Reception Bar

69

340

984

1 month ago

The rude boy-child at the front desk could use a quick lesson on manners. Was just trying to ask questions and got a bunch of attitude & no answers instead. :( read more

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Ann K.

0

79

91

1 month ago

Perfect quiet place with an incredible drink menu. I mean every single drink on the menu is 5 stars. It can be crowded and busy but it's worth the wait and it usually cycles quickly. Service is fast! I love the vibe and the cocktails I cannot praise enough. This is my favorite spot in town. read more

Reception Bar - Lotus breeze x2 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Matcha meadow & cereal milk - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Nicole N.

239

1099

3832

1 year ago

Soju and cocktails? Sign me up! I'm so glad I finally was able to check out Reception Bar! I've heard their cocktails can be hit or miss, but the two I tried were solid!! The cereal milk had strong makgeolli and jujube flavors. With the jolly pong on top, it really felt like cereal milk! It was on the sweeter side with all the honey, but at least it was expected. The orchard st had very fragrant osmanthus flavors, along with nice pear aftertaste. Sweetness level was appropriate. Both drinks were light and refreshing! The dim lights and tight seating gave it an intimate vibe. There are some bar seats, standing options, and indoor vs outdoor tables. Staff seemed a little stress because it was definitely busy on a Friday night, but drinks still came out at a reasonable time and people were moving. I'd come back to check out their other drinks! read more

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Jack T.

11

129

334

9 months ago

drinks were solid. not super expensive either but were also not v strong. vibe is really cool and in a great spot. servers are nice nothing over the top. good spot but not raving ab it read more

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Sally V.

2

94

177

1 year ago

This is a super cool vibey soju bar in the Lower East Side. It might be one of my new favorite bars! It was pretty busy but we were able to snag a table. They specialize in soju cocktails and infused soju. I got the lotus breeze which was phenomenal. It just tasted like tea! Honestly, every single cocktail on the menu looked delicious and I had a hard time deciding. My friend' drinks were also great. I would definitely come back here to try more cocktails. read more

Reception Bar - Lotus breeze cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Rain M.

5

69

127

1 year ago

My friends an I came on a weekend night and was able to get a seat for 3 within 20 minutes wait. We were able to try 9 drinks and every drink was mixed so well. The matcha. Wow , it's a must try. How can soju taste like a brewed tea. If you love soju, you'll love this place. Also love all the plants read more

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Emily G.

347

1543

2520

2 years ago

I've finally gotten to the point where I know what type of drinks I prefer, and can pick one out on the menu based on the ingredients listed. I chose the Lotus Breeze and it was nice, light (not too strong), floral notes, and a touch of sweet. A friend ordered the "Smokes" - not my style, but the flavors were quite interesting! The staff was okay, not super friendly. We got there early evening, so maybe the mood lighting and ambiance hadn't set in yet so I can't quite judge the ambiance.. but it was pretty warm indoors, not great AC or at least ventilation there. read more

Reception Bar - Lotus breeze - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Grace Y.

969

934

2028

1 year ago

Love their ginger goblin cocktail - it's really gingery so only get it if you really like ginger! They have a pretty big menu of all soju based drinks. The inside can get crowded sometimes but it's not too hard to get a seat. And they're open late. read more

Reception Bar - Ginger goblin - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Tiffany V.

35

198

486

2 years ago

Stunning creative and delicious cocktails keep me coming back to Reception Bar on a night out! There has not been a miss on their menu for us! Their menu of soju cocktails have creative fun ingredients that really resonate with my palate, there is sure to be something that speaks to you too! 5/5 Cereal Milk 5/5 Matcha Meadow 5/5 Lotus Breeze 4.5/5 Yuja 88 There may be a bit of a wait on a weekend, but I personally do not mind the standing tables while waiting for seating inside. Love the lively ambiance here, great for a night out with friends or a date! read more

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Carina H.

29

385

1005

2 years ago

The bar was very laid-back, similar to a cafe, as my friend and I went earlier in the evening. The service was quick, and I really liked the Matcha Meadow. It had a subtle matcha flavor as it did a fruity or floral flavor. The drink was similar to a matcha latte in the way it was frothy on top, and the taste was smooth. I didn't really taste the soju at all, but the alcohol kicks in for sure if you don't eat before drinking. read more

Reception Bar - Matcha Meadow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Claire M.

35

60

152

2 years ago

Cute little spot with great ambiance and great drinks - definitely come here if you want specialty soju cocktails. I will be coming back for the infused soju flights. Must get: Yuja 88 read more

Reception Bar - Menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Yuja 88 and Orchard St. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Avril A.

159

64

36

10 months ago

This bar had some of the most creative and unique asian-inspired drinks I've ever had! My friend and I had the matcha meadow, orchid street, yuja, cereal milk, and melon dew for drinks. The first three were fruity and tart, and the last two were more on the milky and creamy side (but not heavy at all). For snacks, we had the pork mandu and pizza garlic knots which were delicious. The ambiance felt cozy, chill, and intimate and we had fantastic service from Lydia. Highly recommend this spot if you enjoy asian flavors or just want to try something new! read more

Reception Bar - Melon dew and matcha meadow - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Emily L.

89

129

301

2 years ago

Drinks here are really good and unique! Came at a recommendation from a friend and didn't realize it was a soju bar, which was a nice surprise. Service was really nice. We were seated outside initially, but we asked to be let known if any tables opened inside. The wait staff was kind to let us come back around twice to offer us room inside (first was standing room at the bar which we declined, second was for bar seating). It was a lot more noisier than expected inside though. I ordered the matcha meadow and a melon dew. Both were really good, but I preferred the matcha better. It was a good combo and the soju didn't overpower the matcha. The melon dew was a bit stronger and bitter for my taste. All of the cocktails combinations are so unique, and I definitely want to try more of the menu! read more

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Sujay R.

2

202

302

10 months ago

Soju based cocktail bar. Cereal milk is one of the best value cocktails (under $20 in nyc is craziness). read more

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Evelyn N.

13

187

522

2 years ago

Friendly hosts/hostesses right at the door even though we were not able to be seated inside on a chilly Friday evening. They do have an outdoor area with heat lamps so that helped a little because my friend really wanted to try this soju bar after dinner for her 30th. It was super busy but exceptional service and we never felt rushed even though we were there for almost 3 hours. All the drinks were pretty yummy and not too strong and they even offer some mocktails if you don't want alcohol. Love the fusion flavors of the cocktails and would love to come back again to try more. read more

Reception Bar - starting at 12 and clockwise: matcha meadow, lotus breeze, yuja 88 (mocktail), yuja 88, cereal milk - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Amy L.

291

267

621

2 years ago

This is the best bar I've been to in NYC for their unique cocktail selection hands down. I came here on a Friday night with some friends who were bar hopping in lower east side. When I arrived they had a table outside in the patio area which was pretty nice with the heaters on. The waitresses came by often enough to refill waters and take our order. This has got to have the most unique cocktail choices that I've seen so far in NYC. It almost reminds me of the bars they have in Asia - they use a lot more unique flavors and pairings that are just not common in the US. Our party of 4 each ordered 1 drink at a time and would pass it around so we each tried most of the drinks on the menu. Some of my favorite drinks was the melon dew and orchard st. The cereal milk option was also really delicious but was a bit too strong for my preference. The matcha meadow was my 2nd drink but I regret ordering it since it was just too sour for my liking. Overall this bar has a great selection of cocktails with reasonable pricing for Manhattan - I would recommend for anyone who is out for a good time. read more

Reception Bar - Melon dew - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Aanandi M.

4

52

132

2 years ago

Space: 7.5/ 10 I liked the light, white decor because it was very reminiscent of trendy modern bars and cafes I saw in Korea. However, the space was a little smaller than I expected and I felt like at times it was hard to get the server's attention Drinks: 9/10 I thought each drink was SO creative and each one that we had tasted different! I wish they were a tad bit stronger tho, but overall still so good! Food: 6/10 honestly it's a bar, so their food is not their main attraction. Their pork dumplings were okay. Mostly tasted like something from Costco. The garlic knots were yum but took forever to come Overall: 8/10 I think it's a very cute date spot, and if you get the booth it's actually very nice! My friend and I were able to chat fairly uninterrupted and the drinks were good! My only issue is that at times it was hard to tell who was the server or who was not because there was no name tag or uniform. :/ but very small detail! I'd definitely come again to try more drinks! read more

Reception Bar - Matcha medow and cereal milk drinks! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Garlic knots - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Bar decor! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Pork japchae dumplings - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Sonia K.

15

136

349

2 years ago

The drinks here are amazing! A bit on the pricey side but worth it. I especially love the lotus drink and the cereal milk. Some of them taste pretty strong (like the melon one). It's great for a small group of people. read more

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Yuna C.

525

496

1181

3 years ago

Stumbled into this bar while exploring Chinatown and our cocktails were the perfect mid-afternoon treat after walking all day! Minimalist yet cozy interior vibes - would love to come again and try their dishes and other drinks! read more

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Rina D.

185

632

3008

3 years ago

I might be the odd one out with this one but I wasn't too sure of what the hype was for this place.. It was pretty crowded and hot when I went last minute on a Friday night around 10:30pm. We were giving standing seats at first with cups of water, but were seated at the bar soon after. There are hooks at each seat so you can hang your bags/coats which was convenient and nice. I liked the Korean touch on the cocktails whether that was with soju or ice creams like melona, but the cocktails didn't really seem to taste like the descriptions. I didn't really like any of the drinks that I ordered (2) and ended up calling it a night. There are both indoor and outdoor seatings so when the weather is nicer/warmer, outdoor seating could have been nice as well. read more

Reception Bar - a cocktail in a coupe glass - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Daisy H.

6

43

74

3 years ago

10/10 would go back again. Reception Bar serves soju with flavors they infuse on their own. The drinks are probably the best drinks I've ever had before. It's unique and it's very tasty. The white lotus flavor soju was definitely our favorite. They also service warmed chex mix, which is great when the munchies start kicking in. I wish California would have more Korean bars like the Reception Bar. read more

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Skylar D.

0

4

1

8 months ago

I was recommended this bar by a friend and really wanted to like it, but the staff made my experience very uncomfortable and unpleasant. Two staff members in particular were extremely rude policed only my friend and I. We had lit a cigarette outside and curtly been told that we weren't allowed to smoke at the outside tables because of the proximity to the window. Completely understandable! I apologized immediately and moved to the bench area where she told me it was allowed. After moving to the bench area, within a minute a male staff member (brown hair, piercing) came over and told me to put it out. Again, completely understandable! I apologized again, though I was confused because I had just been directed there. What made the situation very weird is that all tables on either side of me, were both filled with groups smoking without issue (including a table right next to the open window). It was clear my friend and I were the only ones being singled out. For the remainder of the night as I used the restroom I was glared at by the male staff member which felt hostile, and unnecessary. Reading other reviews, I'm glad I wasn't the only one who noticed that the staff is very rude and selective. Unfriendly behavior is a pattern here. So many great bars in the area, I'd strongly recommend going anywhere else. read more

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Luz C.

21

175

349

3 years ago

I was recommended this bar per my friends during my trip to NYC. I was super excited all day to visit because of all the hype! My friend and I visited this bar on a Wednesday night around 10pm. It was much smaller than I expected but it was designed well. The lighting is very dim and moody too. It was pretty crowded and didn't take long to get seated. The waitress seemed to forget about us and took forever to take our orders/bring out the drinks. Not sure what was going on there. The drink I was recommended by my friends was the Cereal Milk drink and I was so happy to see that it was made with walnut milk and not actual dairy!!! The drink was overall a 7/10, I barely got the cereal milk taste until the very end. Overall, im willing to give this place another chance. I will probably order different drinks if I were to visit again. read more

Reception Bar - Yuja 88 (top), cereal milk (bottom) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Emma F.

59

822

823

1 year ago

Nice little soju bar. I had the cereal drink which my friends liked, but I felt tasted a bit strong. This place was a nice vibe to hand out and catchup, there's some outdoor seating as well. read more

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Josh L.

Elite 25

3

65

22

2 years ago

Reception Bar is doing a thing and doing it well. Service is consistently friendly and welcoming. If things are slow-ish, the staff is always more than happy to talk you through the various Korean spirits and ingredients that meld happily into their phenomenal and thoughtful cocktails. As for drinks: The Salty Bracken is a perennial savory and delicious favorite. The Smokes is a very cool choice for those who are starting to wonder why some peated scotch sometimes feels boring and are in need of a little smokey tea and excitement. The Ginger Goblin lives up to its name and will definitely spice things up. The very approachable Martini 100 is a nice shallow end of the pool option. We recently tried the seasonal Martini offering that was also shallow end but with a little something extra, like just about everything on the menu. I've never had beer or wine here and I recommend you avoid them too. You can have those things somewhere else -- they're doing something special at Reception Bar. The space is cool too and the music always sets a nice atmosphere without overdoing it. But ultimately, come for a cocktail. You won't be disappointed. read more

Reception Bar - Seasonal Martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Robin Y.

978

211

106

3 years ago

Intimate cozy cocktail bar with delicious drinks. Came here on 2 occasions, once in the summer with outdoor seating and more recently on a Sunday afternoon with a few old friends for a catch up. This was a great spot for it! We had the melona drink, matcha cocktail, incheon, and yuja and all were so delicious! Each one is made with soju, makgeolli, or a mix along with other uniquely Korean flavorings. We really enjoyed our drinks which were at a fair price point, and loved being in the cozy ambiance. Overall would rec for a date night, girls night with close friends, or if you just want a delicious drink. Will be back to try more! read more

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Michelle L.

254

495

829

2 years ago

We walked in on a Saturday night and got an outside table with a heating lamp. Inside was crowded. They have unique cocktails and soju flavors. We tried the matcha meadow with matcha soju and the ginger goblin (hot). The ginger goblin was very strong and warm in the chilly outdoors. Servers were nice. On the menu they have notes for additional charges, like gratuities for groups larger than 4 or fees for removing unruly people. read more

Reception Bar - Outside - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Naomi Y.

384

209

735

3 years ago

Arrived at around 9:30 pm on a Thursday and there was already a waitlist. We waited for about 15 mins on their outside patio area that luckily had heaters! Inside was dim, cute decor, and friendly staff. The cocktails were tasty and not too strong since they were soju based. read more

Reception Bar - Cocktails - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Carmen W.

477

481

395

2 years ago

I came here with my friends on a Friday night around 8pm. We arrived at the perfect time because as our drinks started to come out the line for the bar got progressively longer. We had to sit outside which was fine since there were overhead heaters. I got the cereal milk, yuja honey, miguk, and the melon dew. Out of all the drinks, I think the cereal milk and melon dew were my favorites. The drinks weren't too strong, but I did think they were missing an overall balance to them. I expected the cereal milk to have some additional creaminess, and the cereal sprinkled on top got soggy quite quickly. Overall quite innovative drinks, with an extensive menu which prompts me to come back to sample some more! read more

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Amy D.

0

29

11

1 year ago

Service was horrible... asked a question and the girl working laughed at us and dismissed our question

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Jenny Z.

459

445

2106

2 years ago

The bar is the perfect place to catch up with a friend! We got the lotus breeze and yuja and both were so light and refreshing like an iced tea. The drinks were slightly less creative than I expected, but you pretty much get what you expect and it's still very tasty. read more

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Alexa T.

65

757

3401

2 years ago

I came here on a Thursday night and it was pa Lee. I met up with my friend and our group ended up being bigger than the small booth they were originally at. The server moved us to a bigger booth that accommodated all of us which was very nice! This place is super cozy and intimate with dim lighting. There's one bathroom in the back. I got the melon drink and it was good - you couldn't taste the alcohol. read more

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Victoria C.

630

248

416

3 years ago

I'm not usually a soju cocktail lover but this place does it well. The drinks are all pretty sweet - so if you dislike sweet drinks, probably won't be a favorite. All drinks are pretty much soju based. The two that stick out to me was the melon drink (top favorite per the bartender) and the cereal drink. The cereal is a korean cereal, so it brought back memories - felt like I was drinking cereal milk. It gets crowded here - not an easy spot to get a table or seating via walk ins. Bartenders were all very friendly. Would go back! read more

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Nicole S.

125

221

319

3 years ago

This was my first time at Reception Bar and it was a good time! The staff was friendly and pretty efficient with cocktails as we were a bigger party. The establishment is small with outdoor seating. Based on the photos online, I would have expected the bar to be a little bigger. However, the cocktails are all soju based and were very delicious! Whichever cocktail you decide on be prepared for your cocktail to taste exactly how it was described. For example, the melon dew tasted as if I were literally eating melon dew! In general, I really enjoyed the experience and it's a chill, cool place to chill at before moving on elsewhere. There weren't many "small bites" to choose from -- I believe maybe 2 or 3? read more

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Jessica L.

488

334

796

3 years ago

Delicious soju cocktails with unique Asian flavors! This place is normally super busy, but we were able to get an outdoor table on a Sunday night without having to wait. There are many different cocktails, soju flights, and even makgeoli! The chrysanthemum cocktail is literally the best drink I've ever had. The cocktails are pretty sweet but in a balanced way. They aren't super strong since it's just soju. Overall a nice place to catch up with friends over delicious drinks! read more

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Jenny Z.

Elite 24

4

295

788

2 years ago

Updating for drinks: The melon dew tasted exactly like a honeydew melon - refreshing, light, not too sweet; I liked it. I didn't like the matcha meadow that much - it had this really pungent sourness to it and I couldn't quite taste the matcha. The ginger goblin was very ginger but I surprisingly liked it. Drinks are very well priced at $15/cocktail....which now seems great in light of inflation. Mostly bar seating, booths are for larger parties. I could see canoodling potential here at the bar - it's dim. Overall a nice spot. Quite chilly inside. But if you're here to canoodle maybe that's a perfect opportunity ;) read more

Reception Bar - Martini, cereal milk - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Reception Bar - Orchard street - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Vivian L.

17

94

675

4 years ago

I stopped by here with my friend after his friend spoke highly of this place. I've never heard of it before but I was pleasantly surprised. Each drink is made with soju and other ingredients. It didn't taste strongly like soju, and it was actually a bit light in alcohol level in my opinion. However, it tasted great and I loved the flavors in each drink. They have house infused soju as well that I'll definitely try the next time I come. The interior is super cute as well. I love the colors and the layout of the whole place. It's definitely a cute little spot to catch up with a friend with over drinks. This place made it to one of my favorite bars in the city for sure! read more

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Lila L.

215

244

552

4 years ago

Came on a Saturday night and inside was pretty packed so we sat outdoors. Just our luck, we picked a table near the garbage can and every time the wind blew, we'd get a whiff of nyc. IYKYK. I was intrigued by the soju inspired cocktails. Some were delicious and some just didn't go well together. Lotus Breeze- would recommend if you're looking for something light & refreshing Cereal milk- not my favorite; the milky taste mixed with alcohol and the rice crunch on top wasn't a great combo My friend and I had about 3 drinks each and got the Scarr's garlic knots to hold us down which were really good gotta try their pizza down the block! Maybe I'll return to sit indoors next time and have a different experience. read more

Reception Bar - Smokes - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Elizabeth X.

112

621

1367

4 years ago

Cute, quaint spot! I can't wait to come back and try other drinks - their drink menu is so unique, and inspired by many Korean style alcohols. I got the Lotus drink and it tasted like tea. I'd love to bring other friends and introduce them to this spot. read more

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More info about Reception Bar

45 Orchard St
New York, NY 10002
Lower East Side
Directions
(646) 490-4053
Call Now
Visit Website
http://receptionbar.nyc

Full menu

Hours

What time does Reception Bar open?

Reception Bar opens at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.Reception Bar opens at 2:00 PM on Saturday.

What time does Reception Bar close?

Reception Bar is closed on Monday and Sunday.Reception Bar closes at 12:00 AM (Next day) on Tuesday and Wednesday.Reception Bar closes at 1:00 AM (Next day) on Thursday.Reception Bar closes at 2:00 AM (Next day) on Friday and Saturday.

Mon, Sun ClosedTue-Wed 5:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Next day)Thu 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM (Next day)Fri 5:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)Sat 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Next day)

Payment methods

Does Reception Bar take credit cards?

Yes, Reception Bar takes credit cards.

Food & Alcohol

Does Reception Bar serve alcohol?

Yes, Reception Bar serves alcohol.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Reception Bar have outdoor seating?

Yes, Reception Bar has outdoor seating options.

Does Reception Bar have parking?

Yes, Reception Bar has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Reception Bar allow outdoor smoking?

Yes, Reception Bar allows outdoor smoking.

Does Reception Bar have free WiFi?

Yes, Reception Bar has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Day to evening New Korean cocktail and elixir bar

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Valerie

4.3(1.4k reviews)

2.8 mi•Midtown West

By far one of my favorite places to eat and drink in the city Atmosphere great Food and drinks…read moreamazing I have been there many times and never ever left disappointed. Service amazing Brendan and the staff super attentive and always a 10 out of 10 Highly recommend

The drinks were incredible, and the atmosphere was perfect. Brendan was very helpful!read more

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Dear Irving on Broadway

4.5(35 reviews)

3.4 mi•Midtown West

Finding a good cocktail bar in NYC is not that difficult for most, but I find that my friend and I…read morehave become a bit of cocktail snobs lately, as we always look for something specific during our travels. We are tequila and mezcal drinkers so a lot of places, we've found lately, so not have as big of mezcal selections. This was the exception. We wanted to go to the location that wasn't in such a touristy area, but it was so cold that we didn't wanna walk so we just did this location. The aesthetic is super warm and takes you to somewhere luxurious and almost even tropical with the light shades and all. The bartenders are actual mixologists so if you tell them what you're thinking of, they'll likely be able to execute. Our bartenders were very attentive and enthusiastic in creating the drinks we had in mind. All we had to do was give them a brief idea and we got these wonderful drinks back. I wish I had pictures, but the drinks were flowing and the conversation was so good. We were thoroughly impressed. Great program they're running here, their mixologists know what they're doing!

I was here for an event, so didn't order entrees/mains. We did have some appetizers and finger…read morefood, which wasn't the tastiest...the best thing there were probably the lobster rolls and sliders. The drinks were very delicious, though! The bartenders were nice and made the drinks very quickly. There was one who was consistently friendly, as opposed to the blonde lady there. I'd go back again on a date night because the interior had major sexy vibes.

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Smoky & spicy cocktail it was ;-)

Sunken Harbor Club

4.5(115 reviews)

1.7 mi•Downtown Brooklyn

•$$$

I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

This is a "speakeasy" above Gage and Tollner. An undersea Tiki style adventure with a sexy mermaid…read moreheading up the bar. Nautical theme throughout with weathered leather, ropes, fish. Cocktails are made with various types of rum and ingredients like grapefruit, maraschino, wormwood amaro, falernum, thyme, Assam tea, spiced lime, allspice, coconut, cucumber, nutmeg, sour orange. All the drinks keep with the tropical, fruity taste with a hint of spice. They are also broken up into categories (dry land = no alcohol, shallows = average amount of alcohol, and abyss (larger amounts of alcohol). The abyss section has some cocktails that are limited to two per customer. They have some bar bites like fried green tomatoes, shrimp toast, broiled oysters, ricotta, dumplings, sliders. I had the French fries with kimchi ranch, which were underwhelming. Bartenders were cool and kept the drinks coming. I got in immediately without an issue or a wait, but it was right after a snowstorm. I've seen some people struggle to get in or have a long wait.

View of the bar

Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

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Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

Dear Strangers

4.3(28 reviews)

1.2 mi•Greenwich Village

Dear Strangers is a wonderful hidden gem! We celebrated Valentine's Day there last night and while…read morethe restaurant was incredibly busy, we never felt overlooked or underserved. The owners were milling around making sure everyone was well taken care of and the wait staff were kind and personable. Now the food...AMAZING!!! Every bite we took was wonderful and so surprising with creative combinations and gorgeously presented. The restaurant itself was hip and refined and seemed to be the happening spot of the night. We will certainly be back!

Met up with friends here for dinner before a show near Washington square. It wasn't super crowded…read morewhen we arrived around 6pm (maybe due to the extreme cold that day) but started filling up gradually. I loved the ambiance and decor, very cozy. As for food, there were some true hits but most of the food was good but basic. The highlights for me were the wild mushrooms & rice cakes as well as the Caesar salad - loved the use of nori in the salad and would definitely come back for the mushrooms. The chicken cutlet and chicken dumplings were fine but I probably wouldn't order them again. The wait staff weren't super attentive nor super warm, but they were efficient when we asked for water refills, etc. There was ample standing room at the bar while we waited for our friends, but the table/booth that we sat at was super narrow, I was knocking knees with my friend all night and generally felt squished.

3.2 mi•Theater District, Midtown West

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Smoked chicken croquettes

La Grande Boucherie

4.5(4.5k reviews)

•$$$

Excellent and very authentic French food. Outstanding service by Carlos D. The Cabernet Franc was…read morevery good for $90. Profiterol was a great dessert choice. Great food at a reasonable price.

We had an outstanding lunch at La Grande Boucherie. The burger and steak sandwiches were both…read moreexcellent, and the quality of the food matched the beautiful setting. What really made the experience was our server, Sophia. She was attentive without being overbearing, genuinely charming, and had a wit that made the whole meal more enjoyable. You can tell she takes pride in what she does, and it shows in every interaction. We'll absolutely be back, and we'll be asking for Sophia's section when we do.

Upstairs seating

Paris-Brest -- La Grande Boucherie NYC

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Profiteroles

Attaboy

4.1(868 reviews)

0.2 mi•Lower East Side

Attaboy has my heart and soul, especially after crafting, curating and creating my dream drink that…read morewill live forever in the memory of my taste buds unable to be erased from my brain's footprints. Our friends raved about this place and we of course were excited (and a bit skeptical at first) to try it. The concept: no menu + no lights + a few questions = the ultimate cocktail experience. The speakeasy vibe and the dark ambiance really makes this place feel even more exclusive. With just a few tables and the bar setting, you're in for an experience you won't forget (unless you answer the wrong questions and really end up with a drink you don't like HA). This wasn't my case. Of course I described my two favorite things: Negroni + mezcal. The obvious answer would be a mezcal Negroni, but that's not why one comes to a place like Attaboy. Our amazing curator came by to ask us all a few questions, write down a few words in the napkins, and mix up the perfect drink that our master bartender crafts, curates and creates. My drink came as I couldn't possibly imagine. It looked like a Negroni smelled like Oaxaca, with all the smoke simmering up and preparing my sensory experience, leading to the best first sip. Ladies and gentleman, I introduce you to The Devil's Backbone. A perfectly balanced drink I'll never forget, one that is sipped slowly and enjoyed thoroughly. It's sexy, it's smoky it's sipped. Attaboy gave the best mixology experience and we can't wait to be back. Pro tip: be sure to be as vocal as possible, even with ice, so you don't end up with a tiki drink if that's not your vibe.

This is one of the must-try bars in NY. You describe the flavor profile of the drink you want and…read morethe bartender whips up something for you. I only said I wanted something "floral" and I got the best water lily drink curated for me - never had anything like it. Others in my group asked for "something spicy", "something smoky, nutty, and creamy" and something "refreshing". We were all extremely impressed. Our bartender was Steven and he was awesome! He even chatted with us for a bit after to tell us more about attaboy. I'm rounding up to 5 stars but I will say our experience with the "bouncer" was a bit unpleasant. He called us to let us know our table was ready but we missed the call (our fault). We returned the call immediately and got there within a couple minutes anyway. We were ready to patiently wait for the next availability but were met with some attitude and unnecessary comments from him during the waiting experience. Regardless, we had a great time inside to make up for this. Highly recommend, but just be sure to make a reservation or be on alert and on time when getting off the waitlist.

1.4 mi•Financial District

Small space but good vibes

Interior bar seat

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The Orange Moon

The Dead Rabbit

4.2(2.1k reviews)

The "coconut milk was off" cocktail was soo good. All the cocktails (electric momisette and miso…read morecolada) were fun, creative, and delicious. The food (dingle pie and spice bag chips) were also really good. The spice bag chips seasoning was really good. We walked in Wednesday 8:30 PM and they had a couple of high chair seats at a side bar in the parlor room available. Really fun decorations and ambiance.

If you're looking for one of the best Irish pubs in Lower Manhattan, The Dead Rabbit absolutely…read morelives up to the hype. Tucked into the Financial District, this spot blends old New York history with some of the best cocktails in the city--and it's easy to see why it's been named "World's Best Bar" more than once. The name itself has a wild backstory, inspired by a notorious 19th-century Irish-American gang from Five Points. It adds a layer of character to the place, but what really keeps people coming back is the atmosphere and the drinks. The space is split into two levels: a two lively, sawdust-floored Taprooms downstairs and a more refined Parlor upstairs if you're in the mood for a quieter, cocktail-focused experience. Drinks are the real highlight here. The Irish Coffee is widely considered one of the best in the world--rich, smooth, and perfectly balanced with whiskey, coffee, and fresh cream. They also get creative with variations like a frozen version and even an Irish Coffee martini. If you want something different, the "Act Naturally" is a standout, mixing Irish whiskey with Guinness and fig in a way that works. Food is just as impressive for a bar. The lobster deviled eggs (topped with caviar) are a must-try, and the menu leans into elevated comfort food. Overall, The Dead Rabbit nails the balance between historic charm and modern cocktail excellence. The D.R. is one of those places that is never boring and consistently delivers.

Irish Coffee

Jingle All The Way

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Irish coffee

Steight

4.6(38 reviews)

0.1 mi•Lower East Side

absolutely love this speakeasy! I will say it was quite hard to find. Look for a hair salon that…read morehas stairs you need to walk up! It's all the way in the back of the hair salon. A bit creepy because the hair salon is completely vacant so the walk to the back feels a bit like a horror movie hahah. Once inside it's dim lighting & quite small. Only bar seating and a couple standing desks. I would say no more than 12-15 people fits in there The drinks were AMAZING! I love the strawberry matcha drink. It genuinely tasted better than some of the matcha I've had cafes! can't wait to come back to try the other spots

This speakeasy is hidden behind a hair salon and can be easy to miss. It's Japanese-inspired vibe…read morewith live record playing makes for a great intimate, friendly, and casual ambiance. Service here is so friendly and I had an amazing time. My friend and I tried a couple of their cocktails, and while everything was phenomenal, I absolutely LOVED their met-cha baker. I definitely have to come back here sometime to try more of their menu!

0.4 mi•Chinatown, Civic Center

Oolong Punch

Sake Flight.

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Apotheke

3.8(1.6k reviews)

•$$$

Fifteen years later and Apotheke is still one of my favorites!…read more You will walk past this hidden speakeasy several times before finding it. I could tell you to look for the blue beaker sign that says "Chemist" but the better tell is the random guy sitting on a stool outside. He'll be the only person on the street, so no worries about missing him! The menu has changed over the years, but the quality has not. The bartenders are social and personable. And the prices are in line for the area. My bestie and I loved the vibe. One of the best speakeasies she's had the pleasure of experiencing. Don't miss out on this place!

This place can definitely be packed especially in the bar area. With the amount of people in there,…read moreit can get pretty warm. The service was good and the staff was friendly. I liked the science lab theming. The drinks were unique and but they tasted alright. For the expensive price, the drinks weren't that tasty to me personally. I got the Blue velvet and here comes the night. It's lively for sure but not my type of drinks.

The bar

Live Band

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Beautiful bar

The Up & Up

4.2(617 reviews)

1.0 mi•Greenwich Village

Cool vibe. Super nice people…read more Speak easy atmosphere Love the West Village neighborhood

Serious attitude here. The cocktails were very tasty but the service and vibe were so off-putting,…read moreI will never go back. I made a reservation in person more than 24 hours in advance. I wanted to treat an old friend to a quick birthday toast before a show she was attending nearby. Later that night, another friend became available to join but, because they do not actually have a phone that takes calls (only offers an announcement to go to Resy or email) adding another person was not at all easy. I would have had to cancel and rebook and wasn't sure I'd be able to (reservation was for a Saturday night) In most places, a table for 3 easily accommodates 4. But not here. When two of us arrived, they made it clear this was a big problem. I would have walked out right then but I would have been charged $90! We decided to stay and make the best of it, which was a challenge. For a speakeasy, the vibe was aggressive, not relaxing. Very loud music and not great acoustics.) Too cramped to be comfortable, proving that small does not necessarily mean cozy! We asked if we could take a chair from the table next to us, which was empty (it was only 6 pm; I told our server we'd be gone by 7 because my friend, the birthday girl, had to catch a show.) We were told No! To say the waiter was cold, unfriendly, and indifferent is generous. He was totally rude. He literally told my friend she couldn't sit in a chair that was otherwise empty, knowing we'd be leaving momentarily. Then he had the gail to hand me the bill with a 22% tip pre-selected...and watched over me while I signed it! Definitely the least satisfying $100 I have ever spent. Disappointing. It was good to see my friends, but I so wish I hadn't picked this place. Never again.