The Traveling Bar is an on-going series where cocktail bloggers, bartenders and boozy professionals pick their favorite neighborhood watering holes. The West Village in NYC is home to one of the first modern-type speakeasies we’ve all come to love drinking at. Prairie Rose takes us past the neon glow of the Psychic sign for her favorite bar this week.
Who: Prairie Rose
Website: Bit By a Fox
Bar: Employees Only
Location: West Village (New York City)
1. What do you look for in a bar?
I like bars that are comfortable (booths are a bonus!), friendly, can attract a variety of clientele and have a little sex appeal. Also, they have to make a solid drink. Even if it’s a dive bar and all I’m getting is a rye whiskey and a splash of ginger ale, I’d like a nice glass of ice and fresh lime, please!
2. Here’s the scenario: your cocktail lovin’ friend is coming to your town for ONE night. You only have time for ONE bar. Which one is it?
I think Employees Only makes a pretty nice impression. But I would insist we go early in the night to avoid any trouble getting in.
3. What makes this place so special you’d bring them here?
EO was one of the first speakeasy type bars in NYC (they just celebrated their 10 year anniversary), they have a solid craft cocktail menu and the flattering lighting and attractive employees doesn’t hurt. You’re bound to chat up your neighbor, stick around for dinner,​ work your way through the cocktail menu, and stay well past your bedtime.
4. What do you order for your friend? What do you order for yourself?
I’d let my friend order for themselves. But I’m happy to recommend something, depending on what they’re most interested in. I love an aperitif cocktail and The Provençal – Lavender-infused Plymouth Gin stirred with Herbs de Provence-infused French Vermouth & Cointreau is a delightful one. And a safe bet is the crowd-pleasing AmelÃa – Aylesbury Duck Vodka & St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur shaken with puréed Blackberries & Fresh Lemon Juice.
5. Does the bar have food? If not, where would you go for a bite?
They DO have food and it’s good! The food menu has an old-world gentleman’s club steakhouse vibe to it. Oysters, caviar and lamb chops are on the menu – a good base for all those Manhattans you’ll be imbibing!
*Photos courtesy of Prairie Rose.
More Traveling Bar Posts found here!
It’s been too long since I’ve been to NYC. It’s a good to have a bar to in back pocket in case that changes. GREG
Heck yeah, love Employees Only! Can’t wait to make it back there – it’s been a while..
It’s on my list of places to visit when I go back. Gosh, it’s been SO long since I’ve been in NYC!