More than once named the best cocktail bar in the world. Hyped because of its famous bartenders and after a few visits to New York without seeing this place it was time to give it a go and experience Employees Only. Warned by some NYC friends that I should not expect a calm place to enjoy drinks but rather a lively and vibrant bar with the potential to party. We arrived shortly after opening and the place filled up very quickly, it looks like it is a popular after work spot. The bouncer and the host were very friendly and we were seated at a table immediately.
Oysters are never wrong
Hungry from browsing around in the city we ordered some bar food. In New York oysters are found on almost every bar menu and most of the time they are first-rate and so were the ones from EO. The bone marrow poppers which we ordered as well were excellent and perfect together with a cocktail. The spirit selection is huge so you are tempted to order something neat but obviously I had to try some of their cocktails. Water comes with your drinks which is nice, something that I just expect in a good cocktail bar, unfortunately it is not filtered like in Pegu Club or Bar Goto so you have that chlorine taste which is a bit unpleasant together with cocktails. That was a slight downer and something you could expect from the best cocktail bar in the world. The first drink I tasted was called “Ready Fire Aim”, composed of Mezcal, Lime juice, Honey pineapple syrup and Hellfire bitters. It sounded lovely and was quite solid. I was missing that promising complexity and all in all it felt a touch shallow. When the drink arrived, my eye had to gaze on white paper napkins which just hurt and again is just a no go in every stylish cocktail bar. Too bad they didn’t take care of this small but important detail as the place itself looks very inviting.
Interesting restrooms
A touch too bright maybe but lovely lamps, silver tile ceiling and nice wood work throughout the bar. It has a good vibe but could be more dimly lit. It was time for another cocktail and I opted for the Yankee notions. Buffalo trace stirred with Blandys Rainwater Madeira, rounded of with dashes of chamomile cordial served with a large ice cube. The cube was even mentioned on the menu but it came with several smaller ice cubes which was slightly odd since it was shortly after opening, no excuse to run out. The drink was served in a tumbler and was tasty. Strong, round and full bodied. I wonder how this place feels later at night when everybody is in a party mood. I imagine pretty cool and will be back. Don’t go there if you are looking for some romantic and rather quiet time for two.
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