I don't actually remember how I found then added Seed Library to my list of bars I needed to hit in NYC...but, I'm glad I did. I tried two of the most creative cocktails I've had this year, and both took big swings with ingredients that mostly worked. Great service upfront and at the bar, with a somewhat wild mix of different 90s and aughts club and R&B classics on the soundtrack. The lighting was a little too bright when I first arrived (5:45 on a Friday) but by 6:30 the vibe settled into a warmer nightlife spot. I was actually most excited about the lack of noise in my last hour or two inside the space before I'm sure the bar gets crowded again late. I usually stay in hotels close to this area, so I'll add this to my list of spots to hit again the next time I am in town. Also, one of our guys got a cocktail with a marshmallow; I think the bar might be famous for that one, and while I didn't try it, I did like the look of it! read more

The drinks are well-made, staff is friendly, and service is good. It is also generally a pretty reliable bar and not super crowded save for the normal peak hours. However, compared to Silver Lyan, and Lyaness in London, the bar doesn't have the same energy for some reason. It's less fun and exciting as the other places are. Maybe it's because the bar is smaller, and more intimate? The other locations are more grand and a lot more is happening. read more

Must try: Cocktails! Why: Unique cocktails that are a twist of classic drinks. I loved the Beeswax Old Fashion that had a hint of golden honey sweetness. I also loved the Koji Hardshake that was a whiskey sour with cream sugar and miso. We also shared Loaded Tots, Crudités, and Cornless Dog, which were all tasty shareable bites. Notes: We originally wanted to check out the rooftop bar but it was closed for a private event so we were recommended to check out Seed Library in the basement - so glad we did because it was such a neat bar with a speakeasy feeling. They had booths and tables for small and large groups. It's dim with good music playing but you can still hold solid conversations. The hostess, bartenders, and waitress were welcoming, friendly, attentive, and helpful. Def pricey but it was a great experience for a get together with friends! read more

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One of my new favorite bars. The koji hardshake was one of the best cocktails I've had in a long time. The staff are so friendly knowledgeable. I was gobsmacked by the amount of effort that went into each cocktail. The environment was really cool as well, in a speakeasy, dark-lit environment. It really felt like a true "experience" and not just a place to grab a drink. I definitely plan on returning! read more

Seed Library - Koji Hardshake - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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The entire vibe of this cocktail bar is amazing. I loved the design and decor and the music was a good volume as well. Favourite drink overall was the koji hardshake! read more

Seed Library - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Lyaness in London and Silver Lyan in DC are my top 2 favorite bars that I've EVER been to (note: I didn't even know they were by the same owner, until recently). When I realized the owner of those 2 bars opened a new bar in NYC, I literally rannnn over to try it. First off, per usual with bars by Mr Lyan, the vibe was immaculate. The interior is very moody, cozy, and just romantic. It's a tad more casual than Lyaness and Silver Lyan in my opinion, but still a great place to come for drinks on a date night or just with friends. Cocktails were ofc great. Loved the tasteful selection of cocktails that were still classic, but had a slight twist to them. I still haven't met the IT cocktail here though-- I had the best old fashioned I've ever had in Lyaness and Perkins Purple Punch from Silver Lyan remains the best cocktail I've ever tasted in my life. I'll def be back to try more cocktails though. read more

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I really enjoyed this bar! The ambiance inside is super nice and vibey, the service is fast, and the drinks are light but still do the job. For more "sweet" drinks (but keep in mind, these drinks really aren't too sweet. They are creamy and also have a bit more savory) - I really recommend the koji hardshake and the rhubarb alexander. The rhubarb alexander tasted a bit more like a creamy yogurt while the koji hardshake was a bit more savory - the toasted marshmallow on the side was perfect though. For something really refreshing, I would highly recommend the coriander seed gimlet - it's super light, not bitter at all, and tasted very fresh. Loved the cotton candy grape on the bottom. Highly recommend! read more

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This bar was in the basement of a nice hotel and it had intimate vibes and the chairs were really nice. With open table status, there are perks to coming every time which is a great touch and makes me want to come back even more. We started with some delicious bubbles that had a strong fruity/strawberry flavor that we got with the open table status. Our waitress had a bit of an attitude, but our waters were consistently topped up. The drinks ranged from decent to one of the best I've ever had: More ducks - somewhat fruity but the flavor was muddled Beeswax old fashioned - strong old fashioned with a pleasant aftertaste. Got better after the ice melted a bit Koji handshake - one of the best drinks I've ever had. The toasted marshmallow aroma paired with the creamy, sweet drink was an incredibly creative and delicious combo. I am already looking forward to coming here and getting it again read more

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I'm a huge fan of Silver Lyan, which is Seed Library's older sister in DC, so I knew I wanted to stop by when in town. It did not disappoint! We got a small welcome drink to whet our appetites and loved every cocktail we ordered. Each one was creative and well balanced. Also, whoever put together the playlist rocks. Note that they are strict with time limits for tables due to reservations, but you can move to the bar after if there's space. read more

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I might have just been in on a slow night, or maybe I just didn't order the right drink, but this place didnt pop for me. Its a very modern place with a modern aesthetic, I didnt hate it but again it was a little off. I got the Project Manhattan, which was perfectly serviceable if I had the appetite I definitely would have drank around the menu a bit more because they are definitely doing interesting things. I did order the tots, which were as good as the reviews all say. The staff were extremely pleasant, I wish I had gotten my bartender's name so I could give her a shout out here. They even wrote me a nice little handwritten note with my check which did add a nice personal touch. I would definitely be open to trying again. read more

This has been one of my favorite bars I've visited! The entrance is an orange door and easy to miss. The interior is beautiful, warm ambient lighting and comfy seats/couches! They do play the music a bit loudly. Service was nice (one of my servers at least). All of the cocktails were so unique and it was hard to make a decision. For both the ones I tried, you could barely taste the alcohol, but they were still strong! I got the pear and apple tonic which was very crisp and refreshing. It was very light and not too sweet. I also got the koji hardshake which is easily one of the best cocktails i've ever had. It was not what I was expecting at all, the flavors went well together and was not sickening sweet for being a dessert drink. I highly recommend this place! It was not too busy when I went, but I'd imagine that it'll get busier as it becomes more recognized. read more

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wow! absolutely loved everything about this bar, from the lowkey entrance, the decor and vibe of the bar made it feel super intimate and warm. The drinks were amazing, my favorite one of the night was the c.r.e.a.m marg but the food stole the show for me. It's a small bar menu with some heavy hitters, we ordered the cheese dip, loaded tots (my number #1), and lyan burger and wow wow wow everything was just delicious. read more

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I made it!!! As a self proclaimed cocktail girly, I believe I've found another gem! The orange door is tucked into the building on the corner of East 30th St and Park Av. Go down the stairs and you're in a secret lair...that's nice lit and warm feeling. I was tucked into a two seater w/ a friend and we share the cheese dip. Definitely not you average cheese dip... the whip fetta!!! SOOO GOOD! We also had dessert, warm chocolate chip cookies and milk. Y'all I have no complaints. Okay for the reason why ya go... the cocktails! We stuck to gin and had the coriander seed gimlet...you will not be disappointed!!! I also had a a bees knees b/c, why not?! The staff were great. Friendly, knowledgeable, and anticipated if you needed something. Can't go wrong w/ that! Come w/ friends, come on a date, or come grab a drink on your own. You may see me there...the cocktails are just that good! read more

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The Seed Library is a low key orange themed lounge tucked away to the right from the entrance of Hotel Park Avenue behind a bright yet nondescript orange door. This is the first Lyan bar in NYC, founded by the world renowned cocktail scientist Mr. Lyan aka Ryan Chetiyawardana. The drinks use intricate digestive and fermentation techniques to enhance the cocktails with unique ingredients. Sometimes they work and sometimes they require some imagination. The More Ducks drink, for example, claims to incorporate crème d'escargot in a blackberry bramble but I could not taste even the slightest hint of escargot. The Unfiltered Martini incorporates a potato purée that somehow seamlessly blends with Haku vodka in a creamy swirl. I highly recommend The Shepherd's Delight which uses Maker's mark along with enzyme digested Concord grape with raspberry and lemon to give a farm fresh taste. The servers and hostess are very kind and welcoming. The chocolate chip cookies and milk were a comforting way to end the night after trying all the unique concoctions. read more

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Although very hard to get a reservation and to find the place, Seed Library by Ryan Chetiyawardana is definitely a winner. Seed Library impresses with its innovative and botanical-inspired cocktails that are both fresh and imaginative. Their cocktail program embraces sustainability and creativity, with many drinks featuring house-made infusions and fresh herbs, resulting in vibrant and refreshing flavors. The cocktails are playful yet sophisticated, offering something unique for every palate. On the food side, Seed Library serves a thoughtful menu that pairs perfectly with their drink offerings. The dishes are light, flavorful, and designed to enhance the botanical theme--ideal for sharing and enjoying in a communal atmosphere. The ambiance is modern and airy, creating a welcoming environment that balances a casual vibe with a refined drinking experience. We arrived to the bar at about 5:30pm and the place was completely empty... after that, the place was expected to be packed. Reservation with weeks in advance is mandatory. Seed Library is located in the basement of Hotel Park Ave, it is designed with table lamps and cozy, intimate nooks. The room is a combination of a speakeasy and a relaxed, comfortable neighborhood hangout. Prices are in the high end. read more

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exceptional service. our waitress liz was so on it and informative with the drinks that were absolutely delicious. worth the wait if you don't have resy. 12/10 would recommend. ciao read more

Seed Library - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We had reservations here on a Friday night. The bar was mostly full with almost all tables occupied. We were seated upon arrival. The bar is located in a basement. Music was loud. Lighting was dim with small table lights. What the ambiance lacked, the service and drinks more than made up for. Our server was great in helping us choose drinks to our liking. He had a great sense of humor, and he checked back with us often. Drinks were delicious. While by description the drinks seemed a little overwhelming, the actual drinks themselves blended wonderfully, using unique ingredients. If you are looking for a low-key location with exceptional service and drinks, this is the place for you. read more

Wow if I could rate this place 10 stars I would. Was able to make a reservation for 10:45 at 10:13 on a Saturday night, they have free coat check, and the staff is very pleasant and fast with service! The vibe inside is great, plenty of aesthetic seating, and a quiet hum of voice, easy to speak and hear at very reasonable volume. The food and drinks are divine! The Negroni is the star of the show in my opinion, as are the oysters! Couldn't recommend this place enough, best new spot in midtown for sure, gives great chill speakeasy vibes. read more

Seed Library - Oysters, cheese & bread, s&p cocktail - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

From amazingly curated cocktails to premiere service Seed Library nails it!!! The vodka martini is the best example of complex meeting simplicity. read more

Drinks were good and so was food but they have a strict time limit on tables even if you have fresh drinks and food orders in. This place needs a reality check on customer service. Would not recommend!!! read more