Showing posts with label East Village. Show all posts
Showing posts with label East Village. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Elsa
Formerly The Hanger and The Hanger Bar, the small East Village joint Elsa used to house a custom suit shop. And a bar. Simultaneously. Racks of suits now gone, the small front area still contains a display case of vintage clothes, all of which are for sale.
I wandered in early on a windy, cold, Monday evening, but was still surprised to find only one other table occupied. I was immediately greeted warmly, and, with no stools at the bar, I was invited to grab any table. I walked past the light-wood, candled bar which stood opposite a few small booths to an area of long booths and small, round marble tables, and nestled myself into a corner.
White walls and funky mirror somehow give the place an inviting feel--like your grandmother's front porch. The light wood and candles make everything seem welcoming and intimate, even when the weather outside is chilly.
After sitting down, I was promptly handed a cocktail list, and the lovely waitress answered my questions about their house cocktails knowledgeably. I chose the Wild Kindness, made with Creme de Violette, gin, orange blossom water and dry vermouth. It arrived in a martini glass, dantily garnished with a little flower bud. Very sweet and delicate, just like the drink. The drink was well-balanced and nicely strong, with the dryness of the gin cutting the sweetness of the Creme de Violette nicely.
If you're in the area and looking for a good drink with a friend, and want to avoid the more hyped-up places, check it out. Or go later in the evening, or on weekends when the place is more crowded. Definitely down-to-earth, this place is fun, welcoming, and relaxed.
Visit date: 3/15/10
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