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Little Branch

4.5 star rating
based on 290 reviews

Categories: Lounges, Jazz & Blues

Neighborhood: West Village
22 7th Avenue S
(between Carmine St & Leroy St)
New York, NY 10014
(212) 929-4360
Nearest Transit:

Houston St (1)

Christopher St (PATH)

W 4th St (A, C, E, B, D, F, V)

Hours:

Mon-Sat. 7:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Price Range:
$$$
Parking:
Street
Good for Groups:
No
Good for Kids:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
Outdoor Seating:
No
Music:
Live
Best Nights:
Mon, Tue, Thu
Happy Hour:
No
Alcohol:
Full Bar
Smoking:
No
Coat Check:
No

290 reviews for Little Branch

Review Highlights   

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"Opt for a bartender's choice and be pleasantly surprised over and over." (in 35 reviews)
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"Totally worth checking out if you are looking to try new cocktails." (in 73 reviews)
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"We had been to Milk and Honey two nights before, so we knew a little bit…" (in 23 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Cecilia J.

Elite '09

28

121

Cecilia J.

Anaheim, CA

4 star rating
11/18/2009

This place is really cool!! Went on a rainy friday night, had to stand in line for 15 minutes, but it was fine since we were given the coolest table in the place. I love the decor of the place, and the outfits worn by the employees. You really do feel like you are in Prohibition time. Even the lighting is by candles, which is makes it a little difficult in the bathroom, but still cool.

I ordered one of their warm drinks ($12) to warm my body up. It worked, the cider/rum concoction was delicious. The cocktails on their menu are rarely seen in other bars, and if its not on there, the bartenders can make it. They also leave a bowl of mixed nuts on your table to snack on as you sip your cocktail.

If you like Mad Men, you will love Little Branch.

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Photo of Molly T.

Elite '09

18

208

Molly T.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/17/2009

We didn't have time to wait for a table so we crouched by the bar and had our drinks there. It doesn't have the same private, cozy, intimate atmosphere of Milk & Honey b/c of the bar area, but I thoroughly enjoyed my drink. After looking over the intriguing cocktail menu and not being able to decide, I went with the ordering strategy of picking a flavor and letting the bartender go from there. I spotted some hot sauce at the opposite end of the bar and asked for a spicy drink. It was with lime, hot sauce, tequila, simple syrup and probably another ingredient or garnish I'm forgetting but he did not skimp on the spice!! It was an excellent drink and I've been meaning to try to recreate it at home ever since.

I might try to go on a weeknight sometime to see what it's like to sit at a table, b/c the bar area is fine for one drink but not for too much lingering.

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Photo of Miranda R.

 

1

48

Miranda R.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
11/15/2009

Delicious. Ordered 3 lovely bevvys- all the bartenders choice, two made with bubble. All were lovely and perfection and made me want to sip them all night long, which I suppose is basically what I did!

Incredibly knowledgeable staff.

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Photo of Denis S.

Elite '09

192

831

Denis S.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
11/8/2009

I spent four months working within a couple blocks of this place and never even knew it existed!  Too bad it's when I'm only in New York for a week that I finally discover it.  

I realize that these places aren't for everyone, but I love them.  Not only the unmarked doors and the small cozy environment, but also the super fancy drinks.  Yeah, you have to pay more for them, but they're still less expensive than the fru fru hotel bars and of much higher quality and creativity.  These are the places you go to when you want to have a small intimate conversation with a couple friends, or a significant other, and try out some really creative and quality drinks.

Also, they have live music during the weekdays (at least they did on Tuesday night) which made it a little harder to talk, but was definitely cool.

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Photo of Adrienne S.

Elite '09

103

203

Adrienne S.

San Diego, CA

5 star rating
11/5/2009

UGH the Yelp picture looks NOTHING like the entrance! (Is this on purpose you sneaky effers??)

Well in the rain we found it. Our GPS helped, as did the 2 inch sign on the door, haha. It was full on a Tuesday night, but the wait was short and the doorman was pleasant.

Small Bathroom. Minimal Seating. Wait list to even get a booth. Expensive drinks. Why still amazing?

Little Branch pays homage to actual mixology, a love of mine and something I believe people need more appreciation of. Each drink is hand crafted and carefully thought out. Each bartender (thank you, Michael!) cares about his craft and considers it a profession, not just a night job. This is why Little Branch gets 5 stars.

OH AND THEY MAKE A DELICIOUS BLOOD AND SAND.

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Photo of maria d.

Elite '09

315

981

maria d.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/28/2009

Cash only is kind of a buzzkill, dudes.

BUT it's worth it. The drinks are so good and the place is so sexy.   Why people insist on trying to go to these intimate bars rolling 35 deep like it's freshman year of college is beyond me. This is for giggly girl conversations, business plotting, and of course.. setting the seduction trap.

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Photo of Patricia S.

 

18

135

Patricia S.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/2/2009

I pretty much only go for the beautiful jazz. If you get there at a decent hour, you can get a tiny booth for you and a date or a slightly bigger booth for you and a couple friends. Definitely do not bring your entire entourage here - this place is tiny!

There is sometimes a line outside - this is a genuine line, not a "let's try to appear more popular than we are by forcing people to wait in the heat/cold" kind of line. The 'bouncer' goes and checks the crowd periodically to make sure there's room and then let's people in accordingly. The bar is cash only and all drinks are $13. That sounds absurd before you drink your first drink, then yummminess hits your tongue and you're just glad to be there and enjoying the music! The waiters are very attentive, the mixologists are fantastic, the music is very well done and not too loud. The crowd is classy. Love it all. Give it a try!

Serious tip: DO NOT try to get here at 10 or 11pm and expect to get in right away. It's a popular spot year round!

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Photo of Bonnie C.

Elite '09

19

75

Bonnie C.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/4/2009

Bodacious booths, cute cubes (of ice), and stylin straws.

Seasonal drink menu much appreciated and shows fine craftsmenship.

A couple nits: would be great if LB...
accepted credit cards
opened before 7pm
offered some heat during these crisp fall evenings

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Photo of Nari C.

 

12

34

Nari C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/16/2009

Why I love Little Branch:

1. Secretive
2. Billie Holiday
3. Dark & Sexy
4. Queen's park swizzzzle
5. Metal straws you can buy and take home with you

And I would have been happy with just #2.

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Photo of Ryan M.

Elite '09

47

79

Ryan M.

Sunnyside, Queens, NY

5 star rating
10/27/2009

Hands down the best drinks on the west side, and a strong runner for best cocktail bar in New York.

Certainly more seating than PDT or Milk and Honey, and about the same as Death and Company or Dutch Kills. Very cool atmosphere, just the right amount of dark and sexytime lighting. Good Jazz! They have live Jazz some nights and a great soundtrack the rest of the time.

Spectacular bartenders and waiters / waitresses that know their stuff. If you are unfamiliar with the drinks in the cocktail scene, TRUST YOUR BARTENDER! They are great with recommendations.They also have recession specials!

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Photo of Johnathan D.

Elite '09

20

80

Johnathan D.

Chicago, IL

5 star rating
10/28/2009

Everyone loves this place.  Incredible cocktails, a speakeasy type atmosphere, dim lights, and friendly staff.

I came here one night with a friend of mine who's brother was playing piano that night.  We met up with his lady friend who had one of her friends with her and lucky me, I've seen her a few times since then.  So for that reason alone Little Branch will always be dear to me.

I don't think I need to say anything more.  If you're read any of the other reviews you know what this place is about.  If you haven't been there's no better time than now.

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Photo of Gayle G.

 

252

821

Gayle G.

Woodbridge, VA

5 star rating
10/21/2009

First thing, the door guy. Seriously, check him out - his profile is totally Brad Pitt in his "Legends Of The Fall" period.

Hit Little Branch last night with new friends I met at a conference. It is a teeny-ish space so they can only let a few people in at a time.

We only had to wait about 10 minutes to get in (while Psuedo Brad Bitt told us a great story about an obnoxious drunk). Down the stairs we went, to the sounds of a Jazz trio. Up to the bar, where I ordered and savored the most delicious Sloe Gin Fizz I have had, ever.

Actually got a table after a while, and once you are in the seating area the place seems much larger than it actually is. Love the silver (or pewter?) straw/swizzle stick combos. Did not know I could have bought one (thanks to the reviews here) so next time I am in town, I will totally do that.

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Photo of Danny S.

 

1

20

Danny S.

Anaheim, CA

4 star rating
10/29/2009

Went to Little Branch when I was out in NYC last week.  The bar is chill and a great place just to have a drink and talk.  Like mentioned before, cash only bar and for me, the drinks are a little on the pricey side, but I understand that most other bars in the city don't make drinks like Little Branch.

Try to get there a little early to avoid the line and get yourself a table so you can be comfortable.  Overall, a good experience at Little Branch.

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Photo of charlotte G.

 

6

43

charlotte G.

New York, NY

4 star rating
10/26/2009

I don't really understand why this bar doesn't have some type of system where you leave your name and get a call when there is space, like the system most of the similar bars use. We went around 9 on Friday night and the line was about 12 people long, not fun in rain. Came back around 12 and there were maybe 8 people then - waited pry about 15 mins but only cause the door guy mentioned that a group of people were leaving. The place is pretty small so 8-10 people in line could keep you waiting a while. Once inside hung out for about an hour before getting a table.

The people in line with us were immature and rude, we ran into two of the girls inside later only to have them be rude again and then watch them try and corner any single looking guy in the place.

Other than the line issues and the unappealing crowd, this place is great. The inside has a casual kind of gritty feel to it. The drinks of course are wonderful as is the service, unfortunately we missed the jazz so hopefully next time!

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Photo of Venerable V.

 

0

20

Venerable V.

Portland, OR

5 star rating
10/23/2009

I loved this place.  We were let in immediately and had no difficulty getting a drink in just a few minutes.

The bartenders really know what they're doing.  I wanted to test their merits by ordering a Ramos Fizz, a drink requiring some finesse.  I have to say the 3 that I had were amazing.  I just kept ordering them.

We did finally get a booth and were offered some pretzels-salty and crunchy.  A small jazz trio started up and the place really livened up.

My date ordered a Dark & Stormy, and it was quite overpowering-lots of ginger, which I guess isn't a bad thing.  They don't skimp here.  At least I'm not complaining that it was watered down with ginger ale or something.

Extra kudos for selling some bar items-way awesome metal spoon/straws for $2 or 6 for $10.  Definitely got 6 and will be impressing my Portland peeps upon my return.

Good times.

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Photo of Waka y.

 

7

49

Waka y.

New York, NY

4 star rating
9/23/2009

Definitely high up on the entertainment factor. Just finding the entrance alone makes almost a story in itself.

As you walk down the stairs from that lonely standalone door on the corner, your eyes open up to a quaint Spanish villa decor in what could easily have been the catacombs of an old wine cellar.

Live music adds a nice touch to the air, the lively atmosphere keeps the smiles going, and the original drinks are masterfully crafted by the friendly mixologists behind the counter.

Good luck trying to get a table here though.

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Photo of Cianne M.

Elite '09

15

106

Cianne M.

San Mateo, CA

4 star rating
10/11/2009

Cool little spot.  When we found the door, the doorman said he had to go check downstairs first to make sure there was enough room.  Really?  On a Wednesday?  It was relatively busy with a live jazz band playing, but not packed.  

I got a Dark & Stormy - very gingery and spicy.  Not my favorite.  My friend got bartender's choice - some Sailor cocktail which was citrusy and quite good.  After about 15 minutes of standing at the bar, a 2-person booth opened up.  

Chill place to stop by for drinks.  The doorman was a cutie and nice enough to take our pics.  The live music is the best thing about it.

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Photo of Anwar I.

 

0

4

Anwar I.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/11/2009

I've become fond of these undercover, out of the way speak easy type bars of late. If there were any one to take the cake, it would be Little Branch.  Awesome vibe, sexy people and a laid back, chill atmosphere.  I love all the novelties on the walls and the extra large blocks of ice that come with the drinks.

When the jazz trio is playing, the atmosphere is just awesome. They also keep the crowd to just enough people. I usually go for an old fashioned here or a straight Balvenie 18 year. Scotch list is great.

Will be back soon

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Photo of claire j.

 

13

30

claire j.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
9/10/2009

This place gets 5 stars because it holds up their end of the bargain.  Excellent drinks.

A perfect place for a quiet date (perhaps the 1st or 3rd or anniversary), or a talk-it-all-out drink with a friend, or even a small group of 4 or 5 for a quiet birthday celebration, which is why I went. We were lucky enough to get the larger booth behind the bar, in the back. It is not a rowdy place, so don't expect to go there on a weekend night to get shitfaced.

Sip the drinks. They are good. They are strong. They will get you to wherever you need to be. After two, I was sufficiently drunk. Which is to say, I had to leave early and forgot to pay my share of the bill. Yes, the drinks have THAT kind of effect on you.

The servers play the part. They are quiet and attentive, but have somewhat of a suspicious attitude, as if they are ordered to weed out the "drunks" before the drunks get drunk. I guess I can understand that, but it'd be nice to be approached with a smile, and maybe offer some suggestions as to how to order instead of the "do you know what you want?" kind of thing when the menu is somewhat overwhelming and everyone says to order  "Bartender's Choice".

That said, order Bartender's Choice, and then order the Dark and Stormy. And then make your way home, and quietly thank the doorman on your way out.

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Photo of Gabriella S.

 

1

34

Gabriella S.

Pasadena, CA

4 star rating
9/17/2009

I wanted to find a place where my husband and I could go for a drink and hang out.  This place made my list.  We were walking, looking for the address and couldn't find the place.  We then walked back up the street and noticed a man standing in front of a door.  This building looked vacant...it wasn't.  It was the door to Little Branch.  I love it already.  We walked down stairs to enter this small, quaint lounge/bar.  I love it even more.  They have booths, a bar, and an area for the musicians to play around the piano.  

So, we're looking at the drink menu (they only serve drinks - no food) and nothing is catching my eye.  We chat with the hostess and she recommends a drink, not on the menu that she loves.  I get it and I get another :)  The music is playing, having a great drink with my husband, in a great atmosphere...I love Little Branch!

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Photo of Ariel K.

Elite '09

41

97

Ariel K.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/27/2009

Perhaps it was the people I was with.
Perhaps it was my less than amazing drink
Perhaps it was a little too loud compered to Sasha's other endeavors.

I was, indeed, a little let down by Little Branch.

I walked in with 5 other people on a Sunday night around 10 pm. It wasn't too crowded, but it was loud. This is in part due to the live music that was playing--which was fantastic, but I had to really speak up in order to be heard among friends.

I ordered the bartenders choice. You have to right? I looked through the other delicious concoctions on the menu, all sounding equally appealing (well besides the mint julep, who drinks that anyway?), but in the end you have to leave it up to the masters to create what they're feeling.

I was feeling a "gin or whiskey drink that was hearty and had a nice spice to it". Perhaps it was my wording, but I was thinking more a long the lines of a one of my favorite drinks, the Gorman's breakfast that I had, had at Milk and Honey.

The drink I received was very "thick" and took me a long time to consume, but I couldn't tell if its body was really all that was keeping me from wolfing it down. The base of the drink was a dry whiskey that had some kind of spice added to it (which I didn't taste). It was put in a short glass with a large ice cube and included lemon peel and a cherry as additives. Overall It just wasn't very exciting to drink.

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Photo of regina p.

 

29

44

regina p.

Long Island City, NY

5 star rating
9/2/2009

As we walked out of the cozy, jazzy, completely marvelous basement bar on a Tuesday night, my friend remarked, "I'm so happy, I thought it was Thursday!"  This place is that good.

Go with the bartender's choice - she brought me the cucumber smash, quite possibly the best, most refreshing drink I've ever had. All of the creations were a hit.

Also went at 7:30 PM (they open at 7) and got a super comfy booth right away.  Ahh, perfection.

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Photo of Rebecca B.

Elite '09

4

41

Rebecca B.

London W11

UK

5 star rating
8/28/2009

Absolutely love this place. Anywhere which makes good use of egg whites get my vote. Not to mention the friendly service, and lovely atmosphere.

Though this said I'm a fan of Milk & Honey in London so I was probably already sold.

A definite prime spot.

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Photo of Irka K.

 

0

24

Irka K.

Brooklyn, NY

3 star rating
10/29/2009

Ok the drinks are REALLY good but it is loud, dark and overcrowded. Bartenders are very helpful and make good recommendations. This place makes me want to try  Milk and Honey that much more, just not at 2 am :) (that's the only time that they have texted to let me know that there is some room for me)

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Photo of mike c.

 

7

38

mike c.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/2/2009

Best of New york---hmmm--perhaps.  Impeccable service-great music-amazing mixologists in an adult sophisticated intimate setting.

This is a winning recipe and must be experienced.

Bartender's choice-and any discerning yelpers choice I hope!

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Photo of Matt R.

 

5

35

Matt R.

New York, NY

5 star rating
10/29/2009

A favorite of mine and my friends. The bartenders can make some great cocktails and the live jazz band it great. Solid for a pre-game drink or a date. Just stop telling your friends about this place!

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Photo of Ben K.

Elite '09

49

185

Ben K.

Chicago, IL

4 star rating
8/28/2009

Ummmmm yeah this place is pretty sweet.  I'm not sure I'm quite "hip" enough to really blend in here but I have to say I was very impressed when I descended the steep narrow staircase into this underground lounge that is a virtual catacomb of loud jazz music, narrow passageways and close-quartered seating.

I quickly found my internal metronome enjoying the meandering of the cellist's walking bass line and when our waiter came over I was feeling fairly whimsical and ordered "something along the lines of a whisky sour with an interesting twist"

I got a pretty awesome beverage whose major distinguishing twist was the addition of whipped egg whites.  Extra points for using one massive ice cube rather than a bunch of small ones that melt more quickly.  The price tag was pretty steep ($15 I believe) but hey you're coming here for something special right?

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Photo of J C.

 

3

55

J C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/15/2009

As a cocktail geek, talk of ice cubes formed especially for certain glasses and/or for their cooling properties indicated to me that I had finally found what i was looking for in New York -- a Great mixology bar.  Yes, it's a speakeasy, but living here means you don't have to brave the Friday nights.  It's not about the crowd, after all, but the mixologists, the music, the ambiance... and yes I did feel transported back to an earlier and perhaps better time.

The best part of the evening: bartender's choice.  Finally -- creative mixologists who are not just robotically following a jigger equation.  

Note: Yes, I can see it as a first date location, but standing near the bar means you can watch the masters at work.  Seeing a block of ice expertly chipped by a precise blow from a mixologist wielding a metal spoon/straw (yum) is well worth foregoing a booth.

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Photo of Laura A.

Elite '09

94

119

Laura A.

New York, NY

4 star rating
8/22/2009

In the middle of nowhere, in a careless looks like white building with some grafittis in the wall, and a questionable useful ATM, you will see a grey/blue door at the corner with a barely visible name printed on it: Little Branch. The stylish bouncer and the dressy people in a line outside is the clue to give you the confident that you are heading the right place.

I was a Friday night, 12:30ish. Looks like everyone can get in without trouble after several minutes waiting; which we realize later that the bouncer use it to count...by hand... the #people inside. That night it was full enough to create life but not uncomfortable crowded. Looks like the old fashioned count method works. Dressy or not, if you are allowed to drink, you can get in. And I like that.

Little branch is located underground. After a "dangerous" descent through an steep stair passing through a red curtain that add some more mystery, you will enter in a totally different world.  Soflty-medium candle lights, background jazz music, intimate; classical/elegant and cool/modern mix ambiance. People in their 25-35, mostly small groups of friends with pretty drinks in front of them. Yeah, the drinks are gorgeous. Very colorful in separate layers, either color and/or textures, some of them with a fruit in the top. What I'm gonna choose then?

Checking the menu you will see a list of interesting drinks, described with detail. You will want more that one. The drinks are cheap; $12-15 for outstanding mixed drinks.. worth that . The mixologists attitude is very professional. You maybe feel intimidate with such a control of the situation, the confident that they show, and how many different tools they use for your drink. I think they enjoy showing you their art. And I like that.

Our mixologist was amazing. Since it was difficult to choose, I asked her the personalized drinks: Bartender choice and what they call, Antidepressant. Tell her/him your favorite flavor and alcohol.. and voilà... beautiful. What we got wasn't the best I ever had. Too gingerish, too much even for me. Little sour, I missed sweetness... so is not that amazing? I didn't like that much but I'm really impressed? that mean.    

Little branch, belongs to this top mixed drinks venues and can be include in the list of the "you have to work a Little to deserve a spot"... with Little Branch your work is almost done:

1st  step:  know about it;
2nd step:  yelp it
3rd step:  get cash, show up there, show your ID and wait.. wait..  
4rd and following: watch your step.... and enjoy.

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Photo of H R.

 

0

14

H R.

New York, NY

5 star rating
9/16/2009

Made it to Little Branch on a Tuesday around 7:30. Early and on a weekday seems to be just the way to go for maximum chill factor. Because you want to go here to chill and sip a fabulous drink and not worry about who is there and what you are wearing.

They've got a recession-special menu going these days with two $9 specialty cocktails. I had one of those to start; a rum-citrus-dark rum thing, it came with crushed ice piled high, almost floating on top of the drink itself, with a lemon wedge perched in the middle--giving the drink a lemony nose without an overly puckery sipping experience. Add a metal straw and I'm loving life. For my second I went Bartender's Choice and our waitress brought me The Gershwin. First sip and I heard bells and a choir. If I were a drink it would be this one. Gin, rose water, lime juice and ginger. Spicy and sweet, zippy and deeply delicious.  

We'll be back.

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Photo of Meredith F.

Elite '09

36

212

Meredith F.

Jamaica, NY

5 star rating
8/17/2009

This is a bar for grown-ups.  The music is subdued, the crowd is well-dressed and well-behaved, the staff is polite, and the drinks are meant to be enjoyed.  There is no sign on the door, which can be confusing, but it's in a little white building on the corner of 7th Ave. & Leroy St.  The "bouncer" was a slim man dressed in powder blue pants, a pink button-down shirt, a tie, and suspenders.  He was very helpful: when my friend let him know we were expecting one more friend, he gladly agreed to show her to our party once we were inside since a steadily growing line had formed behind us.  (And he followed through--asking our friend, "You're Katie, right?" before she even had the chance to open her mouth.)

There is a drink menu, but if you have more specific tastes, you can go to the bartenders (who are true mixologists) and just tell them what you are looking for.  I told mine I wanted a cucumber-mintey-limey drink, and she delivered.  The ice was in a tube almost the height of the glass, so it didn't melt completely and water down the drink.  And I drank through my first metal straw.  Yes, it was $13, but for such a well-made drink, it was worth it.

We put our name in for a table, and received one within 15-20 minutes of our arrival.  Once seated, we received a plate of pretzels and a very attentive waitress, who brought us water upon request without complaint.

There is definitely a speakeasy vibe going on: the female bartenders dress in a 20's-inspired style, and it is actually located in a basement.  Another throwback: cash only.  So hit the ATM before you hit the sauce.

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Photo of Jen Y.

 

20

58

Jen Y.

San Francisco, CA

4 star rating
8/30/2009

A friend introduced us to this hidden gem, and it's exterior is completely deceiving.  It is on a street corner and looks like a storage unit or garage.  I was totally surprised to see a doorman sitting on a stool outside.

When we got inside, it was underground and dimly lit.  It had a really intimate, exclusive feel to it.  Our friend told us to order "bartender's choice" and request our favorite types of alcohol, flavors, etc.  We got drinks with ginger, rose water, lime and mint.  It was really unique and delicious!  

I loved that our servers and bartenders were very quirky and dressed super old school.

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Photo of Doris L.

Elite '09

103

103

Doris L.

Weston, FL

4 star rating
6/29/2009

Found this place on a great NY Yelp list, called "Speakeasy" (Becca S.' lists are stellar.)

Stumbled in after midnight on a Sunday -- I love NY.  I had a Manhattan because the place looks and feels like that drink - dark and smooth and strong and sweet - but not too sweet. Fun to play with the cherry. I think I stopped by here during my last NY jaunt - and we couldn't get in because they were "full."  Now that I know what the inside looks like, I can see why.  It's pretty small - and dark and and a little stuffy.  I liked it.

I'm having trouble remembering details.  The crowd felt like they had all been there before. The bartender was cute in his tie. I felt like I would be back again.  I also felt a wee bit of a headache the next morning.

Cool and laid back.  Well poured drinks.  Ah yes - it's all coming back to me. It was lovely.

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Photo of Max G.

 

9

16

Max G.

San Mateo, CA

5 star rating
8/29/2009

OK, I love this bar.  In my opinion it's what an amazing jazz club would have been like back in the old days.

Be prepared for a usually not too long wait, but enjoy a fantastic menu from a great set of slingers and wait staff.  All the standard accoutrements: fresh juices and syrups, classic as well as inventive menu, dimly lit and sub street level.

Think a public and casual version of M&H.  Definitely not to be missed if you're looking for a fun night in the city.

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26

6

mel t.

New York, NY

4 star rating
6/27/2009

Little Branch is a one of a kind in NYC and one of my favorite places to raise my blood alcohol level.  Enter the room and your eyes soak in a casual scene with soft lights and great music.  the set up is a throw back from another era...smartly dressed bartenders, underground vibe and a group of patrons that blend in with it all perfectly.

Its almost too relaxing, in fact.  i have spent hours saying "ok, ok, just one more round".  leaving is a challenge, i tell you.  The mixologist are some of the best i've seen in the world.  Always looking for adventure, i routinely let the startenders make up something unique for the first two rounds.   they have never failed to amaze.

Given all that is great about this place, you may find that it is hard to be abstemious with your intake.  just remember there are 15 steps between  you and the street level.

see you there

enjoy

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Elite '09

53

132

rusty r.

Brooklyn, NY

5 star rating
8/10/2009

The groovy & melodic live jazz (on a Sunday night, no less!)

JAM.

The Little Italy Cocktails... perfect blend of Rye, Vermouth, and Cynar.

JAM.

The flickering candles and fantastic ambience.

JAM.

What can I say, one of my favorite cocktails bars in the city. Tell the bartender your preferred base spirit and let them work their magic. Just go with it, and be introduced to something new. This place is top notch... the best of the best.

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2

17

Matthew C.

Pennington, NJ

4 star rating
10/4/2009

I love this place...But here is the deal...You have to wait to get it in..no problem because it's small and speekeasy style.  The decor is really classy and the drinks are done very professionally (they measure each ingredient, not just pour).  However, they are priced very high.  Go for the experience and be sure to order a really fancy hard to find cocktail.  My favorite is the Sazerac. Excellent!

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52

138

sarah t.

Los Angeles, CA

5 star rating
7/19/2009

's my faaaaavorite barrrr.

Sorry for the slurring but the drinks here are so dandy, I'm enjoying myself a little too much.

I love how this bar has a personality. But not the kind of personality that's about how cool guys are and how hot girls dress. It's about the spunky bartenders and how they are drink geniuses!

Old school cocktails...absinthe, rum, seltzer and the like. And there's even a cocktail whipped up with egg white. TRY IT, I know, I squirmed when I first heard that. These guys are SERIOUS about their craft. Even in iced drinks, they stick in a butter-sized stick of ice rather than cubes. Why? Because a crapload of ice cubes have more surface area and melt faster--thus diluting your drink. So these guys have engineered it so that silliness is not happening. Jean-e-us.

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Elite '09

6

37

Adam K.

Denver, CO

5 star rating
7/22/2009

Little Branch was THE BEST place I have ever been for drinks....hands down.  

You win the coveted 5th star from me.  Not too many places get it as I am very very very stingy with my 5th star.  Never has a place impressed me so much with its class, ambiance, and ITS DRINKS!  This is not the type of place you order a vodka soda or a beer.  If you want a place like that, please go somewhere else...there are a million people waiting outside for you to leave.

Anyways, we show up, wait in line...finally get in and there are only 25 people downstairs.  Little Branch is a small, quaint speakeasy.  There are several little booths and a small area in front of the bar.

The bartender asked what I was feeling like....I told him, " something citrusy, with a hint of cucumber, but not sweet and no gin or tonic."  He made it, almost like he's done it a thousand times before.  It tasted.......perfect!  The coolest part of the drink is the ice cube.  There is only one ice cube per drink which makes for a very cold and less watered down beverage....which is amazing!

As we were waiting at the bar for a table to open up drinking our amazing drinks and this kind bartender offered us a complimentary shot of rum which was a nice touch.  You can tell that the bartenders at Little Branch take their job very seriously and actually enjoy what they do.

I could go on and on about this place.  Any other place that charges $13 a drink I would say is expensive, but at Little Branch....it's worth every single penny.

I wish there was a 6th star.

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6

41

jamia w.

New York, NY

5 star rating
8/20/2009

I always have a blast at Little Branch. I love the 20s speakeasy vibe, and the quaint class that radiates out of every little molecule of space in Little Branch is to die for. I love everything from the dandy mixologists, to the dapper doormen, to the shells they put your check on at the end of your night. I adore that they have rules that prohibit obnoxious men from hitting on on women while we're just having a good time.
Little Branch has an amazing vibe and the scene is lovely without being pretentious or cold. The line for Little Branch can be frustrating when it is cold outside, but it has never been too much of a bother. I love it there and hope to return soo.

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