Local Guides World
Stylish venue offering a low alcohol cocktail tasting menu paired with seafood & classic options.
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Reviews — 8
BANZARBAR, the hidden gem nestled on the second floor of Freemans Restaurant, has certainly captured the essence of a bygone era, earning a well-deserved 4 stars out of 5.
Entering this vintage New York establishment felt like stepping back in time. The rustic colonial American decor, adorned with carefully preserved animal heads like deer, elk, and moose, created an ambiance that truly transported us to another era. It's a colonial tavern tucked away in a New York alley, and the rustic vibes were on point.
The hospitality was top-notch, with hosts who were welcoming, and a bartender who was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly attentive and friendly. Their warm service added to the overall charm of the place.
The drink menu was a delightful journey. We started with complimentary French dessert wine that set the stage for what was to come. The Pineapple Sage and Mount Pelee cocktails, both priced at $22, were a revelation. They offered a perfect balance of flavors, with the use of tinctures as a delightful bonus.
The subsequent round of drinks didn't quite match our personal taste. The Sea Silk and Realm of the Nagas cocktails, also at $22 each, were decent but didn't leave as lasting an impression.
One notable aspect was that none of the four drinks we tried felt overly boozy, which was a pleasant surprise. It allowed us to savor the intricate flavors without being overwhelmed.
Ultimately, BANZARBAR impressed us with its captivating decor, exceptional staff, and an ambiance that transported us to a different time and place. We're already planning to return and explore their fall and winter cocktail menu. It's a speakeasy gem that promises a unique and memorable experience in the heart of New York City.
Entering this vintage New York establishment felt like stepping back in time. The rustic colonial American decor, adorned with carefully preserved animal heads like deer, elk, and moose, created an ambiance that truly transported us to another era. It's a colonial tavern tucked away in a New York alley, and the rustic vibes were on point.
The hospitality was top-notch, with hosts who were welcoming, and a bartender who was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly attentive and friendly. Their warm service added to the overall charm of the place.
The drink menu was a delightful journey. We started with complimentary French dessert wine that set the stage for what was to come. The Pineapple Sage and Mount Pelee cocktails, both priced at $22, were a revelation. They offered a perfect balance of flavors, with the use of tinctures as a delightful bonus.
The subsequent round of drinks didn't quite match our personal taste. The Sea Silk and Realm of the Nagas cocktails, also at $22 each, were decent but didn't leave as lasting an impression.
One notable aspect was that none of the four drinks we tried felt overly boozy, which was a pleasant surprise. It allowed us to savor the intricate flavors without being overwhelmed.
Ultimately, BANZARBAR impressed us with its captivating decor, exceptional staff, and an ambiance that transported us to a different time and place. We're already planning to return and explore their fall and winter cocktail menu. It's a speakeasy gem that promises a unique and memorable experience in the heart of New York City.
We made a mid-week, same-day reservation for the earliest slot at Banzarbar. The environment is so cozy and special. We were alone with the bartender for a while so he kindly chatted with us and was obviously very knowledgeable. The drinks were all unique and phenomenal, served in fun ways. We ordered a few small plates which were good, though less interesting than the food. I'll recommend this spot to everyone spending any time in NYC!
What a great experience! The drink menu is divided into areas in the world and creatively put together. I picked my drink from Polynesian triangle area- Itameshi - Japanese blended malt whisky, Jamaican rum, amaro, cinnamon, miso, it was amazing. Smoked cinnamon smell was all there and I enjoyed it.
We also had a bite, the lamb skewers, duck dumplings and cauliflower. The food was so so, but I would definitely go back for the drinks.
The drinks - 5*
The vibe - 5*
The food - 3*
We also had a bite, the lamb skewers, duck dumplings and cauliflower. The food was so so, but I would definitely go back for the drinks.
The drinks - 5*
The vibe - 5*
The food - 3*
Overall rating: 4.9
Pictures don’t do this place justice. Place is very dark and intimate which I absolutely love.
I’ve been wanting to go hear for awhile & so glad I was able to get last minute reservation.
Definitely best on a date or with one friend. The bartenders are very well trained & so knowledgeable!
Will definitely be back!
Pictures don’t do this place justice. Place is very dark and intimate which I absolutely love.
I’ve been wanting to go hear for awhile & so glad I was able to get last minute reservation.
Definitely best on a date or with one friend. The bartenders are very well trained & so knowledgeable!
Will definitely be back!
Located inside the second floor of Freeman's restaurant.
Made reservation online and the friendly staff showed me the way to this hidden speakeasy.
As an extension of the restaurant, this speakeasy kept the same theme of old, industrial, dim light, part leather and part wooden furniture that collectively takes you back in time to early twentieth century or older.
The bartender knows what he s doing, the menu seems creative and diverse, but I ordered my good old classic "Manhattan"
Highly recommend this place, make sure to reserve online.
Made reservation online and the friendly staff showed me the way to this hidden speakeasy.
As an extension of the restaurant, this speakeasy kept the same theme of old, industrial, dim light, part leather and part wooden furniture that collectively takes you back in time to early twentieth century or older.
The bartender knows what he s doing, the menu seems creative and diverse, but I ordered my good old classic "Manhattan"
Highly recommend this place, make sure to reserve online.
Incredible experience, one of my new favorites. If you want to impress someone take them here, the drinks are well done, the menu is creative, the space is romantic and intimate, our bartender was fun and knowledgeable.
Definitely a cocktail experience place. This place is a vibe. Hidden atop Freeman’s, which is already hidden in Freeman’s alley. Space is intimate and limited. 10 bar seats, 1 table of 4 and 3 tables of 2. Reservations are required, although I was able to get one same day on Friday night. Walk in might be possible depending on the day and if you come early. I recommend requesting to sit at the bar. You get to interact with the bartender and they can help navigate you through the complex menu.
On to the cocktails - they are definitely different and creative. There are wild flaming ones and then twists on common cocktails. The tastes are complex and unique. My first one was a bit strange. It was a spin on an old fashioned with a shochu/bourbon blend. The bourbon was quite woody and the cocktail gave off a weird aroma. My second cocktail was a spin on a G&T, very floral and 🌲. I enjoyed this a lot. The bartender also poured us a complimentary vermouth to start, which was nice. They are pricey, ranging from $20-26 per cocktail. I believe all recipes were created in house by the bartenders.
On to the cocktails - they are definitely different and creative. There are wild flaming ones and then twists on common cocktails. The tastes are complex and unique. My first one was a bit strange. It was a spin on an old fashioned with a shochu/bourbon blend. The bourbon was quite woody and the cocktail gave off a weird aroma. My second cocktail was a spin on a G&T, very floral and 🌲. I enjoyed this a lot. The bartender also poured us a complimentary vermouth to start, which was nice. They are pricey, ranging from $20-26 per cocktail. I believe all recipes were created in house by the bartenders.
