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Categories: Jazz & Blues, Lounges [Edit]
Neighborhood: Manhattan/West VillageHouston St (1)
Christopher St (PATH)
W 4th St (A, C, E, B, D, F, V)
Neighborhood: Manhattan/Lower East Side
"I had an amazing time at Sapphire! I passed this place on night while strolling the LES, and was lured to it by salsa music plying inside…" read more »
One of the best bar experiences I've had in New York, although I can't say the same for my wallet. It's worth it though: you're paying for dim lighting and beautiful people (waiters and mixologists included, quite included). You're also paying for one of the best mixed drinks you've ever had. You're also, kind of unfortunately, probably paying for the doorman. But you know what? I like feeling like it's 1926. I leave feeling Flapper-ish, drunk, and unprepared for modern New York.
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This one has been on the must try list for a long time. Finally made it there. And as much as a table is nice, I have to say after my recent return trip to PDT where we did the table thing, you just can't compete with being up there and actually talking with the bartender.
What did I have? Well, frankly, I just don't know. I was going to get one of their drinks off of the menu (Dark and Stormy, perhaps?), but the more I talked to the bartender, the more he said he had a better idea of something to pull together for me. Alrighty, I said. Thought I'd defer to the expert and let him work his magic.
A fan of the old fashioned and ecclectic mixed drinks, I definitely was not disappointed. The first drink was much akin to a mojito with a bit of a twist on it (I believe he said it was more like it would be made in Trinidad? I may totally be mixing this up). And I don't remember much about the second other than it was good :)
It was a Wednesday night and a live jazz duo came on around 10:30/11, which was a nice touch. I heard that's pretty typical there. Definitely worth the wait to finally make it back over here. And definitely more pleasant during the week when you beat the weekend mad rush.
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The mixologists are SO serious. It's an attitude I appreciate. The way they chip at the ice and fix up a Bartender's special...ooh, I got a chill just thinking about them. Can one become a bartender's groupie?
I could not ever get seriously drunk and come here, though - the nearly vertical staircase down is a neck-breaker, for sure.
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!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The above is the only way I can convey my great love and hyper-enthusiasm for Little Branch.
After my recent visit, I can easily say this is one of the finest bars in New York City. So classy, so subdued. From the potent and exquisite cocktails to the glass case full of retro bar paraphernalia to the bathrooms with actual mini-towels, everything about this place is outstanding. The pisco sours here are excellent and I was even more impressed with the Bartender's Choice cocktail I had. I said I liked rum based drinks that were sweet and tangy and I was served a delightful frothy pink beverage. Worth every penny of that $12 (cash only, so be sure to bring plenty!).
Lots of places may try to emulate an old school speakeasy, but this bar makes you think there really might be a bathtub full of gin behind a hidden door somewhere...
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Little Branch has been on my list of places to go for longer than I can remember. Every time I tried to get there though it fell through. Finally, this past Friday night I made it there with my boyfriend after dinner.
There was a line but it wasn't bad...maybe 5 minutes. Once we got in I was reverted back to the 1920s...or at least I imagine that's what they were like.
The bartenders really make this place great. The bartenders outfits are great. They also really take their time mixing drinks. I told the bartender that I can't have sugar but I like sweet drinks. He made me a delicious drink with crushed fruit. Definitely strong and I was definitely drunk after that drink. Perfect for me :)
My boyfriend and I didn't get a table because we didn't know the cash only policy and therefore didn't have enough cash on us. We had one drink and left with intentions of coming back soon.
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One of my favorite bars in NYC, when I'm feeling spendy
The cocktails are fabulous, everything you hear is true.
It's hard to attempt to get a seat on a weekend night, so I suggest either weeknights or early on weekends to grab a seat to truely enjoy your fabulous cocktails.
Bartenders seem to look as though they were extras on the set of
"Titanic"
Whateves, I dig it
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This is a speak- easy joint that you have to either one be on the list or reserve a table. I met up with my friends who told the door man that I would be arriving. I didn't met up with my friends till 1230. I caught a cab and asked him to take me to 7Th ave and Leroy. There obviously is no sign above the bar. The only way you know is by the people hanging around outside trying to get in. I walk up and gave him a name which let me in. I loved this place. They have set rules here along with a fine selection of fine cocktails. I started out with the Pan American Clipper. Try it. It's amazing. Note the cocktails on the menu that I saw were all $12. I then moved on to a vodka tonic. They don't offer vodka on the menu. It's called Tito's. Which is probably the best vodka that I have ever had. Let me Yelp about the ice here. They sculpt ice to fit your glass. There are no ice cubes or crushed ice. They also have home made ginger ale here. If you want a chill evening with friends nothing too loud then this is the spot to visit. Just note you may have to wait for a table.
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Go earlier in the week - when it's not so crowded, and the scene is not really a scene, but just the people living in the area.
I live in the neighborhood. It's a great place. Yes - they can be abit of a cocktail snob - but the drinks are good.
Losing stars for not accepting anything except cash...
The staff are friendly - but if you go on Thursday or Friday nights - you may encounter insufferable hipsters, or banking wannabes....
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Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. This was the first in many speakeasies we went to last week during our "speakeasy tour." Went during the week so the line was short. The atmosphere was perfect, music was great - a little crowded, but we found some good people watching seats on the steps so I wasn't complaining. I had the Pink Lady, a delicious frothy number made with egg whites. The best part was watching the bartender put the drink together - it's an art! I would definitely go back - would like to get a table and try the food next time.
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Little Branch is one of the best places to grab a drink in New York City. It's not surprising that the owner of esteemed Milk and Honey owns this place which is far bigger and has many of the same drinks. The plus is that you don't need to go through the hassle of making a reservation. You can simply walk in, enjoy a great drink in a romantic atmosphere. Little Branch does get busy on weekends, so I recommend that you start early. Enjoying drinks here is as good as it gets. The drinks are expensive and well worth it. Check out this hidden gem, its worth finding it.
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It just occurred to me - I had forgotten to review Little Branch! (not that it really needs another 5-star review, but since I'm using Yelp as my little journal of my exploits around the city, I should log my visit here).
I was with Victoria and her two cousins and their girlfriends - I believe Vic made the reservation and it was early so we had no trouble scoring the best table in the joint...back corner booth next to the greatest cabinet of antique barware and pictures from the 20's and 30's. I felt like I was in my grandpa's basement lounge. It even smelled like my grandpa's lounge - old, musty and oddly sweet. It made me wish he were around to have a drink with.
I love the atmosphere, the decor and the speakeasy aesthetic of the place and they are serious cocktail traditionalists (read: their martini is heavy on the sweet vermouth, as martinis originally were when they were invented).
The other thing I love about the bar is that they cut huge blocks of ice specifically shaped for each kind of cocktail. I had a bourbon drink in a highball glass that had a long, tall rectangular block of ice in it. Very classy looking (although I missed being able to chew on my ice cubes).
Great date place - low lights, underground (literally) and VERY hush-hush.
*wink*
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Phenomenal drinks and cute space. On the small side so if you don't get a table, getting a drink from the bar is near impossible.
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great drinks
good service
uninspired interior
lame crowd
take that as you will
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I've been twice and I loved it both times. THey genuinely can make drinks and I love that I can be indecisive and say "sweet drink with vodka please" and viola a nice and sweet drink based on vodka.
It's not crowded and when you say your friends have a table to the doorman you typically mean it.... AND they didnt pay bazillions of dollars for a bottle of vodka that you KNOW only costs $20 retail... it's a great place- but be prepared for lines outside which are easily reflected in the un crowded speakeaasyish feel inside.
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Finally got my patootie to this place and I loved it! Why can't all bars be like this? I'm talking the fancy cocktails, the quietness (table behind us of gaggle girls were so loud, the waitress hushed them up several times before telling them to keep it down or get out), the lovely music. Each cocktail I got was amazing. I always asked for the bartender's choice. Nothing like getting an inventive drink. Only bummer is cash only but wee no tax!!
One of those days, one of those crazy days, sitting at my desk staring at a pile of documents, not knowing what is what, wasting half of the day just looking, reading, wondering. Amounts of work piling up, stress causing freak outs of the most ridiculous nature, but the day was not lost, L and I had plans to finally go to Little Branch that evening.
Getting some advice from a fellow experienced Yelper, L and I met at 8:30pm to take the short walk over to Leroy and 7th Ave. Is it weird to anyone else that there is a street named Leroy in the West Village? That name invokes images of factory workers and coveralls...But I digress.
We walked down the stairs into the warm, candlelit space that is Little Branch. We had been to Milk and Honey two nights before, so we knew a little bit about what to expect. I gave our name to the hostess, and was told that there was a short waiting list, so grab a drink at the bar. I enjoyed my Sloe Gin Fizz so much at MnH that I thought I would get another, L tried something new, she likes brown boozey cocktails. The drinks here are only $12 as opposed to the $15 at MnH which is interesting, and I could see why. The SGF wasn't as good here, oddly. It didn't have that frothy effervescence that the one on Tuesday had. While, it was still delicious and well made, I think I was tainted by my out of this world experience at MnH.
Once L and I got our drinks, the hostess found us. There was a table! Woohoo! The table, big enough for only two tiny people, was the quaintest, cutest, most romantic table I've ever sat at. It felt secluded in a weird way, that I can't really describe. You couldn't see or hear, nor did we notice all of the people that were sitting around us. Which is why this place will rank high on my list of date spots. It was such a romantic setting, that even though L and I were having a really great time, great conversation, and a few great cocktails, I yearned to be there on a date.
Oddly enough, our waitress was the same we had at MnH, and she remembered us. Which, well, made us feel a little cool, as we clearly both aren't!
At one point I got up to use the ladies, which was just as cute and funny (the Rules, though not the same...weird) as MnH. Coming back from the potty, I hear "Claw." Huh? Someone here knows me, wow, I'm famous (that's not really what I thought). I turn around and there is a fellow Yelper Justin C.! What are the odds? (probably pretty high as this seems to be a big hit with the Yelp community).
The experience was really very sweet, I will definitely come back, I just need to find a date for the next time. This space lends itself to some really great intimate conversation and the cocktails are *almost* as good as MnH, which is why I can't give it five stars. But, I truly enjoyed it and cannot wait to come back.
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Great underground spot, same owner as Milk & Honey (Sasha) without having to keep up with the digits :) Same phenomenal cocktails and friendly staff - Kevin, the bouncer, is a great dude.
Gets a bit crowded, live music on Tuesdays, may take a wait to get a table, but it's well worth it!
Fun fact: this used to be a transvestite bar :)
My gin & ginger was like sex in a glass... might have been the best cocktail I've ever had. Ever.
The bartenders are serious, the drinks are serious, and the scene is serious. This is the perfect cocktail bar for foodies, dates, friends and lovers.
FYI: Cash only.
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I thought I was about to enter another shithole studio space with a bar until the name plate on the door came into focus. If you blink you will miss Little Branch as it's another sweet sweet watering hole taking on the ever-so-popular speakeasy traits that seem to be all the rage at the moment.
The employees are easy on the eyes and very attentive and I don't remember the last time I went to a bar where they had a waiting list to sit in a booth! Luckily, we didn't have to wait too long, but enjoyed some champers at the bar. While I do not drink liquor too much anymore I noticed they had a nice list of concoctions and by the looks of the bartenders, well, just let them work their magic, something tells me they can make some mind-altering decisions for you. The wine list is nice, if not pricey, did I mention the champagne? You might as well go for it, as there's not too many drinks under $12.
My only complaint and normally, I could care less about the clientele, was when the Paris-Hilton-Kim-Kardashian-Greasy-Bear knock-off posers were seated next to us. Speaking loudly about their trysts I couldn't help but move my things as I didn't want to pick nasty hair extensions and god only knows what else off my coat all night. But really, I can't blame Little Branch, they probably just read some magazine and heard it's the next big thing.
PS Look for the "House Rules" in the bathroom. Hilarity is sure to ensue: "No name dropping, no star f**king!" You can request a copy as well.
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Dear Little Branch,
I'm sorry I stole the straws. It was ambiguous to me as to whether or not you'd want them back, and they were so cute and fun and old-timey...I just couldn't resist slipping one into my bag. Well...two. Alright, fine, maybe 6.
I feel horrible for doing this to you, after all you've done for me! Do you remember the first time we met? It was an unusually sultry Saturday night late last spring, and I got to sit down in a booth right away because your A/C was broken, and no one wanted to sit in the sweltering heat. Crazy night, huh? One sip of your mint julep, though, and it was as if a cool breeze had passed through the bar. So icy and delicious! .I truly had not known such refreshment ever before.
And since then you've been nothing short of spectacular when it comes to picking just the right drink for me. Beyond summer's mint juleps, you've given me archangels and gin-gin mules in the fall... red hooks and hot buttered rums in the winter...can't wait to see what spring has in store!
That is, of course, if you'll pardon my petty thievery. I could bring the straws back, but that might be weird. It would, right? Please just accept my deepest apologies, along with this public declaration that you are my Favorite Bar Ever.
Very Truly Yours,
Dr Becca
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Pretty sweet.
They've got the 20s speakeasy thing going on, but it's a fun theme and they take it seriously and execute it well. The bartenders will mix you a seriously delicious drink. Try this: tell them your choice of a base alcohol and let them do the rest... worked for me!
The staff was great, you'd think the bartenders would be sniffy here, but it's just not the case. Our waiter couldn't have been more friendly and even brought over an extra (free) drink they had mistakenly mixed.
I had such a good time I can't remember if I properly tipped (I do remember shuffling a number of 20s out of my wallet!). So to our waiter: let me know if I screwed up...
Great place to take a small group of friends or a date. Not a pick up scene. The live jazz is a cool touch and adds to the atmosphere.
Enjoy.
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Little Branch is seductive--the lighting is low, the jazz is sweet and the drinks are exceptional. I love the period-piece clothing the bartenders wear and the vintage choking poster at the bar. Nice touch.
I do not love rude waitstaff--especially when they act like it's your problem if they screw up the drink order. Last night I was there with four friends. Two of the girls didn't feel like drinking much and just wanted to share a drink. Accordingly we ordered four drinks for the five of us. The waitress brought five. Honest mistake. So I said "Sorry, I think we misunderstood each other, we just ordered four."
In a normal bar (where staff may be less prone to have an elite chip on their shoulders), this probably would have been shrugged off, drink taken back or just given for free. An innocent mistake.
Instead, the waitress/hostess screwed up her face at me in exasperation and stormed off, never to be seen again. Nice service, right? For the rest of the night she either refused to come to our table or the wait zones changed because the very nice guy bartender served us instead. A felicitous turn.
Great place, but just a spoonful of sugar would make the service go down MUCH easier. I'm not out to ruin anyone's night--just looking for a drink!
ps--they also charged us for the extra drink
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I really like the atmosphere here. The "off the beaten path," speakeasyish feel is fantastic, and the ambiance I yearn to find all over NYC. The downside is that it became very popular so it is not so "off the beaten path" anymore, but leaves you wishing that it was. It does get rather crowded on weekends, but the few weeknights I've been here have been lighter crowds and definitely a better mix of people who probably actually like the bar itself rather than going to a "hot spot" just to be cool. Cash only and drinks are a little more expensive than your run of the mill bar, so make sure you bring enough. You can basically walk up to the bar and tell the bartender what kind of drink you like and they will whip you up some sort of special concoction. I sort felt like I was in chem lab a little. haha. Anyway, it's a good spot, just not when it's too crowded or if you forget to swing by the ATM on your way.
when i think of this place, the first thing that comes to mind is romancin'
come here with your lover. Lots of dark corners for sneaking in a few kissies...
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So we went to this place on the advice of a friend for their fantastic cocktails. And they were good, but I'm no connoisseur. The waitress was great at suggesting drinks after you told her a little bit of what you like. I had some very yummy rum drinks. If you like vodka though, you're out of luck as they only have a Texas vodka and don't really focus on vodka drinks apparently...
Everyone is saying it has a great speakeasy feel, but quite frankly, it reminded me more of like your mom's basement version of a speakeasy. Sure the bartenders looked hot in their suspenders and pinstripes and they made a good cocktail, but I just didn't get that authentic feel. I might have to go back when they have some live jazz going.
But if you like authentic cocktails and don't mind waiting outside for a little bit, it's worth a peep and a sip.
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definitely a great after-dinner date spot destination. especially if it's a monday night...it won't be obnoxiously packed in here (at least not til later).
bartenders are great, as is the live jazz, as is the almost un-marked front door.
if you love a nice mojito, or even just like cucumbers, get the east side. it's heaven in a glass.
and if your date happens to order a drink with that amazing steel (?) straw, try to resist the urge to pocket it.
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It's never too early in the week for a meticulously prepared cocktail. And yes, Monday night is a great night to settle into a booth at Little Branch with a potent elixir to help you kick off the week. And no bouncer when we arrived a little past 9.
My poison? I asked for something with Scotch and the bartender whipped up a Scotch Maid. Tangy... with citrus overtones. Delish. I'll take three, please.
The live jazz was a nice touch as well! Though with the low ceilings it could be a tad loud if you're trying to have an intimate conversation. But hey... it's live jazz. Hello!
Saving the best for last here: this place was all about service with a smile. I thought that my friend who took us there had the hook up or something. But no. They are just a friendly lot of folks, who take pride in the art of the cocktail and are happy you stopped in for a little drinky.
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I like this place. My friends like this place. I like bringing my friends to this place. You should like this place. Or not. Maybe it is better if you don't as it is not that big and often can get crowded and then have a wait.
But here's what I like: the drinks take time to make because they use the right ingredients, pay attention to a history of drink making and therefore make the drinks right. Drinks you may not have heard of. That is cool. At times I like eggs in my drink--they do that. I like big ice cubes that don't melt as fast and therefore don't water down a good drink. I like live piano music, and cozy booths and all that everyone has mentioned as cool/lovable/sexy/sophisticated. I like to name my liquor and go with the bartender's choice. Plus I like that one of the house rules is 'only bring those you'd leave alone in your house'. So if I don't know you, you best find someone who does to take you there or have a really trusting face--I like the things in my place and drinking at Little Branch.
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Obviously one of my favorite neighborhood bars and I heart the staff here too -- and not just because they are all hot. I confess: I take all my dates here. It's near my apartment and I'm super lazy. I can only find fault with Little Branch during the summer. It can get a little musty down in the basement, especially when the AC is malfunctioning. Otherwise it is absolutely perfect. And the crowd is not too douchy (let's keep it that way). Try any of their whiskey drinks. You won't be disappointed.
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Really just my favorite bar in the city. Speakeasy enough to impress friends, but also very social. The drinks are really the best in the city. So GOOD!
Yea, that's right. TWO measly stars.
It was so sad to see people come up to the bouncer and try their pathetic moves. They were like pick up lines, but open-the-frigin-door lines. Never worked. One girl ever so pathetically LIED that she already had a reservation. Too bad LB doesn't take reservations.
So what am I getting at? This need-to-belong trend has been hyping up venues, restaurants, bars, whatever when not particularly deserved. I guess I'm just tired of rave reviews for dingy bars.
There were very few signature cocktails on the menu, so I asked the bartender to make me something. I wanted him to try me. My only request, "nothing tart". What did I get? A lemony-ginger cocktail that was basically one of the items on the menu. If I wanted that, I would've ordered that.
Again, dingy feels like the best word here, and the narrow seating area felt like railroad seats from the 1800s. Sticky tables.
Music was nostalgic and good.
Not worth a wait out in 25 degree weather.
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Update 1.29.08: So Tuesday night, we arrived at around 8:30pm. Not only was it more crowded than Wednesday night and there was a presence of the (very amiable) bouncer, we still didn't have a table two hours later! The hostess tonight was very nice, and the bartenders were also much friendlier, but possibly because I've been three times in the past week and may be recognizing me. Drinks were still unbelievable, so I'll try Sunday and Monday to see if it's any less crowded... *sigh*
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What a cozy little place! This was my first time at Little Branch, and it matched my expectations given my experiences at M&H. The ambiance here is similar but with less friendlier service. I could do without the Village attitude, but I suppose that's to be expected.
Even relatively early on a Wednesday night, we waited and waited for a table that never freed up. However, we were able to secure the cozy corner waiting bench before the crowd came in, so we drank relatively comfortably (even the few chairs next to the door were comfortable and not too bad to for the initial wait). The hostess was retarded, though, and I was surprised that such an establishment would let someone like her waste precious space. The bartenders were not that great either, although at least they were competent.
None of it mattered once we got our drinks, though. The hot buttered rums and hot toddies that my friends and I ordered were exactly what we needed to warm up over great conversation. The drinks were so good! I had not had buttered rum that good since my favourite spot in London, and I felt like I was home again! I could have drank all night!
I loved this place minus the service. The drinks are on the pricier side, but well worth it (average ~$12). Cash only made it a little annoying, but whatevs. I'd definitely avoid Wednesday nights and weekends... I'd imagine it'd be madness trying to get seating. Next time, I will try Sunday-Tuesday nights.
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This place is awesome. Reminiscent of the whole 'speakeasy' time, the front door is almost totally unmarked, and is quite easy to miss. I'm normally a beer and wine type of gal, so ordering drinks by my favorite spirit is hard for me.
I love that you can tell the server/bartender your mood, or what type of flavor you like. We had a good time thinking of the most off the wall things we could say, and no doubt the kick ass bartenders would be able to come up with a delectable, perfectly executed drink. "Um, I'm thinking of lying in a field of fresh cut grass, eating limes and smelling sprigs of rosemary. And maybe I'm covered in maple syrup." Done!
They even use raw eggs for some of their drinks. That's different. Definitely some of the most talented mixologists I have ever seen--watching them make the drinks is half the fun.
Gosh, what can I say that hasn't already been said? Going to Little Branch is like stepping back in time - a time when drinks were carefully made and bartenders cared about their craft.
I went here for a drink on Friday since it's right near a friends' apartment. It is so cozy and warm, and the attitude is really friendly. Good luck finding the door!
All things considered, this is hands down the best bar in New York City. A fantastic bar for a date or any small gatherings because you can enjoy your drinks and have a nice conversation without having to yell. You get drinks made by the same exceptionally competent mixologists from Milk & Honey, but you pay less for them. You get the great ambiance of M&H or PDT, but without the pretension of a secret number or a call-ahead reservations system. Which may or may not be a good thing, since Little Branch fills up early and keeps a wait going most nights.
The only con I might cite, aside from the excessive crowds that form in the vestibule and bar area, would be the live music that they sometimes have. The place is so small and cavernous that live music just sounds muffled and does little more than make you yell across the table to your friends.
All in all, turn up and let the bartender blow you away with a special concoction like a Greenpoint or a New York Flip, then settle into your table and sip a Mint Julep as they're meant to be drunk. You're home.
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This is my favorite bar in New York City. The space is intimate. Never too busy. The drinks are stiff. The crowd is great. There is a mild smattering of hipster pretension here, but all said, I have never been served a bad cocktail here and I've never seen churlish or rude behavior. I have spent many a nice evening curled into one of those dimly lit booths mind melding with someone special. I think the place strikes an almost aristotelian balance between exclusivity and accessibility, whereas so many other places list towards the less desirable and more extreme poles on that scale. Love it, love it, love it.
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Weekdays is it. I don't see how this place can be an easy access on weekends.
I would recommend an early weekday visit. For reference, Wednesday at 8:30 for two was an hour wait. but well worth it. If you're looking for an experience, tell the bartender your favorite poison, sweet or not sweet, and then let them have it their way. They will treat you right.
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The cocktails are as promised, strong and meticulously prepared. It's owned by the same folks who operate Milk and Honey, but this location doesn't require a membership, only an occasional wait outside to be admitted. The bathroom did sport a list of the infamous Rules, which includes such gems as "no star fucking" and "gentlemen will not introduce themselves to ladies."
I enjoyed the chill atmosphere, but I would have preferred the scene not to be so booth-oriented. It's hard to flirt with people stuck behind a table. You can call and reserve a booth. You kind of have to if you want one.
I think the drink I had was a tequila honey-suckle, which I'd describe as how you'd wish a margarita tasted.
On Sunday nights they have jazz. That's good, but it's too loud in such a small place to talk over it.
The problem with Little Branch is the problem with Manhattan in general. It's too crowded on weekends. You can't get in places on the weekends. You have to wait in lines. It's too loud to talk to people. There are too many folks not from Manhattan visiting, stuffing things up, and crowding you out.
At least that's how it is for good places. If you want to check out a scene, you really have to do it on a weeknight. But there are enough clever urbane Manhattan denizens doing the same any weeknight.
When I was living in New York, I had adopted the somewhat common approach of tearing through the weeknights, and using the weekends to recover, quietly, maybe with a good dinner on a reservation to round things out.
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Notes from the Underground
As I wait for Yelp lightning to strike me down for this blasphemy, I must apologize -- Atif, this time it's me.
I'd been wanting to come to Little Branch for quite some time, and, as it is a few blocks from me and thus "in my nabe," I really had no conscious excuse NOT to go. As for subconscious excuses....perhaps