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Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Flatiron14th St-6th Aves (F, V, L, 1, 2, 3)
14th Street (PATH)
23rd St-Broadway (R, W)
Mon-Thu. 5:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Fri-Sat. 5:30 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sun. 8:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
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I don't know about others, but I had to circle the area a couple times before I figured out that this obscure staircase right next to Chelsea Hotel is the entrance to Raines Law Room.
Starting with the obscure location and the doorbell I had to ring to be let in, I felt like I was transported back to the 20s and 30s. Just imagine me in a trench coat with the collar unfolded hiding part of my face, top that off with a hat concealing my features even more. I had to tiptoe down and watch my surroundings to make sure I am not being followed. As soon as I enter Raines Law Room, I discard the trench coat and hat and take a seat among my peers while sipping on an alcoholic cocktail.
The dark ambience and the seats in addition to the manner of calling your waitress (there's a string next to the seats that you pull to alert that service is needed) all add to it being a speakeasy. Definitely a great experience with the delicious alcoholic concoctions to accompany.
Admittedly I'm not huge into the speakeasy trend, but I try to keep up with the cocktail charisma of longtime pal Neema B every once in a while.
The experience is the concoction of genius mixology: a dashing doorman, charming cocktails, luscious lighting, a murky musical mix and a perfect amount of people to create the most intoxicating lull of ambient sound...
Very excited to have a neighborhood speakeasy here - just two blocks from where i live. the small size means entry is never guaranteed (especially on weekends). There may be some special # but I'm not cool enough to have it. Anyway, highly recommended but on a weekend the door policy kind of sucks (but at least it seems fair, first come first serve and you only get in when a table opens). Go on a Monday night. Enjoy the great atmosphere, private areas, and the fact that nobody is standing.
Excellent and unique mixed drinks. I had the amoxicillin. Good chance you'll find me hear a few times a month.
If you're not cool enough to score a Milk and Honey reservation, can't navigate the phonebooth at PDT, no available seat at Death and Co., get lost in Yokocho trying to find Angel's Share - Raines Law Room may be your speakeasy haven.
Down the steps, ring the doorbell, and suddenly the date is January 1920 and the Prohibition Law has just been enacted. You're sipping Pimm's Cup and Communist's Daughter in someone's chic and intimate living room and going for refills in the pseudo bar slash kitchen. The soundtrack is the only thing that is predictable. The mixology trend is clearly evinced in this setting - you're sipping on freshly muddled cocktails on plush furniture, lit candles, and a severe old-school ambience.
Five stars in my book. See you later Apotheke.
From a indecent scenario to one of the best speakeasies in our current time, looks like Raines Law Rooms will be always open for business and very successful. Back in the beginning of 20th Century the Raines law prohibited to drink alcohol on Sundays, the day where men could do it, except for hotel's guest in their rooms; saloons quickly added rooms and get the license to serve alcohol.. alcohol for men and rooms to hide prohibited or commercial love (http://en.wikipedia.or...)
Located downstairs, with a private house look, ring the bell, wait for Paul and praise to get a table. Armchairs, sofas, small coffee and side tables, table lamps, a fireplace, carpet, semiprivate spaces separate by curtains for small groups. Soft lights, sexy ambiance..somehow love is still a main theme in the Room. Don't cry if you have to wait for a table for a little bit.. the Kitchen-bar where Paul will bring you until to be seated is a must see. A kitchen, literally, with the mixologist, all women by the way, around you. Honestly I could resume repeating what I said above. A classical and elegant house, outside and inside.
I have been several times already. The ambiance, the service; friendly, nice, professional,... and the list below will make me come back.. for a legal and decent drinking. I swear
- If You like Sweet, Strong and delicate.. SPYGLASS a 18yr rum, champagne and fruit scents like lemon and cherries, I'm surrounded to this one. EL DIABLO, old tequila, lime juice and ginger soda with a touch of Dijon and FRESH FRUIT FIZZ, gin and pomegranate this time but variable depending the season.
- For Whiskey Lovers, ICONOCLAST scotch, citrus scents , Marie brizard creme de cacao among other components. HIGHLAND, 22yr scotch and.... what else you need to know?... and finally, SMOKE and MIRRORS with 2 different ages scotch, both old, apricot infused brandy and grapefruit.. tasted like smoked meat, bacon?
The ambiance is an addiction. The drinks are strong, seriously, very strong. At the end you will leave the room as a man.
1) There was a cockroach on our table.
2) This is a place for wannabe scenesters and the B&T crowd.
3) Drinks were weak and heavy on the ice.
We bounced to the Flatiron Lounge and were really happy about the change. People must be five-starring the chance to feel like they 'know a good speakeasy', not the experience itself.
Fantastic little place.
Can't say that the process of getting in was much to my liking - with the doorman closing and locking the door on us and then coming back 5 mins later to graciously allow us to enter.
Other than that though - had an amazing time - beautiful little cozy place.
Thing about cocktails is though that they're all bastardized versions of something else - so for me personally, the drinks are not really the highlight - but rather the uniqueness of the place itself that would make me want to return.
If you play your cards right, this is the perfect place to take a few friends and have a chill drink. I would recommend going late on a weeknight with just a few people.
I had the Rickey, which was delicious, but I am not into fancy cocktails. I liked the wine and beer selection that was available.
The ambiance is great. Because there are so few tables, and therefore patrons, it feels more like someone's living room than a bar. You can actually hear your friends talk, which is worth the higher prices.
Also, super bonus points for the erotic wallpaper:
http://www.apartmentth...
Well considering the NYC back lash has undoubtedly prob already began...which is why I don't hesitate to review, no point in keeping it a secret.
Worth the experience. Novel idea with the kitchen bar.
This place is cute and makes Flatiron District more appeasing for the typical downtowner. You ring the door bell to be greeted by a door guy and than when you order your drinks each table seating has a knob to press to let the server or maitre d signal to come to take your order.
I love the Pimm's Cup and this one Meddles Strawberry Cocktails. It's an overall sophisticated law-room like atmosphere with a kitchen that makes you feel like you are in a house that got rented out for a private party with a private chef and bartender making food and drinks. The cocktails are great and well priced.
Things I enjoyed:
1) the pull-chain service bell
2) feeling the most refreshingly top shelf drunk I ever have in my life
3) several rounds worth of premium cocktails for a party of six that only came out to about $170. Not exactly bargain basement, but probably a better value than next door at Splash.
4) super-comfy chairs amid sumptuously private six top booths.
Things I did not enjoy:
1) being told very humorlessly by every server who came by that I needed to do de-activate the pull-chain service bell.
2) having to clear out at 11:00 because they neglected to point out that there was a private party scheduled for later that night.
3) the all too predictable Coletrane/Holliday/Miles Davis soundtrack.
On the whole, the pros outweigh the cons. Charming ambience, which for all its pretenses, remains uncrowded and un-hurried, even when the place fills up.
Nice place to go if you want something a little different. It was nice to be able to hear the rest of my group and have room to walk around -- not something you find in most bars. The actually have private booths with little switches on the walls to call over your bartender. Nice touch.
I love this place, great drinks! Funky atmosphere and awesome wallpaper! Be prepared it's tough to get in.
I freely admit to my cocktail snobbery. I'm also shamelessly into this speakeasy trend. Deride me as you will, but I think there's something to be said for places that are about quality drinks and a chill atmosphere, gimmicky as they may be.
We arrived early, at about 6:30PM. I can't imagine what this place would be like it were full, but there was plenty of room at that hour, and we sat down in some of the vintage velvet armchairs. Marvellous.
Their house cocktails are excellent, and in line, price-wise, with other places--starting at $13 and going up to twenty-something bucks if you want one of their more outlandish creations with vintage spirits and baby tears, rocking-horse droppings, or whatever they put in them. I had the "Suffering Bastard"; a bourbon and gin drink with citrus and muddled ginger. Spicy and smooth.
My colleague ordered their Old-Fashioned, and I was gratified to see that it was served as the original recipe calls for: without fruit or soda-water and just with some lemon peel.
I can't speak to the door policy in the late evenings, or the clientele on the weekends, but we thoroughly enjoyed our time there and I'd be glad to return.
Ughh, are you kidding me with this place???
So some friends finally managed to drag me here after I've categorically refused to try any more new "speakeasies..." when it opened. Don't get me wrong, I'm still a total snob about a good drink, but I have no more patience for these fucktarded pretensions at these dilettante joints. I'm sticking with my old habits for the good stuff, thank ye very much.
Top 5 Reasons to Stay Away
5. Really, you call this a drink?
4. Pardon, you're charging us how much for this rubbish?
3. A bell?
2. Who the fuck are you, and why are we paying you tip not to know how to take an order or bring the drinks without spilling half of it, about 10 years after we ordered them?
1. Our BS threshold was exceeded by the ridiculous crowd we found on the Wednesday night we went... we marveled at how people could look themselves in the mirror being such douches and tools... just because you passed by Susan Sarandon on the street does not mean you are any less lame than you already are, you don't own a yacht so stop acting like you do, and being an asshole banker is so ten years ago, so start acting like a real person.
The only saving grace: pretty damn comfy chairs... my ass wanted to take one with me for the road.
Ok, last night I was in a hotel lounge ordering in some customized cocktails and 12 years old scotch by pulling some strings. That was what exactly happened in Raines Law Room.
It was how God showed me how much he loved me, the poor soul who has been non-stop stressed w/ sleepless nights for last couple of weeks. Last week, we had to turn away due to this private party. But tonight, even with another birthday private party, Paul the host made it happen when I told him I really need some drinks and he remembered us from last week. Then, one hour wait became a 10 min wait. We could not see the inside by his peeking the head out of the door and we kind of expected to see another speakeasy bar of dark and beaten down underground. However, with the walk in I heard a "Hwa" sound from the above. Very unexpected and oh-so-lovely elegant flower arrangement.
Without knowing any background, the instant impression was a posh hotel lounge. Reminding me of Ritz Carton but, more modern and intimate. Gorgeous classic tufted chairs and sofas, mirrored tables and warm amber light stands. Even the little Hamptonbay fan completes the look. Every tables have a string on the brick wall that looks like a light switch but it is for your room(?) service call. Upon pulling the string, the light button comes on until your waitress hear your request. What an innovative idea like a light bulb moment? It also reflects respect for your privacy and un-intrusive professional manners. The waitress were dressed in killer cocktail dresses made me feel naked, but I am not detecting any attitude, all but classy and elegant.
When you open the thick menu like hard cover law book, you can read about the background of Raines Law. But to summarize, Raines Law is an American liquor tax law passed on 1896 which tried to control alcohol consumption by prohibiting liquor sales on Sundays when is the only full day for six-day working people to drink in saloons, except for hotels. That consequently created and popularized Hotel bars, so called Raines Law Hotels. However, I was there on Thursday night... Sunday night would be perfect for me to honor the law, but I could not wait until Sunday~~~ dang..
Ok, enuff with the blahs.......
We had Spyglass($16), El Diablo($13) and Highland old fashioned. I loved spyglass so much and swallowed it like fruit punch. The 18 yr old rum and brandied cherry and champagne was perfect ensemblo-matic. El Diablo has tequila and home-made ginger ale but the twist is the dijon. Highland old fashioned is strong ($23) but well worth.. Paul tells me you don't need any other drinks. The 12 years old scotch w/ orange bitter and Demerara Sugar Cube, just burnt down my chest like butterfly desiring an open flame. Who made the ice cube so perfectly round? Oh Lord, I am buzzed then drunk~!!! finally..
Now I got a call from Paul the host while sitting in my chair, us looking at and talking to each other... realized he was calling me to let me know he just got a spot open for me on my cellphone, that I have wrote down on the waiting list earlier that night... he forgot to cross me out when we got in. LOL So.. looks like he does call people as soon as a spot opens. Bravo~!! See? I told you - great service~!!
It was a bit loud everyone is pretty much into their own conversations in their own tables and of course, there is no standing. Music from Radio Head played most of the time so I wasn't complaining. I didn't have a good tour to the kitchen since the back room was filled with private party but I could see the kitchen where everyone is making drinks on the middle kitchen Island.
Definitely coming back for more. I love the ambience and the idea of being room(?)/table serviced. And killer DRINKS!! Certainly revived my poor soul to a happily fluttering bird. Thanks to the Raines Law!~
List: NYC Speakeasies
http://www.yelp.com/li...
I think Sarah W's review here is sufficiently comprehensive.
In terms of interior decor, unbeatable. They certainly went all out. You won't find a place like this in Manhattan, except maybe in a well-preserved pre-war building like The Plaza Hotel. I mean seriously, how many bars have you walked into that had an island kitchen as the bar counter? Oven roasted turkey anyone?
Yeah, the drinks aren't entirely original, but having to crack open that 'law book' already sparks your interest. They at least have a couple highly demanded drinks like the Pisco Punch (though I think that's Pegu's top choice).
With the Flat Iron area being so sparse at night, Raines Law Room adds a little something appropriate. So go ring that door bell and enjoy the inviting abode.
Pretty cool atmosphere for a speakeasy. A lot easier to get into then PDT or Milk & Honey. And the staff was extremely friendly and knowledgable, not pretentious at all unlike some of the other speakeasy's where they act like its a privelage for them to even serve you. Will definitely be coming back here.
This just might be the most civilized place in the world. First, speakeasy. (Had to put that in for the search queries to find it.) Second, they do pretty much all of it right. The environment, the drinks, the professionalism of the staff. Less "stuffy" than some others (*Cough*Little Branch*Cough*). In fact, a touch of arrogance seems to be part of the culture with speakeasy staff, especially bartenders; that attitude went the way of the dodo in French restaurants and I pray it does the same for this genre.) In fact, you won't find pretense here. Formality. yes.
Seriously, just go here. You may find yourself wanting to redo your kitchen once you see their bar area.
I loved Raines Law Room. Great place to go with a small group of people (maybe 2 or 3). The bar in the back with the island is so unique and it totally feels like you're just standing around in someone's kitchen. I tried the Pisco Punch which was far too fruity (my fault of course... it is a punch after all) and the Old Cuban that was quite yummy. My aunt doesn't really drink and so waitress asked about her preferences and the bartenders made her some nice virgin drinks.
The bar is pretty small but really cozy and dark. Also, I like bars where you don't have to yell to be heard. Will definitely be back.
I thought that I was over the whole neo-speakeasy mixologist trend but I guess not.
You walk down the steps of a unmarked building, ring the doorbell, and are transported back into a scene from the prohibition era. There are plenty of private tables and velvet couches all equipped with wall buzzers that will summon your waitress.
The first page on the menu states:
"The Raines law was passed on March 23, 1896, by the New York State Legislature. It was nominally a liquor tax, but its intention was to curb the consumption of alcohol by imposing regulations."
Interesting fact but trust me, you will not be able to curb your alcohol consumption with a cocktail list provided by Milk&Honey. The bar/kitchen brought me a Mint Julep, Sidecar, and a Old Cuban and I was very pleased with quality of the drinks.
It was raining last Sunday so I didn't get a chance to check out their backyard courtyard but I was completely satisfied with our table.
To compare Raines with my other favorite speakeasies:
-Not as dreary as Death & Co.
-Better sexual pictures in the bathroom than the basement of Macao
-A more sophisticated vibe than Apotheke
RLR's winning point is its ambiance. Gentle, youthful tunes; elegant, inviting, dark-wood-dark-velvet booths a modest touch shy of 'sexy', and a bright, bulbous mixology station in the back resembling a nineteenth century chemistry lab give way to . . .alright-drinks.
(Although, to be fair - as a slack-jawed newbie to cocktails of the fancypants speakeasy (read: $13 - 20 a glass) ilk, I'm still feeling out my preferences - for sweet over dry vermouth, for bourbon-based versus gin-based, for a bunch of shampoo-flavored additives - mint, ginger, egg white, honey. . . )
I did not care for the Champagne-based dujour, or the Pimm's punch, but very much liked the bourbon-lemon-honey Gold Rush, and the similarly fixed Suffering Bastard. But I enjoyed my evening so much I've no doubt I'll be back frequently - well, that; and it's about thirty yards from home.
Paul, who was stationed at the door on the night we came, was a perfect gentleman. There wasn't room for us when we arrived but he took my mobile number and called when space became available.
The subterranean haunt isn't especially remarkable but we were seated on a comfortable, long sofa (likely the best in the house by my observation.)
I sampled both the fresh fruit fizz with blueberries and applejack and a maple cherry collins. Each was expertly crafted and provided a truly unique flavor profile. If you want adventure in your drinks (~$13 each), Raines Law Room is worth a trip.
I didn't care at all for the music. It didn't seem to mesh well with the surroundings (perhaps it was an afterthought?)
In these parts, I'd probably choose Flatiron Lounge over Raines Law Room but that's more a testament to Flatiron than a rip on Raines.
Start from the beginning....a day in the night of my nightlife, if you will.
First, the door. No one there. Shady. Dark. Knock knock knock. Out comes token French doorman. Wait a moment, let me see if I can house your six? Returns, 30 seconds later...please follow me. Group was mixed men and women. Score-easy to get into. No issues there.
Seating. Beautiful. Fuzzy couches, dark, low lighting. Always nice. Romantic, good for snuggling. You call the waitress using some doorbell thing on the wall. Only negative? French doorman comes to wake up friend, who falls asleep. We are getting older...
Drinks-wonderful. Fresh. Watched them make the drinks in a room toward the back, somewhat kitchen-esque. Ask for the spicy drink-a julio something or other. The ramble was quite good, although somewhat candyish, as well.
All in all a beautiful experience.
This place is pretty awesome. It's a hidden-ish entrance on 17th street, which I only even noticed b/c of some kind of roping around it. You ring a door bell and a gentleman answers the door. There weren't any tables when I went, but we hung out at the bar until a table opened up. The drinks seemed pretty unique - you know - the whole "this is a speakeasy our bartenders make fancy special drinks" a la PDT, Backdoor, etc.
The ambience is dimly lit and makes you feel like you are in a secret den/living room. When you are standing at the bar, you feel as though you are literally in someone's kitchen for an intimate dinner party.
I wish I could remember the drinks we ordered...I know one was a classic cocktail (i.e. an old cuban or something) and one was a fancier drink. The cool thing is when you are seated at a table, there is a light switch that you can hit when you want the waitress to swing by your table. Otherwise, they leave you alone. Genius!
Good for: dates, small groups of friends. Bad for: getting sloshed for a wild night on the town. This place is classy :)
I would certainly go back!
Speak Easy ! Opening a place like that is not easy... The line between abiance and costume and mascerade is very thin.... But this place made it very well.. A homage to the 20s and 30s... This place is the perfect chill out and offers amazing drinks... listen carefully to the drink specials...
This place has potential written all over it. The space itself is a-maaa-zing. It's demure and super sexy. My favorite thing about it is the kitchen area/bar in the back. It's like walking into someone's kitchen and ordering a drink. In fact, that is exactly what you are doing if you find yourself back here.
Aside from the ambience, the drinks are mediocre. The staff (aside from the doorman) is extremely slow. 1 drink order in 30 minutes? Probably because there's only ONE bartender working the back! I guess this is the place to go to if you want to nurse whatever you order. The waitress got our drink orders all mixed up and didn't even know what she had brought out! The people across from me bounced after about five minutes because they hated their drinks. Yikes! They have this lighter buzzer system that is useless and doesn't work like it's meant to. I swear I pulled that thing twice and waited for 15 minutes before our waitress came over.
"Hello lover," she whispered, her breath laced with absinthe.
Yes, if you're planning a cozy, gin-drizzled, rendezvous of the sort where you'd prefer not to run into anyone you know (or happen to be married to), step through the unmarked door of Raines Law Room.
Or, okay if you're me, meet your favorite cocktail-swilling girlfriend for some of the best drinks in Manhattan. Seriously, I've had cocktails I still dream about at this place. It has a cool, speakeasy feel without coming off as cheesy, beautiful dim lighting, and soft, inviting chairs and love-seats. Also, when you go, have a look at the wallpaper. Hint: those aren't flowers.
I just have one suggestion, not for the bar, but for you, dear potential co-patron: Please leave your flip-flops at home. This place is gorgeous. I'm not saying you need to wear a top-hat and tails, but please don't spoil the fun for the rest of us with your wife-beater. Thanks.
I'm almost hesitant to write this because I'm scared more people would find out about this great place!
on a crazy whim, i decided that a day trip to ny (from boston) would be fun, plus, the barneys warehouse sale was going on, so i thought that was enough reason to rationalize what would otherwise be considered crazy behavior. Typical of ny fashion, and to quote carrey bradshaw, "ny weather is sometimes unpredictable like ny men". The men part, i have yet to discover, but the weather part........it manages to rain during my short trip there.
Slightly ironic that I'd find shelter at a place called raines (har har) law room, but I'm sure glad I did. The dim, welcoming and cozy space was exactly what I needed. Combined with tasty and refreshing drinks. A perfect escape to the crappy weather.
Too bad I was on a time crunch and couldn't really enjoy or try more than one drink, but i'd definitely be back for more.
I am a big fan of these speakeasy type places. I don't care how much the drink costs, I like quality not quantity. And this place has great drinks, the old cuban was my favorite.
Standing in the bar/kitchen is very cool. There are doorbell type buttons on the wall that you can press to get service, I didn't use it but it looks cool.
The only bad thing about being on a date was that the big chairs are sort of far apart, so I had to lean a lot to talk.
Similar feel to little branch and Dutch kills. It kind of felt like I was in an old train caboose.
Make sure you know the exact address, cause like Little branch, the name is very small.
I'd been meaning to get to Raines Law Room on a number of occasions, but failed to do so on one particular night due to the wait time. They do offer to call you when there is an opening, a nice touch I've seen a few watering holes take up. So on this particular evening I was the first to arrive and directed to the back bar to wait for my party and a table. As has been mentioned by others, the back bar feels as though you are drinking in one's kitchen. Complete with a dishwasher, sink, cabinets and an island, the bar did make for a comfortable setting, but at times left one feeling slightly awkward, as though in the kitchen of someone whom you've just met and are watching prepare the evening's treats, but been told that there is nothing to help with. I can't recall all of the cocktails I consumed, but do remember one, the Suffering Bastard. A libation that included bourbon, gin, lemon juice, sugar and ginger. It was quite tasty.
I also have to mention the tables, as there is a small chain that protrudes from what looks like a doorbell button. Upon pulling the chain, a waitress appears momentarily to tend to your needs. It was a charming thought and proved to work well on this particular evening. The front of the place has a few tables and lounges, but for the most part is an open space. Towards the back, but before reaching the bar, there are more lounges and booths, however these are a bit more partitioned off. On a side note, check out the bathroom; the wall paper may provide for some good advice if one ends up in particular situation at the end of the evening.
Additionally, the menu does provide a brief story as to the meaning of Raines Law. It is an interesting bit on how bars built "hotel" rooms in their establishment so as to circumvent Raines Law, which had prohibited them from selling spirits on Sundays.
Overall a cool place to pop into and just kitschy enough to bring the uninitiated and enjoy some smiles and looks of awe.
The space is sexy & sultry, dim & almost "secret society" like. Am I in a quaint Park Ave living room or an underground, illegal, breaking the prohibition law type bar in New Orleans? The BFF & I met a few locals/transplant friends here a few months back & it was an unforgettable experience. We were lead in the back, in the kitchen/prep area & chit chatted with the bar tenders as they took our drink orders. As mouth watering as their specials sounded, I wanted what I wanted that night: a bellini. They didn't have peach puree, so they made up a concoction of champagne & strawberry puree & it was heavenly. I can't wait to go back & experience walking down the steps, being ushered into the back & naming my own drink in a beautiful bar in a beautiful area of a beautiful city.
Yep. This place is above and beyond.
Quick summary - the drinks only get three stars. The space gets five. Six, if I could.
Stepping into Raines Law Room is walking into a narrative that's been constructed for you. It's not just a space - it's got a plot to it. And a set designer, a gaffer, and a customer interaction designer. All top-notch, I might add.
Step into the unassuming apartment building and ring the bell. You'll be invited in personally and welcomed, and you'll be in a restricted space, where a vintage phonograph, some tin types recessed in the wall, and some other terrific relics pepper the scene. You get the sense that you should straighten up and brush up your manners in case Virginia Woolf is on the other side of the curtain. In front of you is the "guest book," which lists the cocktails in hand-styled calligraphy. Fabulous.
Beyond the curtains the bar stretches in front of you - a narrow, dim corridor with pools of light accenting all of the interior design highlights. Gorgeous, soft chairs in muted colors. Old, framed mirrors lining the walls. Further down, booths of black velvet with personal curtains you can draw to isolate your party. And finally, a quaint country kitchen where the cocktails are made, the dangerously infectious popcorn is popped, and the food is prepared. It all comes together and you're in a totally different world.
But the magic is in the details. Read the menu and realize that this bar was named after a law that inadvertently catalyzed the proliferation of prostitution in saloon 'hotels'. See that motif played out on the seemingly harmless fleur-de-lis wallpaper - which in fact is comprised of images of tiny and varying acts of sexual play. Pull the chain to summon the waitress, and observe that it lights up a light with your table's number in the kitchen. Actually asking patrons to alter how they deal with the waitstaff is risky, and there is the problem that when you've had a few - you forget that you have the chain, and you wonder why the waitress hasn't been by. But ultimately I think it works.
Note that each glass that holds a drink is different from every other glass, that is, if you go the cocktail route.
Listen to the delightful playlist that ranges from obscure jazz to Beirut to Rufus Wainwright.
The lighting by the mirrors in the booths is no less than Rembrandt-esque. You can get some surprisingly fun photographs.
As for the drinks themselves - they were nice. All classic cocktails, though they will mix with vodka and they won't look at you funny. Not the best I've had, but certainly nice. The selection wasn't the most impressive and they said they had no plans to modify the list. I had a Rumble (which is a Bramble with rum instead), and it was decent. The Champs Elysees was less impressive, but it certainly wasn't a disappointment.
I cannot WAIT to go back, not so much for the finest cocktails on earth; I'll always go to Milk & Honey for that, but - just for the opportunity to step into another time and place, and to sit on that black velvet again. With that big, beautiful mirror, I admit I caught myself posing once or twice. How could you not?
I like Raines Law Room because it is well thought out, understated and sophisticated. And because it is easy to find if you know about it but difficult to run into if you don't.
We were a party of six and we arrived at about 10 PM on a Friday evening. Thankfully there was just enough place for us. At first look, I noticed that the lighting was brighter and the crowd slightly older than other places. We were seated in this little booth with a velvet sofa, sheer black curtains separating us from the other booths and a large mirror right in the center. For some reason it reminded me of a train compartment with booths. The use of the buzzer to call for the attendant was pretty unusual and took some time getting used to. I liked the bartender's work area, it kind of reminds one of a classy apartment kitchen.
Between the six of us, I think we tried pretty much every drink on the menu. My favourite was the gold rush - bourbon honey and lemon (please get that drink even if you don't like whiskey, I promise you it will be worth it). I liked the corpse reviver #2 as well - gin and cointreau and absinthe coming together beautifully. The old cuban was okay, it was sort of a mojito with dark rum and some bitters.
The staff is really friendly, especially the lady who buzzed us into the place. -1 star only because I would have liked to see a slightly more extensive drinks list, and because I couldn't try the popcorn (it was not vegetarian).
The speakeasy-styled bar seems to be all the rage but from my limited experience not easy to execute well. I thought Raines did it very well, they had style, sophistication and the bar is impeccably designed.
A great place to have an evening with people you want to chat with vs. shout at over loud music. Our drinks were very good. My one watch-out would be that if you are looking for a "quick" "simple" anything go somewhere else. Your drink will take time and it will be a complicated beverage, so you have to be ready to sit back and relax.
Great spot for serious drinks.
Dimly lit, dark, plush interior gives the place a classic, old school feeling, and reminds me of the classy living room I'll never have. You walk in and, as you're graciously escorted inside, feel as if you've entered someone else's wonderful living room. Step through the tiled kitchen to the back patio. Friendly, thoughtful staff and creative drinks made with care (cocktails with fresh muddled blackberries/grapes, full wine list, or staff recommendations if you're at a loss for what to choose). Average drink around $13. Solid find!
I absolutely love hidden cocktail lounges like this. You feel like you are inside someone's Park Avenue apartment when you are getting your perfect cocktail at the bar (or what appears to be a kitchen). I was pleasantly surprised to see they had female bartenders the night I went because it seems as if all the upscale cocktail lounges have male bartenders. Nice to see!
Perfect place for a romantic rendez-vous - comfortable seating arrangements with curtains, low lighting, the right amount of people, etc.
To Do List:
Smell the refreshing scent of lavender,
Sit back with comrades in a luxurious black booth,
Sip on elusively simple beverages drizzled with pure honey,
Soak up this aesthetic masterpiece which boasts brilliant decor and a dream kitchen,
and if you dare,
Surreptitiously glance at the scantily clad wallpaper.
This establishment epitomizes refinery, making it easy for me to laud Raines Law Room as the most distinguished speakeasy in town.
NB: Seek out a venue to go to while waiting for a call back from the host(ess)
"And the award for Best Bar Bathroom in New York City goes to...
Raines Law Room!"
Yes, we know it's fun to Peep at the namesake establishment, or try to do your business sans TP -- or any measures of sanitation for that matter -- at Welcome to the Johnson's. And yes, you might get *a show* over at Apotheke's stalls, or be intrigued by Ally McBeal-esque co-ed set-ups at other hotspots. But only in Raines Law Room's left bathroom will you spy yourself from EVERY angle while you tinkle, simultaneously studying amorous men in action all around. (Anyone remember this? "Oooh, what interesting china. It looks like young men playing leap frog!" - "The Birdcage"). There's also a gorgeous vanity, which contributes to the 360-effect, along with an old-fashioned table. (The drawer -- yes, I opened it -- contained an an antique-y postcard from Brussels).
I could go on. But then I wouldn't be telling you about the cocktail list. And what a marvelous, well-crafted little cocktail list Mr. McIlroy has created for us to enjoy. After a long day, let the Corpse Reviver No. 2 (gin, Contreau, Lillet blanc, lemon juice and absinthe) breathe some life into you. After doing just this, and sipping several of my friends' delicious selections, I veered off-menu with suggestions from our top-notch server Chase -- first with a blackberry bourbon concoction and then an amazing Morris cocktail (try your hand at one with this recipe: http://spiritsandcockt...).
And let's talk popcorn. Their recipe, we learned, is a secret. Or, as our soft-spoken host Paul informed us, it's just not theirs (I was waiting for him to say "je ne sais pas" in his adorable accent, but no luck). It's "sent from a neighboring establishment" (Le Petite Abeille). That may have been a euphemism for "trafficked in from another country," because none in our party would've been surprised if it was sprinkled with incredibly addictive, highly-illegal substances. Don't worry, it didn't slow us down. Seriously, I felt like the annoying brother in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe after the Queen gave him Turkish Delight!
Speaking of the Queen, I was treated like one all evening, from a gentile kiss on the hand as I walked in, to attentive service accommodating our every need. Unfortunately, my girls had to cool their heels for a few moments outside before joining me. The trade-off for making walk-ins possible here is that reservations aren't, so there's a chance you may wait for a table if you don't arrive early. Later my friend recounted an unfortunate encounter with the coat check attendant. But to me, these issues seemed minor (especially because they didn't happen to me ;-) in light of the overall amazing evening we enjoyed.
Now, I know what you're thinking. Another speakeasy / unmarked door / cocktail list with $10+ drinks / gorgeous interior complete with candlelight, privacy and near-perfection in every intimate every corner? You're right. You don't want to experience this. You'd rather leave it to me and my friends. Well, if you insist! ;-)
I can't even begin to explain my obsession with this place. If you could pick a drinking establishment to be your final resting place Raines would be my choice.
If you are looking for a decadent, fancy but inviting and comrotable place to take a small group of friends I highly suggest Raines. I don't know if it's great for dates since it can get a little loud when it's full.
The kitchen is beautiful and the cocktails are like drinking a story from when times were more elaborate and refined. You can taste the love that goes into creating each cocktail.
I like to sit at the booths near the kitchen to watch the masters at work. Everything at Raines is well thought out and highly detailed all the way down to the wallpaper...don't forget to take a peep.
Drink Specials:
Neighborhood: Park Slope
$3 glass of sangria
Neighborhood: Upper West Side
Neighborhood: Theater District
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Category: Lounges
Neighborhood: SoHo
Category: Lounges
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