New York City

04 Jul

Posted at 11:48h in Around the world, Barlife, New York City

While there is only one New York, this is already the second and final edition of Sneakerzimmer’s bar guide to share our personal insights into NYC’s best bars and bartenders. Watching the Covid-19 drama unfold, the last weeks were extremely painful. We can only hope for better times. Our minds and hearts belong to all the great people of NYC, the doctors and nurses, the hard-working employees in the hospitality industry, who might have lost their jobs, and especially to our friends Emily and Hamid. Let’s focus on the light at the end of the tunnel! In the meantime a drink and our guide might help to shorten the wait.

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Hey, you’re the comeback kid
See me look away
I’m the runaway
I’m the stay out late
I’m recovering

– Sharon Van Etten, Comeback Kid

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Crown Shy (Financial District)

 

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Yes this is a bar in a restaurant – or more precisely – a very good bar in a very good restaurant. Last year’s opening of Jeff Katz’s and chef James Kent’s fine dining temple Crown Shy on Pine Street certainly ranked among New York’s hottest new restaurants. We are totally in love with Crown Shy’s unique combination of exquisite food in a truly remarkable setting. But the elegant Art Décoarchitecture is not only home to a memorable dining experience (please see our latest NYC food guide for more details), the ambitious bar program curated by head bartender Harrison Ginsberg – formerly The Dead Rabbit – also puts Crown Shy among NYC’s top spots for cocktail lovers. Harrison pointed out that classic cocktails are usually quite strong in NYC. But as more and more people tend to low-ABV drinks (ABV stands for “alcoholic strength by volume”) they decided to reduce the alcoholic content of their own creations – also with regard to the flavorful food that should not be dominated by a excessively stiff beverage pairing. Their highball section called “Crowns” mixes different popular spirits like vodka, pisco or gin with fruity or other seasonal ingredients to create a crisp and refreshing long drink. All “Crowns” like the pictured “Vodka Crown” with tarragon and cucumber are served in a picturesque glassware matching the distinctive Art Déco style of the place. The other drinks from Crown Shy’s sophisticated bar menu are divided into a “Stirred & Bold” and a “Shaken & Fresh” section. The Tequila-based “Radicle” uses habanero chili to create a mild heat that goes astonishingly well with the flavors of raspberry and rhubarb. We also don’t want to forget the non-alcoholic choices. It doesn’t matter if you just come by  for a drink at the bar or for the full dinner experience (highly recommended) — in either case Crown Shy is more than a safe bet!

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Subject (Lower East Side)

 

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How do you find the best bars in a big city like New York? Ask the professionals! No we aren‘ttalking about ourselves, we just soak up all recommendations from bartenders and industry insiders who we meet during our trips and squeeze them into a handy guide. It’s easy to miss a nondescript spot like Subject even if you think that you know a lot about the Lower East Side. But with a little help from Sean Saunders of Devon (check out our first NYC bar guide) we were thankfully pointed in the right direction. Subject could be the prototype of a low-key neighborhood joint. It’s unpretentious, cozy, honest and always available. At least this place is open every day of the year until 4 AM. Even for New York this seems more than rare and it might explain why Subject is a favorite among bartenders. In the back a big screen shows cult movies mostly from the 90’s and 2000’s adding to the homely living room feeling. Here you simply grab a seat at the bar and start a chat with the bartender. Perhaps you will catch Brian Grummart on his shift. We can assure you that you will be in good hands (that’s quite an understatement). Brian may recommend you one of their house cocktails like the extremely delicious “Thyme lasts forever”. The combination of gin, thyme liqueur – hence the name – kiwi and fresh lemon makes for a surprisingly well-balanced drink. If somebody started a petition for more kiwi cocktails, count us in! At Subject there’s no false affectation, no showing off, no fake hospitality. While the crowd on a Friday or Saturday night can sometimes get a little too jolly, Subject still manages to keep its self-proclaimed “Welcome Home” vibes. Those are even more present on weekdays.

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The Long Island Bar (Cobble Hill)

 

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It’s not easy to blend the old with the new, the past with the present, but despite all the obstacles that could arise from such an endeavor, some places hit all the right notes. Let’s introduce The Long Island Bar on Cobble Hill’s Atlantic Avenue as a blueprint for this tricky concept. In business since 1951 and under a new ownership since 2013, this iconic place embodies New York’s cocktail culture without any gimmicks or a fake attitude. Toby Cecchini and his business partner Joel Tompkins had a clear vision when they took over the bar seven years ago: On the one hand honoring The Long Island Bar’s rich history and that of the surrounding neighborhood – Cobble Hill was once a popular destination for sailors with endless bars, brothels and diners – on the other hand nothing short of establishing the perfect neighborhood bar. From over perspective, Toby and Joel definitely achieved both goals with their concept of a revitalized classic bar program. The illuminated neon signs on the façade will guide you directly to a place where knowledgeable bartenders serve great, timeless drinks like an Old Fashioned, a Boulevardier or a Gimlet. As Toby told us, he will never remove eitherof those classics from the menu. In the end, all of them are irreplaceable parts of the bar’s DNA. You can almost feel the so-called “good old times” in every detail of the interior. From the walls and their real patina to the cozy booths, all the small pieces fit together creating a highly authentic journey through time and bar history. And even though this is a bar guide, we have to mention their famous burger. You get the deal right?

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Sweet Afton (Astoria)

 

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A New York bar guide wouldn‘t be complete without all the great neighborhood joints from all across this big and beautiful city. As already pointed out in our latest food guide, we highly encourage you to explore the places off the beaten track. Go to the different neighborhoods and ask the locals about their favorite places! We’re pretty sure that if you go to Astoria – which is easily accessible by the N- and W-trains – many will tell you to check out Sweet Afton on 34th Street. This place just celebrated its “10 sweet years” in business. Apparently these guys must do something damn right! Owned by the same people as The Bonnie bar (feel free to check our food guide) Sweet Afton fortunately sticks to the same friendly neighborhood vibes. It’s also a hybrid between a laid-back bar and a casual restaurant very similar to the above-mentioned The Bonnie. Besides cocktails you can also choose between many different craft beers from local breweries and a mouth-watering food menu including their famous “Sweet Afton Burger”. For their 10-year-anniversary the bar’s interior got a complete redesign by Wes Anderson’s set decorator Kris Moran. The results of his work are present all over the place (we won’t spoil the fun). Sweet Afton’s bar director Cory Miller runs an eclectic bar program with some seasonal inspiration and many dearly-beloved classics. During our visit we found drinks like a “Winter Sangria” or the Whiskey-based “Sweater Weather” on the menu. The pictured “She’s the One” made with hibiscus-infused vodka and pisco is a crowd-pleaser, Cory told us. Get one and you will know why! Sweet Afton is not only worth a trip to Astoria, it’s also worth making a return.

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Bar Pisellino (West Village)

 

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The place for “La dolce vita” in NYC is obviously not the tourist trap called Little Italy. Instead you can experience authentic Italian vibes in a relatively small area located between the West Village and Washington Square Park. While we already picked the one-of-a-kind Dante for our first NYC bar guide, there’s by now another charming café/aperitivo bar in that area. Just a stone’s throw away from Christopher Park with the famous Stonewall monument, Bar Pisellino awaits all aficionados of Italian deliciousness. The instant success of that quite recently opened corner spot comes as no surprise. The co-owners Rita Sodi and Jody Williams were already making big waves as two award-winning chefs with their restaurants “I Sodi”, “Buvette” and “Via Carota” (all located in the West Village). Bar Pisellino is their take on a classic Italian bar. Open from early mornings serving espresso and other coffee specialties to late evenings offering different wines, aperitivi and classic cocktails this place seems always busy but never in a rush. When the weather is good, people line up on the sidewalk with Bar Pisellino’s aperitivo drinks and small bites (don’t blame us for getting hooked on the panini and bombolini). But not only their food is a celebration of the real Italy, the same can be said about Bar Pisellino’s cocktails – most of them using vermouth or amari – overseen by Ex-Dante bartender Stacey Swenson. Hence there are not many bars in NYC where you will find a better Martini – smooth, rich, highly satisfying. But of course all drinks that the bar teamwill send over Pisellino’s beautiful curved marble counter match the highest standards in mixology. Even Italians will agree.

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Attaboy (Lower East Side)

 

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Some people need no introduction. Everyone who is familiar with NYC’s history of craft cocktails will stumble across the names of Michael McIlroy and Sam Ross sooner or later. These two guys are living legends, both having worked with Sasha Petraske at Milk & Honey back in the day. After this cathedral of modern drinking closed its doors, Michael and Sam took over the old Milk & Honey space on Eldridge Street. It was the hour of birth for their own “baby” Attaboy that promptly became their next success story. As a guest you immediately sense you are in for an extraordinary cocktail experience. First of all there, is no menu. Instead, Attaboy’s experienced bartenders will involve you in a little Q&A sessiontrying to figure out your personal taste when it comes to cocktails. As this might sound a little intimidating especially for cocktail newbies, let’s make clear that this in fact not the case. Everyone is welcome at Attaboy, just be prepared to wait in line for one of the few seats in this really tiny, intimate space that gets quite busy every night – 7 days a week. If you can manage it, come here early on a weekday or put your name on the waiting list. They operate on a first come, first served policy and therefore don’t take reservations. In our opinion Attaboy’s superb drinks and their unique approach to hospitality are worth almost every wait. We met Michael on a sunny afternoon at Attaboy. In daylight the bar looks completely different. When night falls, Attaboy’s speakeasy vibes take over the venue, transforming it into a truly magical, low-lit spot with reams of small candles and first-rate spirits. Make sure to also check out Michael’s and Sam’s new casual hangout Diamond Reef in Brooklyn. It might be as popular as Attaboy some day.

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Nitecap (Lower East Side)

 

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Only a few places sweep us off our feet. This marvelous kitschy bar tucked away in a basement on the Lower East Side that recently celebrated its 6th anniversary definitely falls in this category. Nitecap is at the same time a playful neighborhood joint and a “serious” bar with an ambitious cocktail program. Don’t let the colorful, highly imaginative menu fool you! Every edition comes up with new surprises and inventive drinks. Starting with aperitifs, continuing with more boozy drinks (hence the name “firewater”) and some so called “gulpable thirst quenchers” and a final selection of “nitecaps” their craft cocktails will probably please all kinds of barflies. But Nitecap’s owner Natasha David – formerly of Williamsburg’s well-known oyster bar “Maison Premiere” – understands that people are not only thirsty for a good drink. Therefore the crew at Nitecap places the same emphasis on the overall experience, which includes an “everyone is welcome” mindset and a quirky atmosphere. Obviously this intimate, LGBTQ-friendly bar doesn’t take itself too seriously – another great plus. With all the blinking lights and the intentionally trashy décor Nitecap has established its own style. Guests, who are called “nitecappers”, can experience chilled vibes during the week and a party attitude at the weekends. The cozy interior as well as the signature drinks by head bartender Ari Daskauskas share the same attention to detail. While there are unfortunately too many pretenders out there, it’s good to know the real ones.After six years in business Nitecap has earned its status as one of NYC’s best neighborhood bars. We always leave this bar with a smile and the craving to coming back.

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Black Emperor Bar (East Village)

 

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The ever-changing East Village is home to an endless number of bars, restaurants, clubs and cafés. It’s probably one of the toughest places to successfully run a bar in the long term. Having this in mindyou have to give kudos to award-winning bartender Ben Rojo, whose name was previously associated with the legendary East Village speakeasy Angel’s Share (go there, have a drink or two and send some greetings to barchef Takuma from us). Now Ben is managing partner of a relatively new Japanese-style place on 2nd Avenue. It’s called Black Emperor Bar. This cozy joint has an authentic dive feel to it, playing with East Asian influences and a charming neighborhood vibe. You can watch old Japanese black-and-white-movies while sipping a cold beer, a traditional sake or one of their house cocktails. The refreshing “Toki Highball” made with Japanese whiskey of the same name (it’s a mild blend of different Suntory whiskeys) is always a safe and highly satisfying choice. For a hot summer night we recommend the “Deer Hunter”, a frozen slushy-style drink with tequila. The unpretentious drinks are a reflection of the fun we had. It’s almost unthinkable not to enjoy your time here. Ben’s dive-like bar is also well-known for its diversified food pop-ups with some really great restaurants from all over the Village. Just recently they teamed up with the guys from celebrated wine bar Ruffian and Kindred, two critic’s darlings in that area. Serving mouth-watering bar food like burgers and chicken wings with an Asian twist their combo of drinks and food comes close to the perfect culinary match. We can only give you one advice: Hang out at the bar, soak up the atmosphere and experience East Village’s hospitality.

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Mister Paradise (East Village)

 

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From Black Emperor you can get to our next destination Mister Paradise within walking distance. And even though both bars are only separated by some blocks, each one represents a different world of mixology. Based on a highly playful take on a modern and accessible cocktail bar – you might consider it their common ground – they went in completely different directions. While Black Emperor is more of a dive spot with fun drinks and excellent food pop-ups, Mister Paradise feels more fancy and elaborated. We love ´em both! Mister Paradise adds an upscale vibe to East Village’s cocktail culture. At the same time those guys manage to incorporate the authenticity of the neighborhood into their truly unique concept. But wait! Who are “those guys”? It turns out that Mister Paradise is run by some very familiar names. Barchef and co-founder Will Wyatt once worked at world famous NoMad bar. His business partner Eric Kruvant is associated with another East Village spot called Drexler’s. At Mister Paradise they successfully combine an ámbitious bar program with a very casual attitude (patrons are welcomed by the slogan “probably the best cocktails”). Irony is part of that game. The place itself looks beautiful as every piece of the puzzle falls in place. From the Art Déco styled bar to the inviting big leather booths and the more than slightly odd images Will and Eric know how to create something new and modern. There is a very special private back room adorned in screaming red with a boxing kangaroo pic on the wall that teleports you into a different dimension. All the cocktails we had kept up with the sophisticated interior. The “Party Lobster” became their hot seller. Made with tequila, mezcal, Campari, watermelon, fermented habanero (!), lime and garlic it will definitely surprise you. As a cocktail lover make sure to add Mister Paradise to your friends list!

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The Raines Law Room (Chelsea)

 

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We are suckers for great speakeasies that handle things not only as cheap gimmicks. Either you approach such a concept with seriousness and an eye for every detail or you better stop thinking about running a speakeasy joint altogether. But don’t worry! We will guide you to the right places. This is definitely one of them. Upon entering The Raines Law Room flagship in Chelsea (there’s a second location at The William hotel) you will be teleported into another dimension. Leaving NYC’s bustle and hustle at the doorstep this place puts all emphasis on the perfect ambience for real cocktail connoisseurs. It’s the elegant, fancy version of the twilight zone. Established over 10 years ago it became a blueprint for successful speakeasies. Bar director Meaghan Dorman, who once studied at legendary Milk & Honey, joined forces with a team of experienced restaurateurs to create an almost timeless speakeasy. While this idea seemed quite new back in 2009, many copycats with a similar strategy have emerged over the years. The Raines Law Room’s recipe of success relies on the overall experience. It’s the combination of a deliberate venue with a lounge-like layout, a classy environment and an excellent cocktail menu with seasonal entries and time-honored classics. Technically, there is no bar to hang out. Instead you will be seated on plush leather sofas separated by airy curtains. The dimly lit space feels intimate and elegant. It looks completely unremarkable from the street level – hence true speakeasy style. The beautiful interior matches Meaghan’s cocktails that are partly inspired by the seasons, by classic drinks like the Manhattan (that section is called “New York State of Mind”) or are simply spirit-forward (“Stirred & Strong”). And don’t forget the “What we’re drinking” section with the staff favorites. As this place has become so popular, we highly recommend to show up early – especially on a busy Friday and Saturday night. Don’t be afraid to wait, The Raines Law Room is worth it.

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Amor y Amargo (East Village)

 

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More and more bars find their own small niche. But in order to thrive and prosper it takes some guts and courage at the beginning. Without any doubt Sother Teague – one of New York’s most charismatic figures within the bar industry, a bartender/author/podcaster/brand ambassador – is a man on a mission. He loves bitters and bitter-based drinks. Therefore he opened Amor y Amargo back in 2011 as a hideaway for all bitter connoisseurs. Located next to the utterly famous Death & Co. Sother’s tiny bar welcomes you with open arms. The limited space seats only about 10 to 12 guests with some additional standing room. Just recently, a spin-off opened in Williamsburg that follows in Amor y Amargo’s footsteps. While we still have to check out this new venue, we’re pretty sure that Sother will ensure the same high standards for his Williamsburg patrons. With all the different amaro brands from around the world impressively lined up on the shelves we recommend a tasting especially for those who might not be so familiar with the more complex flavors. Sother and his team love to share their passion and wisdom with every guest looking for  some education. There are no juices or other sweet fillers on the menu. Instead you are encouraged to start with the lighter, more easy-drinking cocktails and finish with the stronger ones like their very own “8 Amaro Sazerac”. The “Sharpie Moustache” is not only an Instagram darling (thanks to the presentation) but also a perfect example of Amor y Amargo’s straight-forward philosophy. Accurately described as a “bitters tasting room” Sother’s vision goes way beyond the traditional cocktail bar. He’s the best teacher we can think of!

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In case you’re still thirsty at this point, make sure to also check out part 1 with more of our favorite neighborhood bars and speakeasies. Meet the great men and women who define New York’s cocktail culture today.

23 Feb

Posted at 11:12h in Allgemein, Around the world, New York City, Sneaker City Guide

What’s the world’s food capital? The answer is quite obvious – at least to us. New York should claim this title as its cuisine is heavily influenced by all parts of the world. From street vendors and old diners to Jewish soul food and fine dining, the range is not only incredibly broad but also reflects New York’s highly diverse population. In a time when new walls are built and nationalism is on the rise, food can bring us all together. Come to New York and see for yourself! In this food guide we take you on a virtual tour to our favorite places. Let’s start the day with the most important meal!

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Breakfast & Brunch

 

La Bonbonniere (West Village)

 

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It’s somehow good to know that even the West Village with all its fancy brunch spots and fine dining names can still do things – and with things we mean breakfast – the old school way. If you’re looking for a traditional American breakfast without any pretentious gimmicks, La Bonbonniere is the place to go. Here, they serve classics like egg and cheese sammies, pancakes, French toast and heavily filled omelets. And don’t forget to order some bacon as a side! While hip brunch spots promote their bottomless mimosas, La Bonbonniere has bottomless coffee like all good diners. Make sure that you have some dollars on you as this is a cash only place.

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Sonnyboy (Lower East Side)

 

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Your friendly neighborhood place — that’s how we would sum up the experience at Lower East Side’s Sonnyboy. Although we only had breakfast and brunch here, this place is an all-day spot for unpretentious, highly seasonal food. The mornings at Sonnyboy are wonderfully relaxed – especially during the week. No hurry, no rude people, no noise. To us, here has been the perfect start into the day more than once. Foodwise there are also no bad choices. Their harissa folded eggs are a very tasty variation of a traditional omelet. House made granola, a crispy chicken sandwich and a winter breakfast with poached eggs, halloumi and mushrooms are some of Sonnyboy’s other breakfast choices. If you like the vibe and food here, you might also want to check out their sister-restaurant Banter near Washington Square Park.

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Shoo Shoo (Nolita)

 

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Shimon Maman is a well-known name when it comes to Mediterranean and Israeli cuisine. After leaving 12 Chairs Café back in 2018 – a place we loved for many years – he was looking for new opportunities. Shoo Shoo Nolita is his new “baby”. It has a very Mediterranean feel. Big windows, an airy dining room and lots of light contribute to that inviting atmosphere. Shoo Shoo aims to recreate Tel Aviv’s café culture with a New York touch. The dishes put a clear emphasis on organic and seasonal ingredients. Brunch is also served on Fridays – another plus. Plates like the “Shoo Shoo Breakfast” and the “Shookshooka” blend brunch favourites with Israeli staples like hummus, tahini and challah bread. Now we crave a trip to Israel even more.

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Sadelle’s (Soho)

 

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No matter if you want a satisfying breakfast or a savory brunch, Sadelle’s is the place to go. We are not sure if they make the “best bagels in NYC” but their baked goods came pretty close to bagel heaven. But Sadelle’s is more than just a bagel restaurant. They are famous for their “Sadelle’s Tower”. You can choose between a selection of fish (the house salmon being our first choice) and salads (egg salad, tuna salad, shrimp salad) or simply take both, if you are really hungry. Of course, all plates come with a fresh bagel of your choice: Plain, sesame, poppy, everything, pumpernickel, cinnamon raisin and so on. While the tower plates are the stars here, we would also like to mention Sadelle’s mouth-watering egg dishes. It’s a really tough choice and you will probably want to come back rather sooner than later.

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The Bonnie (Astoria)

 

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Get on the N- or W-train and leave Manhattan to have brunch at this cute spot in Queen’s Astoria neighborhood. That’s exactly what we did and we didn’t regret it (that’s of course a massive understatement)! The Bonnie is a classic neighborhood joint, an exceptionally cute bar-restaurant-hybrid that does food and drinks extremely well. While we yet have to return for dinner, our brunch experience was already quite remarkable. At The Bonnie, laid-back vibes and great hospitality come across a highly satisfying brunch menu. Whether you prefer the sweeter/lighter fares or the more heavy dishes like their famous brunch burger, chef Nick Testa’s food will make your day. The green eggs with ham and the breakfast panna cotta are only two of many standouts. As a mouth-watering starter or a slightly sweet finish The Bonnie’s “Lemon Poppy Dutch Baby” should be on everyone’s brunch list. It’s so good!

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Davelle (Lower East Side)

 

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It’s easy to overlook this tiny place on the Lower East Side. Davelle is a cute Japanese restaurant that is also open for lunch and dinner. In the morning they make very instagrammable toasts – both sweet and savory. While the “Berry & Cream Cheese” is the social media darling, we ordered their chocolate banana toast. More than yummy! If you want to have a breakfast or a small bite here, make sure that you aren’t in a hurry. Every dish and every toast is prepared with Japanese accuracy. In this fast moving and often crazy world, Davelle offers some very welcome contemplation.

Fairfax (West Village)

 

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There’s something very Californian about this all-day neighborhood café in the West Village (hence the name Fairfax and the pictures of the LA Lakers on the wall?). The space is bright and the cozy interior with the different sofas and tables reminded us more of a private living room than a traditional café. In either case we immediately felt welcome. There are a couple of solid breakfast/brunch options like yoghurt and granola, omelet, avocado toast and of course their signature Israeli breakfast with hummus, pita and soft-boiled eggs. We guess the latter is their bestseller. As they do not take reservations, they might be a wait especially on the weekend.

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Oxalis (Prospect Park)

 

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We hope you find your way out of Manhattan at least once or twice. When the weather is good, you should head over to Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. It’s the better Central Park! While strolling around Brooklyn Botanic Garden or Prospect Park Zoo you might get hungry. On weekends, brunch is the national sport of many New Yorkers. A great brunch option in this part of Brooklyn is Oxalis. By definition a neighborhood bistro, chef Nico Russell already earned a Michelin star in Oxalis’s first year. It’s a beautiful place with a light-flooded bar space and intimate seating. Their 30-Dollar-brunch-menu offers great value for money and some very visually pleasing and flavorful dishes. The same can probably be said about the “Carte blanche” dinner menu (70 Dollars per person). We definitely have to come back for that experience!

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Sunday in Brooklyn (Williamsburg)

 

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Despite its name we would recommend this Williamsburg all-day café/restaurant not for a Sunday brunch unless you are willing to wait an hour or more for a table. During the week it’s stress-free to brunch here. Yes, they offer brunch also from Monday to Friday starting at 10 AM! Sunday in Brooklyn are famous for their pancakes with hazelnut maple praline and brown butter. So if you have a sweet tooth, you don’t have to think twice about your order. Otherwise you might opt for the spicy “Eggs in Purgatory”, the biscuits & gravy or the classic cheddar scramble with some bacon. When the weather is good, grab a table outside for some people watching. As you are in Williamsburg, there’s probably no better entertainment.

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Eisenberg’s (Flatiron District)

 

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When you have been in business for over 90 years, you probably know a thing or two. Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop located right next to the famous Flatiron building is another NYC landmark – for many good reasons. Since 1929 they serve high-cholesterol Jewish deli-style food without any pretense. They managed to preserve the old-school charm of a classic American diner/deli. The portions are generous and more than delicious. If you are looking for a gluten-free option or a low-carb breakfast, look elsewhere. Eisenberg’s sticks to its promise of “feeding New York” on “high cholesterol”. Breakfast is served all day as it should be. Classic Jewish-diner fare include their famous Reuben sandwich, the chopped liver or the challah French toast. All of Eisenberg’s food will warm your belly and your soul. This is a cash only place.

Michaeli Bakery (Lower East Side)

 

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We are in love with Israeli/Jewish pastries like babkas, rugalachs or challah bread. For all this sweet treats Michaeli Bakery is our new favorite place on Lower East Side. Freshly baked every day by chef Adir Michaeli and his team the sweet and savory pastries of this cute bakery near Manhattan Bridge make people happy. It’s as simple as that! They also make some vegan pastries that taste as good as the rest of Michaeli Bakery’s baked goods. In either case – vegan or not – grab your breakfast and coffee. After that you are ready to explore this beautiful city. And instead of buying some silly, overpriced souvenirs get their cookies for your loved ones at home!

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Lunch & Dinner

 

Dante (West Village)

 

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We are wondering what’s not to love about Dante. Dante would also be a good entry to the “All Day” section as the café/bar/restaurant near Washington Square Park provides great Italian food and drinks from all-mornings to late in the evening. The bar with their first-class selection of aperitivo drinks earned the top spot on last years “World’s 50 Best Bars” list. Therefore, you can also find Dante in our first NYC Bar Guide. But also when it comes to food this place won’t disappoint even your most skeptical Italian friends. The salumi misti platter is excellent and worth every dollar. At Dante all pasta is hand- and house-made. For your little slice of Italy in New York go to Dante and avoid the tourist traps of fake “Little Italy”.

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Crown Shy (Financial District)

 

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Honestly the Financial District is not among our favorite areas. During the day, brokers, bank employees and tourists populate the streets and at night the scenery becomes nearly deserted – anonymous and cold. But lately there’s a damn good reason to reconsider. The reason is called Crown Shy. Situated in an impressive Art déco building on Pine Street the elegant, yet cosy restaurant is the first solo project of famous NYC chef James Kent (ex-NoMad) and restaurateur Jeff Katz. The stunning design of the place with its high ceilings, big windows and marmoreal floors becomes the stage for an elaborate fine dining experience without any pretentious affectation. You can spot a picture of Biggie right next to the open kitchen and all of the staff – including chef James – wearing pretty good kicks. The menu draws inspiration from New York’s diversity, European techniques and childhood memories. Every plate was an explosion of different flavors and textures with the roasted short rib as the standout dish. Make sure that you leave some room for dessert as the creations by pastry chef Renata Ameni live up to the hype. We will take a closer look at Crown Shy’s high-class cocktail menu in our next bar guide.

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Llama Inn (Williamsburg)

 

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Llamas are somehow strange animals. Initially they look cute but they can also become a little dangerous if they try to defend themselves. You can google it if you want! When a restaurant calls itself Llama Inn, it piques our curiosity. This place in North Williamsburg is well worth a visit and – unlike the llama – not dangerous at all. Instead, you will have a good time, lots of great food and in the end probably a new culinary favorite. Just try to be a little adventurous and don’t get scared by beef hearts with broccoli and burrata or clams with turmeric and carrots. All plates of the Peruvian-inspired menu are meant to be shared. Start with some skewers and a ceviche. After that you will forget all reservation and crave more food. Llama Inn’s cross-over cuisine is full of flavors and highly addictive. We usually opt for a seat at the kitchen counter from where you get interesting insights into the work routine of the kitchen staff. There is also a Llama San restaurant in the West Village with a little different agenda. It offers fine dining and a very unique Omakase experience (145 Dollars).

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Contra (Lower East Side)

 

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When someone asks us for a fine dining restaurant in NYC, we don’t hesitate to recommend Contra. This place on Orchard Street never disappoints. It offers a 89 Dollar tasting menu in a very laid-back, almost casual setting. Forget all the pretentious bullshit of other fine dining restaurants. Contra gets it all right – the food, the atmosphere, the impeccable service. And we have to mention their playlist with our favorite bands The National and Foals on heavy rotation. What else can you ask for? Also, the dishes not only look great, they taste even better. Something like “fresh tofu” that initially might sound trivial, becomes a highlight at Contra. The same thing could be said about their desserts that easily exceed our already high expectations. There is also a vegetarian option and a three course menu at the bar available on a first come, first serve basis. Mexican-born chef Fabián von Hauske Valtierra and his co-partner Jeremiah Stone are not only behind Contra’s Michelin star rated cuisine, the duo also operates the casual wine bar Wildair (next door to Contra) and the recently opened People’s Wine shop & bar on Delancey Street. Despite their youth they already have a big impact on how New York nowadays defines fine dining.

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Clover Club (Cobble Hill)

 

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This is a food guide. Nevertheless, we mention this great Brooklyn bar that is also an excellent dinner spot. Its cocktail menu made Clover Club famous. But with all the praise for their drinks and spirits selection, sometimes their food is forgotten. We want to put Clover Club’s food in the spotlight. Order their prime beef burger medium rare. It’s all we ever wanted from a burger and more. The patty is juicy, tasty and together with their house-made avocado ranch it’s simply a winning combo. Enjoy the neighborhood vibes at Clover Club and of course get some cocktails!

Hart’s (Bedford-Stuyvesant)

 

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In the heart of Brooklyn, you will find a small, intimate and very cute neighborhood restaurant called Hart’s. And when we say small, we mean really small. There are only a couple of tables and some seats at the bar. Reservations are therefore highly encouraged. This is a perfect date spot off the beaten path (but the subway from Manhattan is literally just two steps away). Whether you come around for a romantic dinner or primarily for the food, in either case Hart’s will take good care of you. The plates are all perfectly prepared, made from fresh ingredients and very tasty. Overall, Hart’s offers really good value for money. For a welcome twist on the sometimes dull “burger game”, order their grass-fed lamb burger with some marinated anchovies. Wine lovers will also be quite happy.

Cosme (Flatiron District)

 

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Things can get tricky at Cosme and with things we mean reservations. Tables go faster than some hypebeast kicks. If you overcome that obstacle, you can finally enjoy a truly remarkable dinner experience. Cosme marks the first US outpost of Mexican chef Enrique Olvera. His much acclaimed fine-dining restaurant Pujol in Mexico City can be found in almost all of the world’s best restaurant rankings. With Cosme, Olvera and his business partner Daniela Soto-Innes bring the idea of modern Mexican-inspired cuisine to the Flatiron District. You better unlearn everything you might know about Mexican food. Cosme is for sure on another level! Even if some dishes sound familiar like the “fluke tostada” or the “tataki al pastor”, the simple descriptions of Cosme’s highly ambitious menu don’t do justice to the explosion of flavors that will knock your socks off. The crispy and juicy duck carnitas are probably their standout dish. Be prepared to spend a big amount of money, but the overall experience is worth its heavy price. Their bar program is excellent as well.

 

All Day

 

Post (East Village)

 

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A little tucked away in the East Village this all-day spot on Avenue B could easily become your best companion. In the morning they serve breakfast (brunch on the weekends), later lunch and of course dinner at night – 7 days a week. It’s a very small place with only a couple of counter seats, some tables and many lovely details. Did you notice the phone? It reminds us of LA’s Freedman’s. At Post you must order the biscuits. You can eat them plain with some butter and jelly, with different meat and vegetarian options or with gravy. They also have a vegan option – this is the East Village after all.

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Russ & Daughters Café (Lower East Side)

 

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To a New Yorker Russ & Daughters needs no introduction. It’s more than a staple, it’s a true institution of Jewish deli traditions. While the shop located on East Houston Street has been there for more than a century (!), the intimate, likeable calm and incredibly homely café on Orchard Street offers excellent Jewish food from early mornings until late in the evening. You can’t have a meal here without a bagel and some of their house-smoked fish. The little pickled herring bites on pumpernickel or their chopped salad with whitefish are as satisfying as most of their breakfast dishes. Their Egg Benedicts come on house-baked challah bread. To die for! While other restaurants come and go, Russ & Daughters are here to stay. And that’s a damn good thing!

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Veselka (East Village)

 

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The things said about Russ & Daughters can equally be said about this East Village gem. Veselka is another staple and a constant companion during all of our New York trips. Established in1954 this cozy place offers Ukrainian soul food and East European specialties like pierogis, borscht, bigos (a delicious stew), kielbasa sausages or goulash. Despite the filling portions make sure to leave some room for their award-winning blintzes – a Ukrainian-style crepe filled with farmer’s cheese. Did we mention the pies? Veselka is open 24 hours on 365 days a year. You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or a late-late-late-night meal here. Every meal is more than satisfying and every visit a treat for your soul.

Café Habana (Nolita)

 

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Get your daily dose of Caribbean sunshine at this Cuban diner in the heart of Nolita. We can’t tell you how many times we had breakfast, lunch or just a quick bite here. The original Café Habana on Prince Street is now in business for over 20 years and – you might add – for many good reasons. The Cuban-inspired food like the classic huevos rancheros or their famous Cuban sandwich with marinated roast pork will warm up your belly. The menu offers not only good value but also many mouth-watering choices for every time of the day from quesadillas to salads and taco dishes.

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Spiegel (East Village)

 

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Sometimes all you need is a place you want to be with your friends. By chance this is the tag line of a small all-day place in the East Village called Spiegel. It became our favorite breakfast spot during our last trip to NYC. You may ask why? First and foremost, there’s the food. The Israeli style breakfast options like the spicy Shakshuka with some Merguez or the hummus with fresh-baked pita are the perfect soul food (or a pretty good hangover cure in case you need it). They only use organic eggs and fresh ingredients. For dinner you can have a great burger, the schnitzel plate or a delicious knockwurst sandwich with sauerkraut. We also love the casual vibe of Spiegel, their honest approach to hospitality and the bright, light-filled space. Forget all the trendy, instagrammable wannabes. This is the real New York!

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Bar Pisellino (West Village)

 

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Rita Sodi and Judy Williams are two of New York’s most successful and respected figures in hospitality. With three restaurants (Via Carota, I Sodi, Buvette) in the heart of the West Village and this wonderful Italian aperitivo bar they left a big footprint on the city’s culinary map. Although Bar Pisellino opened its doors in 2019 for the first time, it looks indeed like an old and very classy piece of Italy. The elegant marble counter together with the wooden interior and the small floor tiles blend into a Mediterranean beauty. From early mornings to late nights people gather inside or on the sidewalk with an espresso, an amari cocktail or some small bites like a panini or spuntini. The cocktails – overseen by Dante’s former head bartender Stacey Swenson – are authentic and way better than in most bars in Italy. When the weather is good, the seats outside are perfect for people watching. We suggest making your round and head over to Via Carota for dinner and more great Italian food. While you probably have to wait for a table (they don’t take reservations so come early), you can enjoy Bar Pisellinos distinctive ambience and aperitivo art.

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Yonah Shimmel’s Knish (Lower East Side)

 

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A food list of NYC without Yonah Shimmel? Impossible! This place on Houston Street is genuine New York, doing business since 1910 (!). Needless to say, it plays an important part in the city’s food culture. The Jewish restaurant – or should we say bakery, not really sure – does knish. This is a very traditional Jewish snack made of mashed potatoes or cheese. Different fillings like spinach, kasha (buckwheat) and mushrooms can be added. The cheese knish with chocolate, apples or cherries are a very yummy sweet snack. You probably didn’t know that “a knish a day keeps the doctor away”. No fake news here!

 

Cafés

 

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New York has seen a steady rise of great independent cafés and coffee roasting facilities during the last 5 to 10 years. With regard to quality and sustainability many of these small businesses helped to improve the overall coffee experience and café culture in the city. There is really no need to get your daily caffeine fix at one of the big, interchangeable café chains. We encourage you to look out for the local coffee guys. Here are some of our favorite spots with a clear bias towards Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn/Williamsburg:

Saltwater Coffee (East Village)

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Happy Bones (Nolita)

Urban Backyard (Nolita)

Caffè Vita (Lower East Side)

Ludlow Coffee Supply (Lower East Side)

Kodawari Coffee (Lower East Side)

Sey Coffee (Bushwick)

Stumptown Coffee Roasters (West Village)

Café Grumpy (Williamsburg, Chelsea, Lower East Side)

Everyman Espresso (East Village)

Devocion (Williamsburg, Flat Iron)

Café Beit (Williamsburg)

Birch Coffee (West Village)

Sweatshop (Williamsburg)

If you’re looking for bar recommendations, check our NYC Bar Guide Part 1. A sequel with more great bars is coming soon!

28 Nov

Posted at 16:25h in Around the world, Barlife, New York City, Sneaker City Guide

When we think of New York, we think of places like NoMad, Pegu Club, Dead Rabbit, Death & Co. or Milk & Honey. As you’ve obviously found this guide on our blog, you may also be familiar with some or all of these names that have been representing New York’s cocktail and bar culture over the last twenty years. They are all legends on their own. Some have closed unfortunately; some have changed, and some continue to thrive until today. And many great bartenders have earned their skills at one of those bars. You can actually trace back many careers to only a handful of places – even in such a big city. To us, NYC’s diverse and top notch bar landscape seems almost unbeatable, only maybe London can compete. We would like to introduce you to some of our favorite bars and bartenders in this guide. And because there are so many, we will have a second edition coming up for you! Just a little recommendation from us: Don’t be fooled by all the popular bar rankings. As much as we love those lists, they are not always reliable. If you stick strictly to a „Best of“ ranking, you will probably miss NYC’s best bars or get lost in a tourist trap. We want to save you from both! Enough of boring talk, let’s drink (responsibly)!

 

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Baby remember, I’m not drinking wine
But that cherry coke you serve is fine
And our love’s sweet enough on the vine


 – Lana Del Rey, Bartender

 

****

Banzarbar (Freeman Alley)

 

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For a great brunch on the Lower East Side we always opt for places like Freemans that has become a true staple not only for brunch lovers. While the restaurant itself doesn’t need an introduction (we included it in our food guide nevertheless), it is also home to a treasured secret called the Banzarbar. Tucked away on the second floor of Freemans Restaurant, this gem of a cocktail bar offers a very small and cozy space (only 20 seats, so reservations are highly encouraged) that seems to be the perfect retreat for an intimate date on a cold winter night. As soon as you enter the bar you feel like worlds away from the buzzing streets of New York. The elaborate decor will transport you immediately into the world of early 20th century explorers and sailors. The high-class bar program was curated by Eryn Reece, whose love for cocktails brought her once from her West Coast home in Portland to NYC. After being promoted as the Head Bartender of Death & Co. – an NYC classic that shaped the city’s landscape during the last ten years – she is now responsible for Banzarbar’s unique creations that embrace nice twists on classics as well as more fruity and spicy tiki drinks. Martini lovers should definitely order the „Moonraker Sail“ made with shouchu and blanc vermouth. If you’re more in a tiki mood, then go for the „Shackleton’s Urn“ that mixes gin with rum and different spices like cinnamon and green chili. This drink is limited to „2 per traveler“ as it can knock out even the toughest sailor. Finally, Banazarbar can offer a five-course low ABV tasting menu (95 Dollar per person) with seafood centric dishes matching the bar’s nautical theme. We definitely need to be back for this pairing of great food and drinks!

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Patent Pending (49 West 27th Street)

 

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What’s the link between Nikola Tesla and bar culture? We must confess that we weren’t able to give an answer before visiting Patent Pending near Madison Square Park (and around the corner of legendary NoMad bar). While the café in the front is busy during the daytime, it’s of course the back room that drew us here. Or if you want to be more accurate, we were guided by a popular navigation system. Today’s technologies like GPS and even Wi-Fi can be traced back to Tesla’s ground-breaking work more than a century ago. It’s more than a nice anecdote that this small bar is situated in the building in which Tesla lived and performed his experiments on radio waves back in the day. Nods to this work can be found throughout the bar’s classy interior. You just need to raise your head to the endless light bulbs hanging from the ceiling. If you look closely you can spot even more Tesla memorabilia here. We can guarantee that Patent Pending’s unique theme feels neither gimmicky nor false. Instead, you will be treated with great hospitality thanks to Patent Pending’s highly dedicated bar team. The cocktail menu that tends to change with the seasons also pays a playful tribute to Tesla’s work. Therefore, the drinks are called „Electric Healing“ or „Radio Waves“. For a perfect summer drink, we recommend the „Mr. Muir“ made with gin and calvados and some discreet flavors of ginger and gentian. Give it a try even if you are getting tired of the gin craze! With the café in the front it’s not a big surprise that Patent Pending also uses coffee for some drinks. Their Old Fashioned modification „Odd Love“ for example adds a flavorful coffee twist to the beloved classic.

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Bar Goto (245 Eldridge Street)

 

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Sometimes it can feel like a struggle to track all of LES’ bar openings and closings. When a place manages to survive in such a competitive landscape for more than a year you can already consider this as a success. Bar Goto on Eldridge Street just turned four and it looks as fresh as on its first day (and it’s here to stay as we would like to add). This quite small and intimate bar is the „child“ of Kenta Goto, who has become one of New York’s most well-known and respected bar chefs. Before he decided to open his own space, Kenta worked many years at legendary Pegu Club in SoHo – a true New York staple with a rich history and also the steppingstone for many of today’s big figures within New York’s bar scene. The bar itself and also the premium drinks are a reflection of Kenta’s personality, his roots and time spent almost equally in Japan and the US. The „Sakura Martini“ is the perfect example of this cultural mix and also a manifestation of Kenta’s approach to craft cocktails. He uses premium sake and gin as the base for his Martini whose taste is as memorable as the cherry blossom garnish. A minimalistic masterpiece! While Kenta likes to add new drinks to his menu from time to time, the „Sakura Matini“ will always be available, he promises. Shochu based drinks are another of Bar Goto’s characteristics. We have to admit that we probably wouldn’t go for the „Koji San“ because of our aversion to celery. But when we tasted this refreshing crowd pleaser, we almost forgot about this fact. On the contrary it’s a great choice to learn more about Bar Goto’s cocktail program that comes with matching Japanese bar food. Small dishes like the spicy miso wings blend typical American bar snacks with Asian influences. The drinks may still be the main reason why you should put Bar Goto on your NYC bucket list, but their Okonomiyaki (savory cabbage pancakes) is another striking argument.

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Nice to meet you Kenta! Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Kenta Goto. I’m a Tokyo transplant living in NY for the last 20 years. I’ve been working in the restaurant/bar industry for 15 years. In 2015, I opened my bar, BAR GOTO, in the Lower East Side. I am currently working on opening a second bar in Brooklyn.

What makes your bar unique?

Bar Goto is a hybrid of Japan and New York. It’s not traditional Japanese, but a reflection of my experiences in both places.

Please tell us your favorite spirit and drink!

I’m a big fan of Scotch. I also love Sake and Wine.

What bartender from NYC should we meet next?

There are many to introduce, but definitely Sother Teague of Amor y Amargo. He’s full of knowledge when it comes to good eating and drinking. He’s not only a great host behind the bar, but a great chef, author and radio show host. A busy man!

Any recommendations what to do in NYC?

If this was my first time in New York, I would say watch the sunset from the observatory on top of the Rockefeller Center. Also, just eat and drink your way through the city!

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Dante (79-81 Macdougal Street)

 

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There are not many places in NYC with a history like Dante in the Greenwich Village For many years called „Caffe Dante“ this Italian restaurant/bar/café is quintessential NYC. And even though this should be first of all a bar guide, it’s almost impossible to write some lines about Dante without praising their delightful food. Their charcuterie of exquisite Italian sausages is simply to die for, as is their handmade pasta. Also, we highly recommend saving room for Dante’s signature tiramisu. We can guarantee that you will leave this place perfectly happy! Dating back to 1915 Dante (or ex Caffe Dante) embodies the history and changes of the Village. It’s a stroke of luck that the new owners stayed true to Dante’s roots in the community. Over the years this place became a second home for many New Yorkers – both famous and non-famous. Just look at some of the pictures lining the walls to catch a glimpse of Dante’s lively past. Robert Maplethorpe, Bob Dylan, Jerry Seinfeld, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro – they all loved or still love Dante. When it comes to drinks, the new Dante is even more aspiring. Famous for their Negroni variations like the pictured „Negroni Bianco“ or the Garibaldi a classic Aperitivo at Dante is much more than a safe bet. It’s probably the best way to start your night! Even an often neglected drink like the „Grasshopper“ can be an eye-opener, did you know that? Countless bar awards and high rankings – they recently earned the top spot of the „World’s 50 Best Bars“ – are evidence of Dante’s qualities in drinks and craft cocktails. In his own way this is New York’s equivalent of London’s Bar Termini.

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Devon (252 Broome Street)

 

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We are still in love with New York’s ever-changing Lower East Side, mainly because of its diversity. The bar scene is one of them. A very sleek and stylish place called Devon belongs to the newer additions in the neighborhood, now open for about one year. Oliver Zabar, whose family name is familiar one in New York’s restaurant business, wanted to create a neighborhood bar with great food and unique drinks. When it comes to cocktails, he and his head bartender Sean Saunders have definitely achieved that objective (we have to come back for the food, especially for the famous dry-aged burger from Eli’s Night Shift). Saunders created craft cocktails that play with unusual ingredients like mustard (yes, mustard). While we have to admit that we would probably choose a different drink from the menu, the truly special „The Knowable Universe“ is a real eye-opener not only because of its discreet mustard flavor. The combination of cognac, spices, fruits and egg white make a great drink. Saunders apparently likes to think outside the box, which is quite rare in today’s bar landscape, where most people seem to opt for the safest way mostly because of economic restrictions. If your bar is not a success within the first months, it probably won’t be around for very long. But there’s is so much more we love about Devon. The design is modern and homely at the same time. It’s a mix of different elements and styles. The exposed brick walls and the classic terrazzo bar décor set the tone and go astonishingly well with the modern parts of the interior. And there’s of course that special LES vibe that Devon knows how to use it.

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Nice to meet you Sean! Could you please introduce yourself?

Sure thing, I’m Sean Saunders, the Head Bartender and General Manager at Devon. I’ve worked in the industry for about twelve years, going on six in the city. My first job was Tooker Alley and then I helped an amazing team open up Happiest Hour and Slowly Shirley where I was lucky to work with many great bartenders from early Pegu Club and Death & Co. era. I’ve worked with Owneys Rum, Cafe Boulud, and Grand Banks, to name a few.

What makes your bar unique?

Our carefully designed space tries to strike a balance between unique, and welcoming. We try to bring some elevated techniques and ingredients into both the food and cocktails and focus heavily on creating a professional and hospitable service. Ultimately, we’re hoping to create a fun, and safe space for everyone to have a great time.

Please tell us your favorite spirit and drink!

I’m definitely a bit of rum nerd. The daiquiri is still, in my opinion, one of the most perfect cocktails.

What bartender from NYC should we meet next?

Brian Grummart from Subject, Sother Teague from Amor y Amaro and Garret Richard from Existing Conditions all have some great insight and advice, amongst many others.

Any recommendations what to do in NYC?

Where to begin? In the summer for a full day nothing beats the Rockaway Ferry. Head up the boardwalk and grab some Arepas or a Burger from Rippers. In the Spring, or Fall hitting up Grand Banks with a sweater will save you from the 2 hours wait times and provide one of the best views in the city. Winter in the city is too easy, hole up anywhere warm with some good food and drinks. I always try to finish a late Friday or Saturday night at Katz, which is open 24 hours during the weekends, and is the non-existent lines are only made better by the experience.

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Undercote (16 West 22nd Street)

 

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Neither a typical speakeasy nor a boring restaurant bar, this place does things differently in a very charming and elegant way! Let’s talk a little bit about Undercote in Midtown, where barflies and boozehounds find refuge in a dark basement under a Michelin-rated Korean steakhouse. The latter is called Cote, so the name of the bar is quite self-explanatory. Upon entering, guests are teleported into a different dimension of first-class spirits, creative cocktails and a mysterious rain forest ambiance. The back of the bar looks like a big terrarium with plants, twines and lots of green. There is another dimly lit room with even more green. Overall the bar may be relatively small in size, but if you come around later at night, you should be able to grab a seat. As the associated restaurant upstairs mostly attracts a business clientele, the weekends at Undercote are usually not as busy as the weekdays. Sondre Kasin – a native-born Norwegian, hence the first name – is Undercote’s master of mixology. His bar menu offers playful twists on classics like the Pina Colada as well as more experimental drinks and the immense popular low-ABV cocktails. We also like to mention the Korean bar food that is served at Undercote. But beware – it’s highly addictive! Sondre and his dedicated team treat every guest with an incredible hospitality that we would have rather associated with a small neighborhood joint. In fact, Undercote is the exact opposite of an anonymous restaurant bar. For all mezcal lovers, Sondre created the smoky „Esteban“. It instantly became one of our new favorites. The color-changing „Illusions” poured from a cat-shaped carafe (!) is a visual masterpiece and already an Instagram darling. But despite the visual gimmicks the Gin-based drink will satisfy even those who normally reject all social media hypes. Like Undercote itself, this cocktail will satisfy your eyes and your soul.

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Nice to meet you Sondre! Could you please introduce yourself?

Nice to meet you as well! My name is Sondre Kasin and I am the principal bartender at Undercote & Cote Korean Steakhouse in NYC. Originally from Norway I have worked 10 years in the hospitality industry but have only been two years in New York. I was brought onto the team by Simon Kim and Victoria James to run their cocktail program at Cote & Undercote here in New York and I have been with them for almost two years now.

What makes your bar unique?

First off, Undercote feels like a subtropical jungle with live plants and greenery. The plants breathes life into the room and fresh air so every time you walk in to the bar you feel relaxed and calm. I wanted the cocktails to be clean, easy to drink and refreshing. A lot of bars can focus on sugar heavy cocktails, a lot of juices and over the top cocktails. We wanted the opposite so you can a break from the NYC city hustle!

Please tell us your favorite spirit and drink!

Nothing beats the classics: Daiquiri or Negroni is always my two go to cocktails. Favorite spirit must be gin. In cocktails gin shows a huge range from Martini to French 75 and works for all occasions.

What bartender from NYC should we meet next?

You already met a lot of my favorite bartenders. However you should definitely visit Aidan Bowie next time. He is the nicest bartender in New York and also makes amazing drinks!

Any recommendations what to do in NYC?

First of all stay away from the tourist attractions and Times Square! Focus on food, cocktails and wine instead. Take a trip to Chinatown in Flushing and eat dumplings/Chinese food. When you get back to Manhattan do a speakeasy bar round and visit all the classic cocktail bars for Martini´s, Manhattan´s and Penicillins. Finish with Korean food at Cote and cocktails at Undercote!

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Existing Conditions (35 West 8th Street)

 

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If you are slightly familiar with New York’s cocktail history of the last ten years, you will probably rather sooner than later stumble upon a place called „Booker and Dax“. That highly innovative cocktail bar/lab at the back of Momofuku was the brainchild and playground of Dave Arnold. After its close in 2016 Arnold shifted his focus to new projects. Together with Don Lee of „Please Don’t Tell“ and Greg Boehm, who also runs rising star „Katana Kitten“ (just wait for our 2nd NYC Bar Guide), he opened Existing Conditions near Washington Square Park in 2018. Staying true to Booker and Dax’s roots in new cocktail techniques and methods of preparation Arnold’s latest bar also aims for that something special. Guests can for example order bottled cocktails from a vending machine in the front. Another feature is not so obvious. As Existing Condition’s head bartender Jack Schramm told us, they carbonate not only the soda/filler but the whole drink including the spirit. Also, they try to use fresh fruits instead of juice for their drinks. It’s safe to say that Existing Conditions aims for a different, more elaborate approach to mixology. At the same time the cocktails are presented in a pure, almost minimalistic way neglecting all fancy gadgets. So, in the end it’s all about the taste and not about the packaging. We love that! Divided into rather unusual categories like „carbonated“, „shaken“ and „stirred up“ the cocktail menu itself reflects this bias to craftmanship and technology. The pictured „Helicopter“ is a bittersweet Norwegian sour made of milk-washed aquavit, Cynar and Aperol. If you’re into sour drinks, then this one is for you! For a hot summer day, we recommend one of the shaved ice cocktails like the „Italian Ice“ made of Byrrh (a French aperitif), Amaro and Aperol. In either case you won’t be disappointed, leaving Existing Conditions in a good condition.

Bar Guide New York

Nice to meet you Jack! Could you please introduce yourself?

I’m the Head Bartender at Existing Conditions, the cocktail bar from Dave Arnold and Don Lee on 8th Street in the West Village. I also run the bar in the Pernod-Ricard USA New York office. Life is all about balance, so when I’m not clarifying juice in a Spinzall or distilling peppers in a rotovap I test drinks with new flavors of Malibu and Kahlua.

What makes your bar unique?

The thing that excites me the most about Existing Conditions is that we manage to execute cocktails with hours of prep and a bedrock in science and technology, but avoid the „laboratory“ trope that can make bars like ours feel clinical. We are a neighborhood bar with lots of regulars both in and outside of the industry that happens to use some tools like centrifuges and liquid nitrogen in pursuit of flavor. The science is there and we are all happy to talk about techniques, but the majority of our guests just enjoys a delicious drink in a warm, inviting space.

Please tell us your favourite spirit and drink!

It’s a tie between Mezcal and Rhum Agricole. I think both of these exhibit terroir, which can be difficult to showcase, especially in aged spirits. Favorite drink is a Daiquiri, preferably with a blend of R(h)ums.

What bartender from NYC should we meet next?

Will Wyatt at Mister Paradise. Will and I worked together for a year at the NoMad, before we both left to start our current projects. His drinks are delicious, his bar is wonderful, and he has a very specific sense of humor that gets me every time. We share an ethos at our bars – incredible cocktails in unpretentious spaces. It’s my favorite bar to drink at right now.

Any recommendations what to do in NYC?

New York is an incredible city to dine and drink in alone. If you find yourself on a solo adventure, make sure to be very kind and not be pushy, but have a conversation with your bartender. We love to send guests back and forth to each other and give up the secrets of the best places and menu items to people that show genuine interest. Make sure to walk as much as possible. There is so much to look at, art, architecture, and especially people watching. Just take the city in and eat and drink as much as possible!

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Reception Bar (45 Orchard Street)

 

Bar Guide New York

In a time when political leaders try to build walls again, it seems more important than ever to take a firm stand against all kind of discrimination and to emphasize the positive aspects of immigration. As an Asian-American woman, Reception Bar’s owner Katie Rue wants to introduce flavors from her Korean heritage to a modern (American) cocktail bar. Therefore soju – a very common spirit in Korea distilled from rice – is the base of many drinks. The different sojus are all infused in-house by Katie and her team, emphasizing the importance of elaborate cocktail techniques for Reception’s ambitious drink menu. For the pictured low-ball, which is called „Smokes“, she uses pine smoked lapsang soju, Korean pear shrub and eucalyptus bitters. It’s one of her signature drinks that keep the promise of a balance between the east and the west. Another outstanding drink is the „Devilwood Bloom“ served in a coupette and made with osmanthus soju. It’s as tasty as visual appealing. The place itself follows a beautiful geometric design with big windows, flowers, and an earthy color palette. Lots of natural light floats the small, intimate bar (Reception’s operating hours start at 1.00 PM with the exception of Monday, when the bar is closed). From a visual standpoint Reception shares more elements with a café than with a traditional bar. The many non-alcoholic choices that Katie calls „elixirs“ would also match that café comparison. Hence Reception may also appeal to those who are not frequent bar visitors. In any case it’s a welcome addition to the LES neighborhood.

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BlackTail (Pier A Harbor House, 22 Battery Place, CLOSED)

 

Bar Guide New York

Dead Rabbit is a one-of-a-kind success story. It became the „World’s Best Bar“ and earned endless awards. For co-founders Sean Muldoon and Jack McGarry – two close friends from Belfast, Northern Ireland – the success of the Dead Rabbit was not the end of their ambitions. And so here we are! This ancient Cuban oasis called BlackTail takes you back to a time when Americans left their home to enjoy the good life on an Caribbean island that later should become their archenemy. The prohibition also forced many bartenders to leave the country. Their talent was no longer wanted/needed in the US. With an emphasis on this forgotten part of US history the guys behind BlackTail established an exquisite cocktail menu in a remarkable setting. This bar feels indeed like a time machine. Upon entering you find yourself teleported to pre-communism Havana. There’s often live music that adds even more atmosphere to this wonderful place on the 2nd floor of the Pier A Harbor House. BlackTail’s latest drink menu honors the music history of Cuba and the Cuban passion for rhythm and dance. Divided into five main categories (Highball, Punch, Sour, Old-Fashioned, Cocktail) it’s a really tough choice to limit yourself to just 2 or 3 drinks. We actually recommend staying for the whole night and also taste their delicious bar food. If you love mezcal like we do, the „Spice Tree“ won’t disappoint! But as its name suggests it’s a little spicy thanks to the use of Habanero chili. You will also find all the Cuban classics on the menu from legendary Mojitos to Pina Coladas. We can assure you that BlackTail’s versions have nothing to do with all the shitty, watered down happy hour drinks. This is in fact first-class drinking in a league of its own!

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Ghost Donkey (4 Bleecker Street)

 

Bar Guide New York

What’s the perfect bar to us? It’s probably a place where great hospitality and great drinks come together and where you immediately feel welcome. By that definition, Ghost Donkey in NoHo is very close to perfection. It’s a lively mezcal and tequila joint that celebrates Mexican culture, diversity, friendship and all the good things in life! All these values are incarnated in host Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez, who is one of New York’s most famous bartenders. If you meet him at Ghost Donkey shaking and stirring, you will realize that he simply loves what he does. You may practice all the basic bartending skills and learn what’s to learn about cocktails, but it’s almost impossible to learn real hospitality. Nacho is the heart and soul of Ghost Donkey that gets quite busy also on weekdays. But a fun place like this has to be a little lively and crowded. When it comes to drinks, Nacho’s Ghost Donkey fam likes to infuse new blood into classic cocktails like a Negroni or a Pina Colada. Their „Mole Negroni“ is made with fat-washed mezcal and that famous Mexican mole adding a spicy twist to the beloved Negroni taste. Another example of Nacho’s genuine take on cocktails is his interpretation of a „Tequila Sunrise“ (look for the „Mezcal Sun-Risa“ on the menu). He uses both mezcal and tequila with some dashes of habanero and hibiscus. Finally, even a simple „Pina Colada“ can still be an eye-opener. You don’t believe us? The Ghost Donkey „Pina Colada“ proves all skeptics wrong. It’s refreshing, not sweet and absolutely delicious! The same could probably be said about their Mexican food. But as we headed somewhere else for dinner that night, we have to come around again for some Nachos and Tacos (and more drinks).

Bar Guide New York

Nice to meet you Nacho! Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Ignacio „Nacho“ Jimenez. I am the Donkey Guru here at Ghost Donkey!

What makes your bar unique?

I think this is our approach to hospitality. We not only see hospitality as a reflection of our service, but as the special atmosphere we are able to achieve with all the different aspects of the bar inlcuding design, music, service, drinks and food. Overall we aim to create a festive atmosphere, where everyone feels welcome.

Please tell us your favourite spirit and drink!

I love all spirits and I believe that there’s a time for everything. That being said I do find myself drinking a lot of mezcal lately but I’m a big fan of Japanese Whiskey, Rum and Cognac. When it comes to cocktails Daiquiris are something that I really enjoy drinking.

What bartender from NYC should we meet next?

Jorsand from Cosme! He is an amazing source of knowledge when it comes to Mezcal. And his attention to detail and friendly attitude will make your next bar visit really special.

Any recommendations what to do in NYC?

I’m in love with Public Records and Night Moves at the moment. Both places have an incredibly design, an amazing sound systems and super cool beverage programs.

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The Sneakerzimmer NYC Bar Guide Part 2 coming early 2020!

 

21 Dez

Posted at 21:12h in City Guide, KITH, New York City, Ronnie Fieg, Sneaker City Guide

Über die letzten Jahre haben wir so einige Sneaker-Stores besucht. Manche haben uns überrascht, andere enttäuscht und einige ganz wenige förmlich umgehauen. Letzteres ist uns bei unserem jüngsten New York-Besuch wieder einmal passiert. Dabei handelte es sich um einen Laden, den wir schon kannten und der lediglich etwas renoviert werden sollte. Die Rede ist von KITH Brooklyn. Ok das mit dem „etwas renoviert“ ist ziemlich untertrieben, denn mit dem alten KITH hat der neue kaum mehr als den Namen gemein. Zumindest fällt es schwer zu glauben, dass zwischen beiden Stores überhaupt mal eine Verbindung bestand. Hinter KITH steht natürlich Ronnie Fieg – ein unbestrittenes Marketinggenie und für viele auch eine Reizfigur.

Nach dem von ihm groß angekündigten und von zahlreichen Instagram-Posts begleiteten Makeover seiner Brooklyn-Dependance konnte man durchaus einiges erwarten. Und doch hat uns das Ergebnis noch einmal ziemlich sprachlos gemacht. Schon der KITH-Store in Manhattan ist mit seiner cleanen Architektur, den großen Glasschaukästen und den hohen, weißen Regalen ein Hingucker. Brooklyn toppt diesen aber noch einmal ganz klar, wobei dafür nicht allein die schicke KITH Treats-Ecke verantwortlich ist. Über Fiegs Idee, eine kleine Müsli- und Eisbar in seinen Sneakerstore einzubauen, wurde bereits heftig diskutiert. Was haben Schuhe und Süßes miteinander zu tun? Eigentlich gar nichts! Gerade deshalb mögen wir das, was Fieg sich hier ausgedacht hat. Er macht das, worauf er Bock hat. Ende.

Müsli und Eiscreme gibt es hier nach dem Baukastenprinzip, wobei unser Tipp die Kombination „Lucky Charms + Oreo“ wäre. Viel besser geht es nicht. So gestärkt lässt sich als nächstes der Rest des Ladens erkunden, der von einem breiten Gang, weißen Kacheln und der schon bekannten Deckeninstallation aus unzähligen, ebenfalls weißen Sneakern definiert wird. Rechts und links befinden sich in stylischen, offenen Regalen ausgewählte Releases – angefangen von den letzten Nike Quickstrikes, über New Balance „Made in USA“, Asics, adidas als auch Fashion-Brands wie Y-3, Zanotti und Buscemi. Auch manche NikeLab-Releases wie die Acronym Lunar Force 1 können hier geshoppt werden. Eigentlich lässt die von Sneakerauswahl somit kaum Wünsche offen. Die Frau freute sich ganz besonders über ihre „Just Us“-Schlappen, von denen wir eine der letzten Größen ergattern konnten.

Mindestens so viel Platz wie die Schuhe nimmt im neuen KITH Brooklyn der Apparel-Bereich ein. Dabei finden sich neben den KITH-eigenen Kollektionen auch ausgesuchte Designs von Helmut Lang, Alexander Wang, Acronym oder Pierre Balmain. Wer die Urlaubskasse schonen will, ist hier definitiv falsch. Wer mag, kann zudem in der immer umfangreicheren Ecke mit KITH-Krimskrams stöbern. Vom Schuhanzieher über Duftkerzen, Mousepads, Notebooks und sogar Schokolade – so ziemlich alles ziert hier das bekannte KITH-Enblem. Hatten wir schon erwähnt, dass Ronnie ein Marketinggenie ist?

Auch der gesamte Look des Shops, der nunmehr mit dem in Manhattan eine sichtbare Verbindung eingeht – weiße Kacheln, leuchtendes KITH-Logo, die besagte Decke – lässt das Einkaufen hier durchaus zum Erlebnis werden. Die Aufteilung ist großzügig und wirkt trotz der vielen Klamotten und Schuhe keinesfalls überladen oder eng. Ein weiterer Vorteil des Brooklyn-Stores: Aufgrund seiner Lage abseits der Haupttouristenwege muss man hier keinen Massenansturm befürchten (die besonderen Release-Tage einmal ausgenommen).

Bei unserem Besuch im September befand sich im Eingangsbereich zudem eine Mini-Ausstellung zum anstehenden Release des von Ronnie Fieg zusammen mit Puma und Highsnobiety entworfenen „Tale of Two Cities“-Packs. Dort konnte jeder, der wollte, sich über den Hintergrund des Projekts und die Designs informieren. In Zukunft dürften hier auch jeweils die neuen Fieg-Releases zu finden sein. Ganz klar hat Fieg mit diesem rundum überarbeiteten Ladenkonzept einen Volltreffer gelandet. Einkaufen wird bei ihm zum Erlebnis, das sich so leicht nicht kopieren lassen wird.

Und mit „KITH Women“ hat Fieg bereits das nächste Ass aus dem Ärmel gezaubert. Wir werden sicher schon bald auch hierzu eine kleine Store-Reportage herausbringen.

E. & M.Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn Kith Brooklyn

19 Nov

Posted at 19:35h in New York City, Sneaker City Guide

Auch wenn in New York an guten Sneakerstores in den letzten Jahren bereits kein Mangel herrschte, so hat es uns doch gefreut, dass die Extra Butter-Crew den Sprung von Long Island nach Manhattan gewagt hat. Seit letztem Jahr betreiben die Jungs in der Lower East Side in bester Lage (125 Orchard Street) ihren zweiten Shop, in dem sie ihre beiden Leidenschaften – gute Schuhe & Filme – mit großer Hingabe ausleben können. Hatten wir es bei unseren New York-Trips bislang nie nach Long Island geschafft, so gab es bei unserer bislang letzten Reise im Mai keine Ausrede mehr. Schließlich waren die wenigen Blocks bis zum neuen Extra Butter-Store in Nullkommanix zurückgelegt. Es kommt öfters schon mal vor, dass unsere Vorstellung von einem bestimmten Sneakershop am Ende nicht so ganz mit der Realität übereinstimmt. In diesem Fall haben sich unsere Erwartungen aber vollauf bestätigt. Die „neue“ Extra Butter-Location, in der sich früher ein altes Kino befand, besitzt Charme, viel Platz für gute Schuhe und sehr viele cineastische Details. Auf letztere trifft man bereits im kleinen Foyer des Shops. Dort hängen unter einem Programmtableau samt Release-Kalender alte Kinokarten an der Wand („Pin your old movie tickets below“ lautet die dazu passende Aufforderung). Eine ausrangierte Kinobank zieht den Besucher zudem gleich magisch an. Die nach Vorlage unterschiedlicher Filmtitel gestalteten Extra Butter-Logos sind ein weiterer Hingucker und so etwas wie die „Wall of Fame“ des ziemlich geräumigen Stores. Damit betritt man erst den eigentlichen Verkaufsraum, der neben einer großen Auswahl aktueller Releases von Nike bis Saucony auch immer wieder mit kleinen Highlights für großes Herzklopfen sorgt. Zumindest ging es uns so beim Anblick des ausgestellten „Beetlejuice“-Dunks. Als wir den Shop im Frühjahr besuchten, hatte man gerade zusammen mit Saucony das ziemlich originelle „Space Race“-Pack herausgebracht (da fällt uns ein, dass hier noch der „Spack Snack“ darauf wartet, endlich aus der Box herausgelassen zu werden). Daneben konnten wir uns auch die gesamten Asics-„Kill Bill“-Releases der Jungs anschauen und einen davon als Last Pair-Sale mit nach Hause nehmen. Ein bisschen Glück ist manchmal eben auch dabei. Dass man hier jeder Menge Sneaker-Sachverstand und Liebe zum Turnschuh begegnet, ist eigentlich eine Selbstverständlichkeit. Ihre Leidenschaft für das Kino und die Filmkultur, die sicherlich auch in anderen Sneakerstores anzutreffen ist, zeichnet die Extra Butter-Crew aber besonders aus und hebt ihren neuen Shop in der Lower East Side aus der immer größeren Masse vergleichbarer Boutiquen auf eine sehr sympathische Art heraus. Dass wir als bekennende Film- und Serienjunkies in dieser Einschätzung durchaus befangen sind, wollen wir gar nicht erst verschweigen. Bei unserer nächsten New York-Reise gehört der Besuch bei Extra Butter daher ohne jeden Zweifel wieder zum Pflichtprogramm.   E. & M.             

12 Mai

Posted at 19:42h in Around the world, Chicago, Everything Else, New York City

Der zweite und zugleich letzte Stop unserer USA-Reise war Chicago – Heimat der Bulls und von Barack Obama. Nach unserer Ankunft in der „Windy City“ waren wir zunächst auf unser Apartment im Stadtteil Wicker Park/Bucktown gespannt. Im Vergleich zu New York bekommt man hier für die Hälfte des Geldes die doppelte Wohnfläche, wobei Bob, der Vater unseres Vermieters, nur meinte, dass unsere Wohnung für Chicagoer Verhältnisse recht klein sei. Also wir sahen das nach Manhattan irgendwie anders.

Wicker Park gefiel uns auf Anhieb wirklich gut. Es ist ein junges, kreatives Viertel mit vielen Bars, Restaurants und kleinen Shops. Außerdem scheint jeder hier tätowiert zu sein, was ja schon mal nichts Schlechtes ist (aber echt gute Tattoos und keine hässlichen Tribals oder Arschgeweihe). Außerdem sahen wir viele Hundebesitzer und noch mehr Kinderwagen – das Kreuzberg von Chicago, hehe.

Geht man die Milwaukee Avenue Richtung Süden, so kommt man gleich an mehreren coolen Läden vorbei. Darunter sind auch viele Sneaker Shops wie „Saint Alfred„, dem vielleicht bekanntesten der Stadt. Dort riecht es nicht nur extrem gut, auch die ganze Mannschaft scheint wirklich Sneaker-verrückt. Wir konnten es gar nicht glauben, aber als wir zum ersten Mal den Shop betraten, lachte uns noch der Bape x Undftd x Adidas consortium Campus an. Und das sogar in Danielas Größe bzw. nur eine halbe Size größer, was für den Preis von 130 Dollar mehr als ok war. Ich habe mir ein schickes Shirt mit Saint Alfred-Schriftzug geholt, auch hier war der Preis sehr fair. Was uns außerdem auffiel: Mit den Jungs und Mädels kamen wir gleich ins Gespräch über Sneaker, Releases und Germany. So muss ein Laden sein. Im Sale gab es sogar recht neue Flyknit Lunars für 96 Dollar und andere Nike-Schätze.

Nur wenige Blocks weiter trifft man schon auf den nächsten Sneaker-Store. Hinter dem etwas seltsamen Namen „Diana Shoes“ verbirgt sich echt eine Menge nettes Zeug. Alle vier CW des Roshe Dyn Flywire hatte der Shop auf Lager, dazu über ein Dutzend Air Max 1, 90 und 95. Ich hatte nicht erwartet, hier bereits den 95er aus dem „Beaches of Rio“-Pack zu finden. Der Schuh ist der Knaller, das muss selbst Daniela zugeben, die das Modell eigentlich nicht besonders mag. Im Gegensatz zu den anderen des Packs ist der CW auch eher dezent. Die On-Feet-Bilder geben hoffentlich einen Eindruck von diesem erstklassigen Sommerschuh, den ich gleich anbehalten wollte. Auch Jordan-Fans dürften von Diana Shoes nicht enttäuscht sein. Und was sich so in der Sale-Ecke versteckte, war mehr als nur einen Blick wert.

Weiter auf der Milwaukee Avenue liefen wir auf einen Laden zu, der sich „Belmont Army“ nannte. Neben Militärklamotten, Bundeswehrjacken und Vintage-Sachen führte der Shop auch eine große Auswahl an Stance-Socken. Dass wir diese mindestens so sehr wie unsere Schuhe lieben, ist kein Geheimnis. Und es gab das gesamte Roshe-Sortiment, das man sich vorstellen kann. Unglaublich!

Doch das war noch nicht alles, was Wicker Park in dieser Hinsicht zu bieten hatte. Nur 5 Gehminuten weiter befindet sich „Stash“. Sneaker-Freunde wissen Bescheid. Der Clou des mit einer riesigen Sneaker-Wand ausgestatteten Shops ist seine kleine Schatzkammer, die auf Wunsch geöffnet wird. In wie vielen Schuhläden hängt schon ein goldener Kronleuchter? Das hatte schon was. Dazu natürlich ein bisschen Sneaker Porn, nice! Ebenfalls in Wicker Park befindet sich die RSVP Gallery. In einem recht unscheinbaren Haus verkaufen die Jungs im Untergeschoss teure, exklusive Streetwear-Mode und die dazu passenden Spielzeuge. Ein Fotoband von Kate Moss hat uns besonders beeindruckt 😉 KAWS-Figuren, StreetCulture-Gadgets und Klamotten von Comme des Garcons, A.P.C. oder BBC können hier gegen das entsprechende Kleingeld eingepackt werden. Das ganze Konzept des Ladens, der mehr Showroom und Gallerie ist, hat uns echt überzeugt. Nur gekauft haben wir dann am Ende doch nichts. Wer wie wir Krimskrams mag, für den lohnt ein Besuch des „Boring Store“ auf der Milwaukee Ave.

Weiter ging’s nach Downtown Chicago. Die City hat neben dem obligatorischen Niketown auch noch weitere Adressen für Turnschuhfreunde zu bieten. Auf der South Michigan Avenue ganz in der Nähe des Lake Michigan ist „Succezz“ zu Hause. Das Ladenkonzept ist in dieser Form wohl einzigartig. So sind die Schuhe und Klamotten nicht nach Marken sondern nach Farben geordnet. Leider ist das auch etwas unübersichtlich, wenn man etwas Bestimmtes sucht. Dafür waren die Succezz-Jungs supernett. Einer musste sogar unbedingt ein Foto von meinen Flyknits machen. Das ist mir auch noch nicht passiert. Echte Schäppchen fanden wir hier aber nicht. Eher kosteten viele Modelle 10-20 Prozent mehr als anderswo. Warum weiß ich auch nicht. Eine weitere Adresse ist „LDRS“, das etwas abseits der großen Einkaufsstraßen im Norden der Innenstadt liegt. Hier dürften wir nur drei Fotos machen, was vermutlich mit den im Store ausgestellten Bildern zusammenhing. Die können für mehrere Tausend Dollar auch gekauft werden.

Was wäre ein Chicago-Aufenthalt ohne Basketball? Da die Bulls während unserer Zeit leider nur ein Auswärtsspiel gegen die Brooklyn Nets hatten, blieb es bei einem Besuch des United Center. Und dazu gehört ein Schnappschuss vor der Michael Jordan-Statue, die man nicht verfehlen kann. Das ein oder andere Bulls-Souvenir haben wir dann auch mitgenommen, die Teamfarben sind uns als Kölner ohnehin sehr sympathisch. Geschaut wurden die allabendlichen Playoffs dann entweder entspannt in der Wohnung oder in den Sportsbars von Wicker Park. Leider haben die Bulls ihr Spiel gegen die Nets verloren, was die Stimmung etwas dämpfte. Getrunken wurde trotzdem und ich weiß jetzt, dass ich mir für die nächste Saison einen NBA League-Pass zulegen muss (ist bereits geschehen).

Was haben wir sonst noch so in Chicago erlebt? Das wohl beste Frühstück samt Nachtisch (probiert die Cakeballs und das Cheesecake-Brownie) bei Westtown im Ukrainian Village, ein grandioses Stück Fleisch im Michael Jordan-Steakhouse, das Musical der South Park-Macher „The Book of Mormon“ (in der Hölle warten Jeffrey Dahmer, Hitler und Starbucks auf uns), pinke Flamingos im Lincoln Zoo, viele angenehm verrückte Menschen, einen fast kompletten Sizerun des „Kill Bill“-Saga bei Nordstrom (wtf?) und ein Traumwetter.

Nur Obama war scheinbar nicht da. Na ja beim nächsten Mal vielleicht.

M.



11 Mai

Posted at 17:41h in Around the world, Everything Else, New York City

Natürlich ist New York als Sneaker-Junkie so ziemlich der beste Ort, den man sich vorstellen kann. Das Angebot an Shops und die Liebe der New Yorker für die Sneaker-Kultur ist im ersten Moment überwältigend. Als Ausgangspunkt für Entdeckungstouren rund um Turnschuhe und Street Fashion können wir SoHo bzw. den Süden Manhattans empfehlen. Am besten läuft man den Broadway von Tribeca aus Richtung Norden. Noch südlich der Canal Street finden sich einige bei uns nicht so bekannte Stores, die aber ziemlich gut sortiert sind. Einer davon ist Transit, der so ziemlich alle Neuheiten von Nike (ausgenommen Quickstrikes), Jordan und Asics führt. Hier entdeckten wir auch noch den Roshe im „Yeezy“-CW, allerdings zum Resellerpreis von 199 Dollar (da war sogar Flight Club günstiger, haha).

Einer der größeren, überall in New York anzutreffenden Ketten ist David Z., die neben normalen Schuhwerk auch Asics und einige New Balance-Modelle wie den 574 führen. Hier finden sich am Broadway in SoHo und NoHo gleich mehrere Filialen. In einer konnten wir den Kill Bill-Saga in einer der letzten Größen ergattern. Der Verkäufer holte den passenden Schuh sogar noch aus einem anderen Shop – das war mal ein super Service! Es war unser erster von mehreren Lucky Buys.

Ebenfalls am Broadway in NoHo liegt Zacky’s, die vor allem eine grosse Auswahl an Roshes-CWs und Runner führen. Auch fanden sich dort wieder einige echte Sale-Schnapper wie den dunkelroten Air Max 1 EM für 69 Dollar. Den Solarsoft Moc Woven hat der Mann von hier mitgenommen. Leider waren die Roshes dieses Mal nicht reduziert, wobei die regulären 70 Dollar aber immer noch ein fairer Preis bei aktuellem Wechselkurs sind.

Nur wenige Blocks entfernt von Zacky’s liegt der Heilige Gral aller NY-Sneaker-Touristen: Flight Club. Über den Laden ist bereits so viel geschrieben worden, dass wir es kurz machen. Natürlich ist ein Besuch Pflicht. Schon die imposante Wand aus Hunderten Modellen sucht ihresgleichen. Die Verkäufer sind gelegentlich etwas gelangweilt, was angesichts der Besuchermassen aber verständlich ist. Dieses Mal können wir uns über die Jungs und Mädels jedoch nicht beschweren. Und ohne ein neues Paar haben wir die Kathedrale auch nicht verlassen.

Wer bei Flight Club war, der besucht fast zwangsläufig auch Kith. Schon die räumliche Nähe fordert dazu auf. Der eine von zwei Läden des gleichermaßen verehrten wie verhassten Ronnie Fieg besitzt zwar eine stylische Einrichtung samt blauem Neonlicht, ist von seinem Angebot aber nicht wirklich herausragend (die RF-Releases einmal ausgenommen). Der angeschlossene Klamottenladen namens Atrium bietet dafür eine recht gute Auswahl bekannter Marken. Die sehr bequemen Sureshot Hosen der australischen Marke Zanerobe zum Beispiel, von denen sich der Mann eine gönnte.

Im East Village findet sich recht versteckt DQM – Dave’s Quality Meat, die für ihre Nike-Collabos und Eigenkreationen bekannt sind. Sneakertechnisch kommen hier Nike SB-Fans auf ihre Kosten. Accessoires wie Herschel-Bags und die sehr angenehmen DQM-Shirts sind ebenfalls einen Blick und ihre Dollar wert. Auch sind die Jungs sehr freundlich und hilfsbereit.

Wohl fühlten wir uns auch bei Reed Space auf der Lower East Side. Der Shop ist sehr stylisch eingerichtet und kann von zwei Seiten aus betreten werden. Gleich nebenan findet sich zudem ein kleines Outlet. Neben Street-Culture-Magazinen und Büchern hat Reed Space einige verrückte Gadgets wie die Sneaker-Kissen im Angebot, dazu noch ein kleines Sneaker-Sortiment und Klamotten z.B. von Stüssy, OriginalFake und Staple. Sollte man mal gesehen haben.

So ruhig und entspannt es bei Reed Space und DQM zugeht, so busy kann es im New Balance Flagshipstore an der Fith Avenue (Höhe 20. Strasse) werden. Der Store führt nicht nur die neuesten Made in USA-Modelle sondern besitzt darüber hinaus eine kleine Produktionswerkstatt, in der wir uns Schritt für Schritt die Fertigung eines New Balance ansehen konnten. Das war schon interessant. Und von allem darf man so viele Fotos machen wie man möchte. Letzteres ist keineswegs selbstverständlich wie die Beispiele Bape und ARC beweisen. Hier darf man nur Sehen und Staunen, wobei das eher schwer fällt. Denn der auf der gleichnamigen Rivington Street ansässige Club führt nur einige Standard-Nike-Modelle und lebt ansonsten von seinem guten Namen. Auch der Gag mit der Klingel, die man betätigen muss ehe sich die Tür zum geradezu winzigen Shop mit seinen Glasvitrinen öffnet, ist nicht wirklich der Hit.

Zwischen Broadway und Lafayette Street findet sich auf der Spring Street mit Premium Laces ein weiterer Sneaker-Laden mit vielen neuen Modellen von Nike bis New Balance. Auch wenn wir hier nichts gefunden haben, kann man die Adresse bei einem Rundgang durch SoHo durchaus mal mitnehmen. Über den benachbarten Supreme-Store schweigen wir lieber. Supreme scheint längst keine Marke mehr zu sein, die man nüchtern beurteilen kann. Es ist wohl mehr eine Glaubensfrage.

Unbedingt erwähnen möchten wir hingegen 21 Mercer in der gleichnamigen Strasse in SoHo. Nike-Junkies bekommen hier das, was sie wollen. Sämtliche Quickstrikes und Tier-0-Releases kommen früher oder später hier her und sind dann meist in wenigen Stunden ausverkauft. Auch verfügt der Laden über ein Nike ID-Studio. So konnten wir bereits einige Ergebnisse der neuen Roshes IDs bestaunen. In der Zeit, in der wir in New York waren, verging kaum ein Tag, an dem keine neue Ware bei 21 Mercer eintraf. Einige der neuen Racer und Flyknits sahen schon übergut aus (mehr dazu in einem späteren Post). Für uns jedenfalls ein Muss.

Für Schnäppchenjäger kann schließlich ein Besuch bei Nordstrom Rack am Union Square lohnen. Der Sale-Ableger der bekannten Kaufhauskette ist mit TK Maxx zu vergleichen und bietet in unregelmäßigen Abständen auch Passendes für Sneaker-Fans. Während unseres Aufenthalts entdeckten wir aber nur einige auf 50 Dollar reduzierten Solarsofts und Lunargrand Chukkas für 179 Dollar. Ansonsten war das Angebot an Sneakern eher mau. Hier ist wohl nicht zuletzt Glück beim Timing gefragt.

Weitere interessante Sneaker-Adressen sind natürlich Niketown am Central Park und West NYC auf der Upper West Side (72.Strasse). Bei West gibt es regelmäßig satte Rabatte auf Restgrößen. Dazu führen die Jungs verschiedene Shirts und Crewnecks mit ihrem Logo.

Damit endet unsere Sneaker-Rundgang durch New York. Weiter geht es schon bald in Chicago, das ebenfalls einiges zu bieten hat.

E. & M.