Once home to a host of infamous artists and performers such as Andy Warhol, Madonna and Pink Floyd, today NYC’s East Village retains its draw and houses countless great bars.
From speakeasies and dive bars to elegant cocktail lounges; the eclectic East Village has rapidly built a reputation as the most reputable cocktailing destination in Manhattan. The following three bars capture the essence of their diverse home, offering some of the best drinking experiences in the world:
PAPER DAISY, NYC
Paper Daisy is a new cocktail bar and cafe created by a group of friends from some of East Village’s best bars (Drexler’s, Boulton & Watt, and recently opened Mister Paradise) as a passion project to embrace the local community. Paper Daisy serves approachable cocktails with integrity and fresh dining options from their expertly crafted menus. Chef Ali Sahin, the chef from Daniel, Rouge Tomate and C&B, designed the food menu inspired by his love of baking and Mediterranean influence.
Paper Daisy is a charming day-to-night cocktail bar where guests can drink and dine al fresco in the sun during the summer months. The food menu is influenced by the chef’s Middle-Eastern heritage and dominated by different fresh-baked breads such as focaccia, puffed pita and sourdough. The drinks match the village’s kooky vibe with names such as Old Thyme Hockey and Tijuana Petting Zoo; Disco and Doughnuts is served with a whole doughnut, naturally. On the weekend, expect DJs playing (vinyl only) until late.
HONEYBEE’S
Honeybee’s is a sultry and sophisticated saloon straight out of the Wild West, paired with the casual and nostalgic air of down-home barbecue. The beverage program focuses on Bourbon and Rye as classic spirits that embody the American story. Executing well structured and classic cocktails that fully represent the spirits’ delicacy and versatility in tandem with their tenacity and flavour. NYC’s first vegan BBQ spot, the menu is plant-based with a dedication to the flavours, textures and aromas that confirm down-home cooking. Honeybee’s is picked up straight from the classiest establishment in the Wild West and teleported to the cosmopolitan corner of Avenue A and 6th. A moment of deja vu for the old spirits that wander in and an informative and fun experience for guests looking for a Texan night of Whiskey and barbecue.
Honeybee’s is an extraordinary cocktail saloon that takes guests back to the Wild West era but this time with a jaw-dropping menu of vegan BBQ — the first of its kind in NYC. Sip on a selection of signature whiskey cocktails or amped-up classics such as the Double Barrel Manhattan and the bottled Rye Old Fashioned alongside home-style BBQ stalwarts like Pulled Pork, Hot Wings and BBQ Steak Fries.
MISTER PARADISE, NYC
Mister Paradise brings the highest quality bar experience, hold the austere, to the East Village. From Nomad and Brindle Room alum, Mister Paradise offers New York bar goers world-class quality and a really good time. And yes, this should apply whether you’re craving a Martini or a Hot Pocket. A playfully inventive cocktail menu features riffs on classics and re-imaginations of 80s style shooters with the decor as playful as the flavours you’ll find on the menu.
Mister Paradise celebrates fun and playful good-times’ favourites through a menu of disco-inspired cocktails, highballs, shots, bright and bold decor and delicious retro dishes done well. Signature cocktails utilise obscure ingredients such as the Party Lobster made with garlic, fiery habanero, tequila, mezcal and refreshing watermelon, and the An Awfully Big Mustache which contains sesame, lime, beet and aged rum. Loaded sweet and savoury hot pockets grace the food menu where highlights also include the unrivalled Mister Paradise Burger and the Skate Sandwich.
