On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: East Village2nd Ave-Houston St (F, V)
1st Ave-14th St (L)
Mon-Sun. 6:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m.
Loading...
another East Village gem! Love this place. The mixologists here do NOT mess around. watch them as they are masters of the craft. my advice is to ask your server/bartender for suggestions because the menu is immense.
the atmosphere is dark and sexy, with red velvet curtains around the entrance. this is not a rowdy place, but somewhere to come and enjoy a beautifully made cocktail. drinks or expensive, so im going to keep it at one...
Once again, this is a typical " high expectation" = " disappointments " SITUATION!! i was too hyper up for this place and it wasn't all that as they say.
been there done that.. what's next ?!
What else can one add to all these reviews? Hmmm. Um. Um? Er?
Ask your bartender for suggestions. I haven't been totally bowled over by any of the drinks on the menu, but I've never been steered wrong when I've asked for something else. Case in point: the other night, I tried the "Grand Street," because it had Cynar, something I only recently discovered (I like Campari, I like bitters, and a bartender-- in Minneapolis-- suggested I try Cynar. It's fantastic). Anyway, the Grand Street wasn't all that interesting, so for Drink #2 I asked if they could point me toward something that made better use of the Cynar. What I got was the aptly named Cynartown (which apparently they've been making for years). Hallelujah!
Like so many of the great cocktail bars in the East Village, Death & Co is perfection.
Dark romantic environment? Check. Mahogany wood in a subdued environment, perfect for cuddling in a quiet corner or catching up with a few friends over a couple cocktails.
Perfectly concocted cocktails? (Try saying that 10 times fast) Definitely got this one down, but that's pretty much a given. Why else would people leave their numbers at the door and mill around the east village for 2 hours hoping they are next in line?* While I find the cocktails at Angel's Share are generally more approachable for people who prefer girly (I use this word with caution..) cocktails, Death & Co's cocktails are more potent & serious, but equally delicious. Yet it somehow manages to balance a fine line between art and ***ART***. I love the whole spectrum of nice cocktail bars, but sometimes the drinks just start getting too herbalicious on me, if you know what I mean! I don't like drinking medicine thank you very much. And despite the liberal use of bitters and chartreuse, the drinks are balanced so it becomes "serious" and not "overzealous".
Amazing bar food? You had me at truffled mac n' cheese. Served in tiny bite-sized spoons, each bite was full of cheesy earthy goodness. Not to mention their pork sliders & foie gras w/strawberry. My friend proclaimed the foie gras the best after Daniel's... I find that hard to believe since it might have been the alcohol talking, but it was indeed, quite good. In fact, if not for the horrendous wait, I wouldn't mind coming here JUST for the food (okay, I lie -- but I'm an alky). Out of half the menu items we tried, only the filet mignon disappointed, but we wouldn't have ordered it had my bf not eaten dinner beforehand.
I love you Death -- & Co. whoops, my emo child speaking out there for a sec.
*Disclaimer: I find myself milling around the east village for hours at a time without waiting for anything in particular... but that's just because I love the EV.
Cocktails cocktails! seriously though I am BIG cocktail person, so this place is perfect! It's great to watch the bar tenders pay close attention as they make their various concoctions.....they work really hard, and they are perfectionists...and the result..pretty pretty pretty..good! All you need are a couple..or 3 or 4 and you are set for the night...
I hear that late night you have to call, and wait until they call you back to get in very exclusive I see...but I couldn't be bothered with that..so I head here right after work for after work cocktails!!! The food btw looks amazing..I was totally being a fatty and checking out other peoples orders...but I was just being a classy lady..and just sipping on cocktails....Next time totally being a hungry girl and getting FOOD cause it looks banging!
Devilishly dark & inviting this modern-day "speakeasy" in LES serves up spirits & lite bites so delightful & delish that you'll feel like you've died and gone to heaven. The dimly lit den-like feel from elegant chandeliers & sconces amidst dark wood decor & Old Time-y wallpaper are nothing new, but it's the food & drink that add the dose of danger & adventure (albeit culinary) that its name implies.
Choose your poison from the drink menu divvy-ed up by spirit: whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, Champagne; or, choose from any number of fruity concoctions. There's old rye whiskey drinks, en vogue St. Germaine libations, and many an Absinthe-tinged brew, with names like the 18th Century, Ol' Winchester, & Miss Behavin' that add that dash of deviance & vintage flair that make this bar so cool.
During both of my visits, overwhelmed by the many choices, and wanting to zero in the perfect fanciful drink the mood inspired, I asked for help from the barmaid. Requesting something light, sweet & bubbly landed us on a special-order cocktail of St. Germaine, gin & Champagne, which I was told was a variation on a French 57. Magnifique!
Mon dearest amie, and fellow seasoned Yelpster, Miss Karen B., ordered the Ol' Winchester, a citrus-y mix that's as fun, punchy & as rootin' tootin' as the Defibulators song of the same name, and it's served up in Tiki totem pole-like vessel that was as cute as can be. Psyched for our next visit, we plan to order the Drunken Punch, an apple-infused Scotch tincture we noticed others imbibing - served complete with punch bowl and fancy silver engraved ladle to dole out to your cohorts - a nice alternative to Sangria or sharing a bottle.
For appetizers or dinner fare, there's everything from homemade potato chips, to filet mignon & tuna tartare. The Pretzel Bites are a quirky favorite late-night comfort food with delectable dipping sauces. The Pita there can't be missed with prosciutto & cheese & surprisingly topped with red grapes. It's an unexpected mix of sweet & savory that's totally sublime, seriously satisfying & substantial if you're famished.
If you go, & you should, no need to call ahead - Death & Co. doesn't except reservations with a first come, first serve policy. Also, you'll have to keep an eye out en route for the unmarked wood planked door & plainly dressed door man standing inconspicuously on the sidewalk. Once you've found it, you won't need a password to get in to this Prohibition Era-inspired bar, but you'll feel like you do. The doorman checks your i.d. & surprisingly will sometimes instruct you where to sit before you're even inside.
Once you pass through the dark velvet-cloaked foyer, that's when you'll really feel like you've gained entrée into a secret club, and perhaps, you have, as your sure to want to make this one of your newest haunts while wanting to keep it under wraps for you & your inside circle.
Death & Co is dangerously addictive. Consider yourself warned.
Give the guy out front your name and number and then go get a drink or 2 at Niagara (around the corner east then north 1 block) to warm yourself up for more drinks.
The food is good, give it a try. The ex-omnivore in me says give the pork belly a try.
Despite expecting a long wait and needing a reservation, a large party of seven of us was able to get a table on a Saturday night with ease. The spiced popcorn is a nice snack while sipping on your delicious cocktail.
The Mother's Ruin Punch is served in bowl with a huge block of ice the size of your fist. The drink is dangerously delicious. Stiff, yet sweet and fruity at the same time.
The tea infused whiskey is refreshing and something that I didn't expect would work.
Despite the price of the drinks, they're made really well and worth it. Treat yourself. Have a fantastic cocktail.
The cocktails and service are tops.
Reminds me of poem, Death & Co.
by Sylvia Plath
Two, of course there are two.
It seems perfectly natural now----
The one who never looks up, whose eyes are lidded
And balled like Blake's.
Who exhibits
The birthmarks that are his trademark----
The scald scar of water,
The nude
Verdigris of the condor.
I am red meat. His beak
Claps sidewise: I am not his yet.
He tells me how badly I photograph.
He tells me how sweet
The babies look in their hospital
Icebox, a simple
Frill at the neck
Then the flutings of their Ionian
Death-gowns.
Then two little feet.
He does not smile or smoke...
http://www.americanpoe...
I'm not a New Yorker, but I've heard that D&C always has a long wait. My friend and I managed to walk in with no wait on a Monday night, so maybe that is the key.
I love the atmosphere, but I'll say that I'm a sucker for the speakeasy style bars. This is definitely a date spot, but don't expect to have a whole lot of privacy for cuddling or anything like that. Very dark inside and some of the tables are [uncomfortably] close together, but still cool.
The drinks were tasty, a little pricey, but worth it. I will definitely go back.
Ok, so the idea of this place is pretty sick. The execution is a pain in my ass. It's "speak easy" but if you come at the wrong time you may end up waiting for a while before you're able to enter.
However, once in the low lit place, does give a pretty creepy sexy feel. The drinks are definitely different and inventive. However, at 14 dollars a pop I say a good place to for a quiet drink, but def. a stop not a destination.
Very extensive menu - everyone that I've brought here has found something they adore. My personal favorites are the Manhatten Transfer and the Sidewinder. Like most other comparable bars, drinks are indeed pricey. However, not as many places like this for those of us on the East Side, so be sure to make a trip!
Wanna know how much I love Death & Co.? I used to be a professional travel guide writer and have done reviews of some of the best bars in the world, and Death is *still* my favorite. (Well, favorite for drink quality, which is the most important factor.)
I don't even live in New York these days, but I make a point of visiting Death each time I'm there. What floors me the most is the fact that they change the ENTIRE menu each season! The amount of time their mixologists spend in the "lab" testing new ingredients must be truly astronomical.
Although yes, I think the neo-speakeasy thing is at this point getting tired, Death remains the best of the bunch. Yes, I will say the mixologists at Little Branch are ever so slightly more talented, but the tiny crumbling bases and patently absurd lines ruin the experience for me. Unlike Little Branch, at Death I can pop in for a quiet drink all by myself (and have only occasionally run into problems with lack of available seating upon arrival, though having lived around the corner from the Angel's Share for nearly five years, I most definitely support the idea of only allowing people in if there's a place to sit), and have a wide variety to choose from besides Bartender's Choice (not that I don't like Bartender's Choice, but I also like geeking out and going over elaborate menus).
And finally, the biggest reason I'd give Death six stars if possible is that their mixologist Alex Day once told me (at a dinner at another restaurant featuring paired Death cocktails with each course) that he'd share the recipe for anything on the menu. While I haven't taken him up on it, if only because I know enough about mixology to guess at quantities just from their ingredient lists, the fact that he made the offer to reveal "trade secrets" to begin with is just, well, totally bad-ass and amazing.
if you're in the mood for a libation that will knock your knee socks off, this is it. I had the Winchester, which is a maddeningly perfect celebratory drink. For the gin lovers among us, it may make you bow your heads in prayer. Yes, it's that good. I mean, not only did it have loads of gin it in, but it came in a killer forest green totem glass with a cucumber and a maraschino cherry. A potent, refreshing, simply lovely concoction indeed. Well worth the $15 price tag. And well worth me going back for specifically.
They made my friend something tailor made with St. Germain in it bc that's what she wanted and that's what they do. It turned out to be a light champagne-y number with a bit of sweetness and fizz.
We shared the handmade soft pretzels which came with a parmesan-y sauce and a stunning spicy mustard sauce. (who knew mustard could be stunning!?) Pretzels were nothing to write home about, but nice for noshing. We also shared the flatbread with prosciutto, cheese and grapes and some other stuff which completely sent my tastebuds into orbit.
Servers, barkeeps, door guy and patrons all quite lovely. A really pleasant evening at a joint I'll be sure to revisit.
They have a great variety of punches served in a proper punch bowl with proper punch glasses. This is wonderful.
Their bartenders are impeccable and mix excellent drinks. Out of all the cocktails I've had there, the only cocktails I wasn't thrilled by were their tiki drinks.
It isn't a hassle like some of the other places to get seated.
It's the Disneyland animatronic version of Milk and Honey, complete with friendly clipboard guy. Perfect for the East Village. The cocktails were pretty good, but the vibe was just too manufactured.
I have a hard time deciding how to rate this place. The drinks are good but not great. The staff is friendly but our service was very hit and miss. They forgot about our food order and gave us free pretzels when they realized it (we didn't ask to be given anything because of the wait). But it was a good thing I looked at our bill because the pretzels were on there. When the food came it was not very good. It was all very salty and heavy on sauces that contrasted the dish so much that you weren't sure why they decided to put them together. But the interior is amazing. If they could improve the food and mix drinks that are a bit more memorable this would be one of my favorite spots. Oh and did I mention this is a NYC bar that closes at 2 am on the weekends?
The new winter menu here is outstanding. Especially the tequila section. If you're a fan of Death, time to head back! If you've never been, time to try it.
You can still order Brian Millers Hispaniola even though it's now off menu.
Out of all the downtown big time cocktail bars, Death and Company probably has my favorite menu.… Read more »
Staff was super friendly and unpretentious.
Drinks were equally friendly, but definitely pretentious. One star was removed due to the fact that they couldn't make a single serving of what appeared to be the best punch ever!
Wish we had more places like these in San Francisco.
It's absolutely gorgeous and the drinks are probably the best I've had- anywhere. They have intricate recipes that call for ingredients I've never even heard of.
Particularly good (from the Gin section) is Jesper Lind- I wish I could tell you what was in it, but I can't (and google has failed me).
From the Whiskey- there's a chamomile green tea, honey, lemon combo that is delicate and special.
As for the food- brilliant! I had the truffle macaroni which came out on individual spoons and each bite was topped with crispies. The mac was not hearty like you may expect, but highlighted the truffle wonderfully.
Also amazing- the asparagus, proscuitto and mushroom dish. Creamy , rich and filling.
There is a pizza which I would not recommend- a bit too cheesy and overpowering.
Finally- I can't recommend the fried pork belly with pomegranate enough! The combination of flavors and textures was novel and surprisingly fresh!
The only downside is every time I've come and had to sit at the back bar area, the air is always BLASTING down and tends to blow out the candles and make my eyes dry. But in all honesty, the drinks and food and atmosphere are so divine that a stream of air shouldn't ruin the experience.
I came here because I've heard so much about it...I agree with L Magazine's Nightlife awards edition that the bartenders are cute :) I'm a sucker for vests. It also didn't help that the dim lighting was very sexy and romantic...a waste to spend it with just girls, although my girls were awesome I coudn't have asked for more!
I ordered a Queen's Palm suggested by our waitress because I liked gin and citrus fruits, this one had cocunut juice in it which added another level of complexity. I think that the prices are a little deep for the amount you get...but I guess that's what you pay for some mixology geniuses.
I liked the dark atmosphere where the white chandeliers created a huge accent to the place. The bartenders know their bar well, there were many unmarked glass flasks in the front of the bar where thye just use nonchalantly in their carefully crafted drinks. That shows me their level of confidence and experience! ^_^
It slowly filled up the longer we lingered and we had dinner reservations to get to...if only i knew they had food, I would have just stayed here. Oh well, next time...I do live extremely close by. :)
Amazing Cocktails!! interesting ice...
I especially love the cool Bartenders
If they don't have a seat for you they take your cell number and give you a call when one comes up
Super awesome, exclusive feel.
They won't let you in if there are not places to sit for you. No stand up crowds allowed in this place.
When we came by, they said they didn't have enough room for 7 ppl. So we gave the guy at the door our number, and went chilling at another place. We got a ring when a booth table was ready, and we rolled over their to claim our spot.
There were all kinds of mouth watering food menu at the bar with I wished I was there earlier to try. Also their main draw, the cocktails, were amazing.
Many names I've never heard of before, expertly prepared by their house mixologist... I got Little Birdie and another one which I left up to the waitress to pick for me. Just something "sweet and easy to drink but deceivingly strong" : ) And they both were great.
I wish I had more details on my experience on this place but the problem is I was super drunk lol. All I can say is that I had a great time, happily drunk, and yet stayin classy : P
Food: Pretzels were stale. But I won't hold this against them. People ain't coming for their 5 star cuisines anyway.
Drink: Really extensive and impressive cocktail menu. Like how they split the menu up into the spirits. The detailed descriptions were helpful too. All the drinks were presented beautifully. Taste is wonderful, flavorful (bitters and other condiments breathes life into the cocktails) and fresh (real whole fruits and juices). Only down side is that it's a bit too weak for my liking. Granted everyone is not an alcoholic like me, but I'm sure most people would appreciate it more if drinks were a bit stiffer. They can even jack the prices up by like 2-3 bucks and add a lil bit more alcohol. Would become my go-to place for cocktails then. Well made classics and innovative new concoctions.
Service: Average service at tables. The wait policy is nice in that they'll call you when seating is ready. No need to hang around the front door.
Crowd/Ambiance: Place is packed. Proximity is an issue but easily overlooked and forgotten. Seating at the 1st table is highly uncomfortable though, try to avoid it. Staying with the theme of their name, the walls are black and gothic-like chandeliers (along with 1/4 watt light bulbs) adorn the surfaces.
Death & Co. is the class of the speak easy circuit, as far as I'm concerned. It's great from the moment you approach the door, with a cool hobbit-style entrance that really pops on an otherwise non-descript street. The guy at the door has a dirty job to do, but he's pleasant and polite, and if he doesn't have room for you he won't make you feel like it's your fault.
Inside, it's very dark, to the point where you might need to hold a candle to the menu. But the ambiance is great, and they really pull off the exclusive and secret feel that you came there for. I recommend sitting at the bar for the best insight on the specialty cocktails; the wait staff is knowledgable, but it's best to get the descrption of the drink delivered with the passion of its creator.
I've had a total of three D&Co cocktails: two made with tequila and one whiskey based. All three were delicious, potent, and original, with the bartenders happy to explain what each of the more exotic ingredients are. I've sampled only the truffle mac and cheese from the food menu; the portion was somewhat small but it's not a restaurant, so I wasn't too disappointed. Last time I was there, I became consumed with jealousy when I saw the pulled pork sliders ordered by someone at the table next to me.
Go here.
You don't need a password to get in, but you should. Death and Co. is the best kept secret in the E. Village! I was invited by one of their regulars, and completely understand all his hype heard on the way over there. The ambiance is exactly what I look for in a local bar, with the black interior, dim chandeliers, and well dressed staff.
The mixologists are impressive, concocting drinks based on my flavor taste, likes, dislikes and mood. I was blown away by their knowledge. The food was equally impressive with bites of mac n' cheese made with truffle oil, and asparagus with mushroom cream sauce and prosciutto. I hear they have a fried pork belly app that will blow your mind.
It's been awhile since I've been here and this review is long overdue.
Apparently I am one of the few people that have encountered only charming hostess's when I'm here. I don't think I have ever had to wait and they have been so sweet to me. Sometimes my blue eye's work miracles.
You enter though looming doors and once inside are sucked into a dark, sexy, delicious interior with a vortex of loud energy. No, really.
I love the vibe here. It is all dark wood and sensual lacquer. Tons of flickering lights and scads of glasses. This is one of those places that make me feel like I am IN NYC. But, like, NYC from a movie.
It's a place that Bond would frequent and the slick feel is effective without being douche-y or pretentious. Now, I cannot speak for some of the patrons (CC I'm looking at you...) but the interiors are smooth.
It is a little cramped, no place is without it's issues. Also a little louder than you might expect but I'm Italian and so for me it makes me feel right at home. I like it better than M&H.
I've heard wonderful things about the food but it is very close quarters to be actually eating and I can see how all the reviewers said it isn't the best place to have an in-between-meal, even though everyone does rave about the food.
The drinks are AU-MA-ZING! They are how cocktails were intended to be. The drinks menu is delightful and easily separated into categories based on main liquor. The bartenders are at the TOP of their game at all times and each creation is perfected within and inch of it's life.
I had a few, okay like 4. Or maybe 5. Starting with The Risk Pool a tangy little number with rum, lime and grapefruit. Moving on to the Hispaniola Cocktail which is gingery, spicy and sweet at the same time. Number three was the Moon Cocktail which was peach, honey and oh so smooth. Sad to say that after that things get a little blurry and I can't honesty say what my next few were. I do know that I woke up the next morning at a friends pied-a-terre in Greenwich with no clue how I got there.
By all means, enjoy!
Long aware of this speakeasy, I never had the chance to go until last Friday. I found my time there enjoyable, though a touch strange. The guy manning the door was especially friendly and he chatted us up a bit before adding our names to his list. I provided my cell phone number and was called not even 10 minutes later for a table (I think he moved our names up the list a bit). The place itself is fairly small with a main bar and several deuces along the side wall. We were seated by the door near the three top in the corner. Clientele was mostly men which we found odd. While there were some girls there on dates, there were several tables with just men. It's not a gay bar, rather there seems to be a tradition apparently with guys wanting to hang out with their guy friends and down $14 cocktails. Who knew? The place definitely had some ambience. There is still a sense of cachet, and the drink list is especially novel. I had two of the rum drinks, the one was called Pele's Blood and the other was, I think, the Beach Bum Reviver. The preparations were sophisticated with nuanced flavors. I found both selections to be enjoyable. I also sampled two of the champagne drinks, but I was less taken with these. I really appreciated the variation of alcohol offered on the menu including straight up selections of wine. I think there is something here for everyone. Unfortunately neither of us were hungry so we passed on the food, but some of the selections looked great and should have paired well with the drinks. In my final summation, a good time can be had here at a high price, but the vibe was slightly amiss with the skewed gender ratio. I think this just eked out 4 stars for me, a bit short of the 5 star experience I was expecting.
This place is a little too snooty for it's own good. The drinks are fantastic (though a bit pricey: $10-$20 is the average) and the ambience is great, but I found the crowd a little too cool for school. There is a very small maximum number of occupants meant to keep the place from getting overcrowded, but that means there's usually a line. Inside, it's tranquil and well-decorated, but still a bit too high-falutin' for my taste. I hovered between a two- and a three-star review for this place and wound up giving it a two because even though their drinks are fantastic, it is definitely not my scene.
DRINK SELECTION: Amazing. I have had several of their concoctions and have never been disappointed. Be aware of the price, however, and also, be adventurous
SERVICE: Prompt. They're a little strict about what you can and can't do in the bar (can't have an ottoman unless you're always sitting on it, no line for the bathroom longer than two people), but this is from the Powers That Be as opposed to a power-mad bartender.
I might consider going back to this place if someone had a party here, but I wouldn't go out of my way to check this out again, either. For true liquor fans, check out Shoolbred's or any number of divey Village bars.
That isn't to say there isn't a lot going for this place. In and of itself, the drinks and service are good. For a bar that's a liquor bar and supposed to be uncrowded and attentive to your needs, I felt like an outcast: a lover of a good drink among people who were there to be seen and make fun of the peons drinking beer down the block.
Death & Co I love you! I love pretty much everything about you!
No reservations? My lifestyle(s)! You just leave your name & number if there is a wait (there usually is), and go chill at any of the other fine spots in the neighborhood.
What is actually offered is definitely on the pricey side, but I've seldom come across a place more deserving of my cash monies! You're sure to find your cocktail from the extensive list sorted by the spirit, and if you have a hard time choosing, one of the awesome servers will give a spot on suggestion based on your mood!
Try the Firsco Club if you're into Gin, Ty Cobler if you like Tequila, and La Dolce Vita if you're into whiskey (the Manhattans are also served to your order if you like it less tainted). If you stay long enough for the server to pick up your taste, chances are you'll get a custom made drink off the menu and these also tend to be awesome.
Finally, just so this review won't make me sound like an alcoholic, I'll go ahead and rave about the finger food. The Maple Pork Belly and Mac & Cheese are both delectable and possibly the best bar food I've ever had!!
Don't know if I get the hype. I'm giving Death & Co. 4 stars for their friendly service and its intimate atmosphere, however I wasn't too impressed with their cocktails.
There were 8 people in our party and I was happy that they were able to seat us considering it is such a small venue, but we went right as it opened just for a quick cocktail before dinner. Each of us ordered a different cocktail from their extensive menu. I honestly didn't even know most of ingredients in their cocktails and it was so elaborate that I had a friend choose for me cause I didn't have the patience to read through the entire menu. I also couldn't say I was super impressed by any of the cocktails we tried. Perhaps another visit is in order to try some of the food on their menu.
Easily my new favorite lounge/bar in Manhattan, when I need a quiet place to go. The drinks are as innovative and complex as those at Apotheke, but there's no DJ and they only let a certain number of people in at any given time so it doesn't get insanely loud inside.
The menu is changing quarterly, but if you go soon, check out the Hispaniola... Tea infused Rum.... Need I say more?
Hey know all those 5 star reviews you gave to places that really deserved one or two?
Well cracker I got the yang for that ying cuz here's a 5 star joint that just pulled a 1 star move
13 bucks is the going rate for a drink here. And while sitting at the bar for 90 plus minutes these guys definitely work hard for that $13. And produce a hgh end fancy drink perfect for any palate
And yes my drinks were fantastic. No other way to describe them
But then again I was a little drunk because the food that I ordered never arrived
well 'ordered' is a strong word. I requested it, but I think to officially order something it has to go into the establishment's system to alert the kitchen to make it. That part actually happened a full hour later when I overheard the bartender say "Oh shit. Hey ______ can you please put in a _______ for this guy at the bar/service". Yup that was mine. Although I guess one could argue it wasn't because there was no other acknowledgement of the eff up - but the side glance did confirm it for me - and really, an hour for a sandwich is more than necessary
30 minutes later, finishing my second drink and I sit teetering between slightly buzzed and slightly pissed - and still no food. Beyond ridiculous at this point, so I just say "I need the bill. I have to go" The look I got proved they knew they fucked up but was immediately replaced with a look of surprise "Oh my - you never got your food - so sorry"
and that's it - no explanation - no offer to see if it was just coming out (it was) - no "hey, that drink's on me" - no attempt to rectify the situation - just the full priced check and a pat on the shoulder (no joke). It actually felt like I was being accused of being an inpatient dude - but 90 minutes for a lobster roll only is valid if the chef is hoofing it to Maine to catch the damn lobster himself. Otherwise it's unacceptable and a pat on my shoulder doesn't cut it
For all the pretense of class here, they could have proved it so simply, and yet failed completely
"Mwa mwa, Barney wants a free drink"
OK, that's always true - but this is different - because Friday night I walked away 26 bucks poorer, and with a complete lack of desire to ever step foot in this place again
Death of great potential
List: NYC Speakeasies
http://www.yelp.com/li...
Just because there isn't a sign above the place, it doesn't automatically make it a speakeasy; however, Death & Company's dark, black interior decor and the muted ambiance fills the theme's shoes.
If you fancy a well-made cocktail, this is definitely one of the best you'll get in the East Village. The mixologists know what they're doing, there's sufficient seating for a moderately sized interior, and the food menu isn't just burger and fries.
The food is just as refined as the drinks, but of course, doesn't make for a meal, yet not as tiny as a tapa.
It's a great place to bring your friends for entertainment or your honey bunnies for a night of fun, lively conversation.
My favorite drink bar in the area .. The Seersucker is amazing... Pretzels are great as well... a little hard to get into but planning and arriving early (hopefully not a large group) should help the chances you will get in.
This is, quite literally, one of my favorite (if not 'the' favorite) Manhattan spots. I am a lightweight when it comes to alcoholic drinks, I don't do wines and I have a very limited selection of drinks that I am fond of.
Yet everytime I visit this place, I find myself skolling the cocktails as if it was water. Alright, these cocktails are girly, but I'm a girl, and I am not shy in telling people that I do not take kindly to whiskey, scotch, or any of those 'masculine' drinks.
So my girly cocktail for the night was this thing called Queen Palm - one of Death & Co's Sunday night specials concocted by our good friendly bartender Thomas. It's gin (not tanqueray - I don't take tanqueray either), grapefruit juice, and other yummy goodness that, in my drunken stupor, I cannot figure out. The drinks were delicious, I basically downed it in 5 minutes, much to the astonishment of my friend (who probably would've thought I'm a total alkie by now), before ordering another Queen Palm (and skolling it immediately). It was one of the best cocktails I've ever come across - not overly harsh, just a tad sweet, in short - easy to consume. It's not one of those things that gives the burning sensation down your throat (my philosophy is, why would you want to pay for a premium cocktail just to experience a self-inflicted pain?).
The selection of nibbles is also good - my favorite is pulled pork sliders and tuna tartare. Last time I went we did try the lobster brioche, which is quite decent but was blown out of the water (no pun intended) by the pulled pork sliders.
The atmosphere probably plays a big part as well - I love the fact that they only admit a certain number of people, don't allow people to stand or crowd around the bar, and turn away people who didn't make it there in time. Which ensures that whoever made it to the bar actually have an awesome time and don't have to fight to get the attention of Thomas or have to scream into each other's ears just to have a decent conversation.
By the way - the Vegas trick doeesn't work (i.e coming in a group of hot scantily clad girls AND flirting with the bouncers). I've been turned away too - a couple of times, to be honest - but that still didn't prevent me from coming back. The trick is to come in early.
And by the way, as I grow older... I'm over those pretentiousness that swanky clubs tend to offer and find unpretentious places such as this a much more appealing (rare) gem.
Death and Co you have my heart.. well a big chunk of it anyways.
Blanc de Blanc Champage, start it off right.
Wait backtrack, your doors... it was very hard to find you because those doors kind of scared me a lil...
Ok, Blanc de Blanc
This place is a place for sharing... I love that... I love tasting different things, food gets boring after a couple bites... I say go with 4 people and order everything on the menu, if you can't take my advice and order the following:
Truffle Mac and Cheese: I didn't want to order it after having a sub par version of it at 508 on Friday BUT, thank you friends... there are no words for how good this tastes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
still watering...
Filet: by the time I got to this I was full and I am pissed about it. It was perfectly cooked, perfectly. It was perfectly seasoned and it tasted like something a cow would want to die to be a part of.
Tuna and avocado: The stupid fish jumped into the net and said send me to death and co and put me on Nicole's plate. I think the cow and the fish were in it together...
After my top three comes the veggie: Asparagus... mmmmm...
Things to skip: pretzels... do not waste the space in your stomach... don't do it. The Lobster Brioche Buns, bleh meh... psfsfsfsfsfsfs
I've given you all the help I can give, the food amazing... who doesn't love champagne, impeccable service and even the delivery of each plate was timed perfectly.
Best drinks in the city, aside from Milk & Honey.
I tend to celebrate the 19th amendment by avoiding college-student defined 'speak-easies' like a over hyped new vodka, but Death & CO. is where James Bond would drink if he ever had to suffer the indignity of going downtown. This is where Ernest Hemingway and Teddy Roosevelt would go to blend in as contemporary.
The strong, dark oak paneling inset from the street invites you to weather any storm, and passing by the place three times before you first notice it lends to the reserved, maturely aloof, untouchable, timeless impression one feels as they step up to the doorman. Doorman. Not bouncer. Not a single sign. A formal-casually dressed doorman.
Getting in can be tricky. You'll be asked to recite a secret code. This code s a mysterious combination of people and timing which will hopefully fit their crowded floor plan. Once you and your party are inside, though, its well worth it.
The bartenders are more professional than some doctors. 100 shakes of a tumbler so fast you can feel a breeze - for about every drink in the place. I don't think I've ever seen a 20 second period go by when the bartenders weren't mixing something. They put Tom Cruise to shame. Every single surface every cocktail touches on its way to your palate is specialized and sterilized like a medical implement. Glass breaks often. They'd rather run though their glass ware than give you something more sturdy and less well suited ( I don't know if its 'traditional' cocktail glassware, but they certainly have class).
This place reinvigorated my love of a complex Manhattan - the things they can do with ginger and rye! And most places can't even get the basic cocktail down. It would be a mistake not to order something off of their cocktail menu. The stuff is delicious, and more importantly balanced, in a way most cocktail bars ape but never master. I tried a couple gin drinks and ordered them twice as well - even the sweeter drinks I'd typically leave to my wife are worth ordering once you've tried them.
The food menu....theres no space to eat. The meals are inherently complex to keep pace with the cocktails, however, this is not the environment for something to be eaten off a porcelain plate - there is too much breaking glass and rubbing elbows already. The dishes all seem to large and too complex to be bar snacks, too small to be share plates or meals. But if you arn't hungry, there really is nothing else to complain about here.
Its dark in there. If the bar tenders didn't generate so much activity and if the patrons weren't always having such a good time, you might want to fall asleep. But you don't even after you've put away three or four cocktails. It looks like a refined, leatherized version of steam punk. It looks like that center of culture and civility you could only find in an anarchy.
Death & Co. is what happens when the expensivization of the LES actually works. It might be the only establishment for blocks around which doesn't somehow strike me as garish, ostentatious, or inherently tacky in some way. Death & CO. is what happens when the awesome investment that is a bar in Manhattan actually understands how to spend the capital required well and tastefully - its more Carnegie or Kennedy than Hilton or Trump and its nice to see this sort of sensibility hasn't disappeared completely.
Pretty unmarked wooden doors and a male model-esque bouncer conceal an inviting speakeasy atmosphere. Sure the concept has been done 1000 times, but do well made cocktails competently served in a conversation-friendly environment ever get stale? Not to this old timer. I had a drink off the ladies menu, but before you judge know it was simply a selection of the favorite drinks of their female staff... delicious.
Yelpers drink for FREE
Neighborhood: Murray Hill
Celebrate Your Birthday at…
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Asian Fusion
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Category: Bars
Neighborhood: TriBeCa
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: East Village
Category: Lounges
the best from east 4th to 14th st and bowery to…
My local dry cleaner, watering hole, deli, cafe,…
Some of my favorite dining destinations in the…
Everytime someone tells me they're going to New…
New York, New York!!! What to do in one week in…
So there's this bar, right? But there's no sign.…
These sweet moments are worth the lifetime on your…
A list of the finest cocktail bars I have had the…
