We've been to Tailor at least half a dozen times since it opened and it remains an enigma to us. The subterranean bar, with adventurous drinks by mixologist Eben Freeman, remains a draw yet the place seems to still suffer a case of disjointedness. On the one hand, it has curry popcorn, as addictive as it gets for bar snacks, and a few seriously good drinks. On the other, it has sky high expectations, lots of hype and high prices to boot. Does it stand up to the the expectations? The answer is mainly yes, though it's not entirely successful from a barfly's point of view.
We have drunk through the cocktail list nearly from top to bottom since Tailor opened over a year ago. There is a lot to recommend - the Nutty Monk (walnut cognac, benedictine, bitters $14, pictured left) is a terrific drink. The Waylon (bourbon and smoked coke $12) is solid and Freeman's version of the Blood & Sand is worth trying, though at $14 it's a tad overpriced. On the other hand, the bubblegum concoction is head scratching at best, yet somehow it has survived since opening night. And some drinks are more experiment than pleasurable drinking experience.Recently we went back to try the infusions and a few new drinks. House-infused cedar bourbon (Jim Beam Black, $8) was good though not the best value for the small shot glass that was served. But the much praised Butternut & Falernum, a rum, butternut squash and falernum concoction, was a dud. All we can figure is NY Magazine's Adam Platt must not have even tasted it when he named it one of the year's best drinks. It wasn't bad, but it was one-note, vegetal and seriously expensive at $16. The Rabanadas was more refreshing - brioche cachaca, raisin soda and cinnamon ($14) - though not a home run either.
In addition to the popcorn, the bar snacks are quite tasty. We tried the fried oysters ($12) and the huitlacoche corn dogs ($10). Both were good. And when you plow through the popcorn, they will happily ply you with more.
Tailor
525 Broome Street
I visited Tailor for the first time before being aware of all the hype. And, even then, I found it disappointing. I have not dined upstairs, but the bar food was subpar. The cocktails on paper sounded fascinating, but simply did not fulfill the promise. I'd so much rather have a simple Old Fashioned than these creations which promise a lot, work hard to bring something new, but in the end, fall flat.
I have since been back, and was as disappointed the second time around as the first. While I admire the efforts of Eben Freeman, the end result is a major disappointed. I have time and time again made tastier, more satisfying mixed drinks at home that lack the fuss and pretense.
That said, I'll give it one more shot.
We don't disagree with you though we have found some good drinks there and the food is much improved. The thing that dismays us is the pricing, which has always been high in comparison to places like Death & Co or PDT.