bring out the flavors of the cocktail after each bite. The Illuminated Eucalyptus brings a Japanese pebble garden to life with Nigori sake, tequila, eucalyptus ice, coconut, absinthe, basil, white chocolate, and green cardamom. The myriad of flavors somehow come together seamlessly in spectacular fashion. It is impressive how well the bar waitstaff know the cocktails. Memorizing all those ingredients is no easy feat. The ambiance is intimate and luxurious with a naturalistic theme.

    Oxtail Dumplings
    Rob J.

    Look. If you know me well you know I'm an absolute slut for gimmicky, avant-garde style culinary modernism. What Barchef is doing is absolutely extraordinary and inverts my picture driven empty minded materialism cleanly on its head. While yes, drinks come out with liquid nitrogen and a variety of complements that may seem like unnecessary stimuli, BUT - it all works perfectly. The flavors are complex, the bar food is precisely engineered to complement the drinks, and most importantly, the beverages are some of the best I've had in New York. Which is saying a lot, because this whole city is fueled by $20+ (bordering on the unfathomable $30 mark recently) cocktails. You'll be treated like royalty if you get counter spots. Far more exciting than half of what's on and off Broadway right now, you'll have a front row seat to the action and can truly appreciate the ingenuity behind each cocktail.

    Lindsey H.

    Bar Chef is where New York energy meets liquid art. Every cocktail is a sensory performance. The entire experience was bold, elegant, and unapologetically magnetic. The confidence and swagger of this place is un matched. This is the kind of place that doesn't just serve drinks, it serves a moment.

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    2 months ago

    10/10 on the small bites, the service was amazing and the ambiance was stunning. I can't wait to go back!

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    10 months ago

    Best new cocktail bar to ope this summer! Loved the drinks here, food was great as well.

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    Review Highlights - BarChef

    The first time I went to Bar Chef was in Toronto a few years ago and it made a very good impression on me and my friends.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

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    Thyme Bar - Happy hour cocktails and drinks at Thyme Bar NYC in New York

    Thyme Bar

    4.1(349 reviews)
    0.6 miFlatiron
    $$

    Cozy spot that is always has the best drinks. The presentation of each drink is also very unique…read more Make sure to reserve before you go though, since this place is hard to get in to

    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.

    Photos
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    Squirrel on a beach (@joeynht)

    Thyme Bar - Roasted Garlic & Tarragon Ketchup

    Roasted Garlic & Tarragon Ketchup

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    Labneh, Aleppo Chili Oil, Olives

    Patent Pending - Bar area.

    Patent Pending

    4.2(430 reviews)
    0.4 miFlatiron
    $$$

    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!

    FIVE STARS FOR PATENT PENDING. This place was recommended by a friend who's a server at a nearby…read morerestaurant and I'm so glad we got to go to celebrate my best friend's birthday Service: 100/10!!! Our bartenders Tess, Tyler and Max were so welcoming and made sure we had a great time. They even sang happy birthday to my friend :) Drinks: Delicious! The Strange Magic (vodka, prosecco, strawberry, citrus) was my favorite drink I tried there Vibes: Intimate, low lighting, but enough space at the booths and bar to go with a small group of friends. Clean bathroom too. The bar/speakeasy was much bigger than the coffee shop it was located behind HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

    Photos
    Patent Pending - Entry to Patent Pending

    Entry to Patent Pending

    Patent Pending - Strange Magic Cocktail (~$21)

    Strange Magic Cocktail (~$21)

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    Impossible Idea

    Little Ned - the lil' ned wagyu katsu sando

    Little Ned

    4.7(55 reviews)
    0.4 miFlatiron

    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!

    Photos
    Little Ned - Saturn

    Saturn

    Little Ned - Yankee Hanky Panky

    Yankee Hanky Panky

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    The Tusk Bar

    The Tusk Bar

    4.4(39 reviews)
    0.4 miFlatiron
    Full bar
    Romantic vibe

    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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    The Tusk Bar
    The Tusk Bar
    The Tusk Bar

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    Clemente Bar - Clemente mushroom burger

    Clemente Bar

    4.3(48 reviews)
    0.6 miFlatiron

    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

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    Interior

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    Truffle Tofu Dog

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    The Lounge

    BarChef - cocktailbars - Updated May 2026

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