We were in the East Village, post dinner, and wondered if we could get into
Mayahuel. After all, the place was written up the wazoo and seemed to have a good rep. It was late and the weekend but we gave it a shot.
Turns out it wasn't all that busy, with a healthy turnover both at the bar and the tables. We waited about 30 seconds outside and then got a few seats downstairs - with a warning that they still don't take credit cards. Guess that explains the turnover since how many people carry the cash to cover multiple rounds of $13 cocktails?
Our drinks were good but the flavors seemed a bit muted as opposed to our
first visit - we had loved the
Smoked Palomino, a sherry and mezcal cocktail, but this time the smokiness was MIA and the drink was fine, but nothing special. We also tried
La Vida Rosa, strawberry infused blanco tequila rose wine and elderflower, which was a refreshing summer drink but decidedly lighweight. Better, if not exactly unique, was the
Italian Inquisition, basically yet another riff on the Manhattan, with reposado tequila, punt e mes, averna and solerno, xocolati mole bitters. Rich and dark as night, it was a good way to finish off the evening.
Time will tell if Mayahuel becomes a New York classic a la Death & Co. But for now, it would be helpful to get a friggin' credit card system in.
Mayahuel remains at 304 East 6th Street.