What is the best new bar you can't get into?
Places slipping in under the radar are a rarity in NYC. An unmarked basement location certainly helps. Limited operating hours, mostly on weekends, do too. Right now it is only an event space.
But if you do make it in - with the secret password (available via text) given to the doorman - an underground world suddenly unfolds. The space is warm and welcoming, with nooks and crannies on either side of a long old school bar. Above is the requisite stuffed animal - a wolf's head peering down at the revelry. The decor (and staff) will be familiar to anyone who's been to Apotheke, Tailor or Clover Club - lots of wood, plush sofas, old-fashioned light fixtures. And there is an impressive amount a space, a welcome change from great but tiny places like PDT or Milk and Honey that but fill up quickly.
The cellar has a fascinating history. It was once Pfaff's Beer Cellar, circa the early 1800s, and hosted Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, among others. Later incarnations included a photo studio where Abe Lincoln's portrait was taken, a 1900s brothel, the infamous Infinity Disco where 21 people died in a fire in the 1970s, and the gay club Mr. Black Dance Den.
So what about the drinks? They are well-priced ($12 for cocktails) and well-balanced. We very much liked the eponymous Woodson and Ford (applejack, zacapa 23, benedictine, sweet vermouth, Fee brothers' whiskey barrel bitters). The Woodrow Wilson, however, would best be categorized as "interesting" since the flavors and booze - rittenhouse rye, amaro averna, champagne, demerara and orange zest - did not quite mesh. The floating ice cubes eventually melted and mellowed out the drink.
The bar also has a nice vittles menu. The mostly Spanish-skewing plates range from $7 to $17 (kumamotos are $3 a pop) and come from the Corner Shop Cafe upstairs. Patatas Bravas deep fried in duck fat and served with homemade ketchup, were scrumptious ($7) while Fabada, fava beans and spiced pork, was good but overpriced at $11. The cheese selection (a hefty $6 each) is commendable, with Mrs. Quickie's cheddar, Tuxford & Tebbutt Stilton and Uplands Pleasant Ridge.
After the jump, a look at the full cocktail menu plus other boozy details. We'll keep you posted on door policies and hours - we hear they might be opening on Mondays and Tuesdays as early as this week.
Woodson and Ford
643 Broadway, Downstairs
Places slipping in under the radar are a rarity in NYC. An unmarked basement location certainly helps. Limited operating hours, mostly on weekends, do too. Right now it is only an event space.
But if you do make it in - with the secret password (available via text) given to the doorman - an underground world suddenly unfolds. The space is warm and welcoming, with nooks and crannies on either side of a long old school bar. Above is the requisite stuffed animal - a wolf's head peering down at the revelry. The decor (and staff) will be familiar to anyone who's been to Apotheke, Tailor or Clover Club - lots of wood, plush sofas, old-fashioned light fixtures. And there is an impressive amount a space, a welcome change from great but tiny places like PDT or Milk and Honey that but fill up quickly.
The cellar has a fascinating history. It was once Pfaff's Beer Cellar, circa the early 1800s, and hosted Mark Twain and Walt Whitman, among others. Later incarnations included a photo studio where Abe Lincoln's portrait was taken, a 1900s brothel, the infamous Infinity Disco where 21 people died in a fire in the 1970s, and the gay club Mr. Black Dance Den.
So what about the drinks? They are well-priced ($12 for cocktails) and well-balanced. We very much liked the eponymous Woodson and Ford (applejack, zacapa 23, benedictine, sweet vermouth, Fee brothers' whiskey barrel bitters). The Woodrow Wilson, however, would best be categorized as "interesting" since the flavors and booze - rittenhouse rye, amaro averna, champagne, demerara and orange zest - did not quite mesh. The floating ice cubes eventually melted and mellowed out the drink.
The bar also has a nice vittles menu. The mostly Spanish-skewing plates range from $7 to $17 (kumamotos are $3 a pop) and come from the Corner Shop Cafe upstairs. Patatas Bravas deep fried in duck fat and served with homemade ketchup, were scrumptious ($7) while Fabada, fava beans and spiced pork, was good but overpriced at $11. The cheese selection (a hefty $6 each) is commendable, with Mrs. Quickie's cheddar, Tuxford & Tebbutt Stilton and Uplands Pleasant Ridge.
After the jump, a look at the full cocktail menu plus other boozy details. We'll keep you posted on door policies and hours - we hear they might be opening on Mondays and Tuesdays as early as this week.
Woodson and Ford
643 Broadway, Downstairs
Cocktails $12
Charlie Pfaff's Seasonal Ale Flip
ale, whole egg, demerara syrup, allspice dram, zacapa 23 rum, fresh nutmeg
Millhaven Sour
absinthe, irish whiskey, grenadine, apricot, egg white
Woodrow Wilson
rittenhouse rye, amaro averna, champagne, demerara, orange zest
Queen's Road Cocktail
rum, lime, honey, orange, ginger
Clara Bow
bourbon, lemon, grenadine, mint, St. Germain
Admiral Warrender
blended scotch, Qi smoked tea, demerara, orange bitters
Elk's Club Fizz
rye, port, lemon, sugar, egg white
Woodson and Ford
applejack, zacapa 23, benedictine, sweet vermouth, whiskey barrel bitters
The Barbary Coast
gin, scotch whiskey, creme de cacao, cream, fresh nutmeg
Conquistadora
sherry, kalani coconut liqueur, coffee infused rum, el dorado 12 year rum, flamed orange twist
Eleanor Roosevelt
demerara, maraschino, bols genever, champagne, peychauds bitters, lemon zest
Wine - 12 available by the glass, prices from $8 to $11
Beer - Ales and beers for $7 and $8
Liquor
9 scotches from $11 to $29
11 bourbons from $8 to $45 for Parker's Heritage
12 rums from $8 to $11
As Yet Un-Named
643 Broadway, Downstairs
Charlie Pfaff's Seasonal Ale Flip
ale, whole egg, demerara syrup, allspice dram, zacapa 23 rum, fresh nutmeg
Millhaven Sour
absinthe, irish whiskey, grenadine, apricot, egg white
Woodrow Wilson
rittenhouse rye, amaro averna, champagne, demerara, orange zest
Queen's Road Cocktail
rum, lime, honey, orange, ginger
Clara Bow
bourbon, lemon, grenadine, mint, St. Germain
Admiral Warrender
blended scotch, Qi smoked tea, demerara, orange bitters
Elk's Club Fizz
rye, port, lemon, sugar, egg white
Woodson and Ford
applejack, zacapa 23, benedictine, sweet vermouth, whiskey barrel bitters
The Barbary Coast
gin, scotch whiskey, creme de cacao, cream, fresh nutmeg
Conquistadora
sherry, kalani coconut liqueur, coffee infused rum, el dorado 12 year rum, flamed orange twist
Eleanor Roosevelt
demerara, maraschino, bols genever, champagne, peychauds bitters, lemon zest
Wine - 12 available by the glass, prices from $8 to $11
Beer - Ales and beers for $7 and $8
Liquor
9 scotches from $11 to $29
11 bourbons from $8 to $45 for Parker's Heritage
12 rums from $8 to $11
As Yet Un-Named
643 Broadway, Downstairs
How does one get the "password"?
Thanks
My password is already defunct. They keep changing.
for those of you under the assumption that this is any thing other than an event space let me clear something up quickly. the bar that was formerly mr.black does not yet have an official name, the space itself can only be rented or booked for private party purposes, hence the use of a password to keep un-invited guests firmly out! it will not be open to the public on a day to day basis at any time in the near future and neither is it an illegal space. please do not show up at the address because there is nothing open unless you have been invited by someone hosting a pre-arranged event there.
hey, mama, how does one book a party there?
If you would like you can email me (one of the mixologists) and I will pass along any valid requests to the owner. My info is at drinksat6.com please use subject reservations the space
The woodrow Wilson is a variation in the jimmy Roosevelt which is a sophisticated palate, layered, champagne cocktail over ice. So interesting is right. As far as the space "head bartender" you will not receive any passwords. The unamed establishment is an event space. Clearly stealing our menus is frowned upon and since I would have seen you taking copious notes or taking photos I can only assume you vandalized our vintage books. I hope you enjoyed the event you attended but please fact check your blog. Woodson and ford is the zacapa cocktail name not the space.
The woodrow Wilson is a variation in the jimmy Roosevelt which is a sophisticated palate, layered, champagne cocktail over ice. So interesting is right. As far as the space "head bartender" you will not receive any passwords. The unamed establishment is an event space. Clearly stealing our menus is frowned upon and since I would have seen you taking copious notes or taking photos I can only assume you vandalized our vintage books. I hope you enjoyed the event you attended but please fact check your blog. Woodson and ford is the zacapa cocktail name not the space.
Taking photos is easier than you think :) No books were vandalized in the process.
You guys insist it's an event space and that's fine but I've never seen booze prices listed at a private party.
That said, the place is great and we look forward to it being open for everyone.
Our events range from complete buyouts to minimum purchases for large groups. SO in that case we print prices to help them understand how they reach their minimum. You writing about the legalities of our space without knowing any of the details is slanderous and irresponsible of you. If you really love the space it would have been nice to speak to you personally. If you would like to discuss this further rather than in a blog. please email me or feel free to call me.
The spot sounds cool and I'm looking forward to checking it out when it opens to the public. However, complaining about the positive coverage you're receiving as a result of this post doesn't make sense and is kinda lame.
Having a bars status discussed on a NY blog is exactly where the conversation will play out. this blog just handed you the mic, and this is your oppertunity to clear up any misconceptions. Bashing the blogger for 'stealing' is not the message I would suggest.
Social Media PR is tricky stuff, I would consider speaking with a firm that can help you navigate.
RQ, re: this whole password business--if you want to keep out the casual passerby/speakeasy stalker, why not just have a guest list like _every_ other private event in the city? I'd think that would be more effective, as then people can't just text their friends the password.
And HB, I'm confused. Were you at a private party without realizing it?
It was a birthday party for 2 people in the liquor industry. Apparently HB was invited by one of the hosts or managed to get swept in by the crowd. He sat center bar and ate food which was not included in the complimentary special cocktails paid for by the host. We were 6 deep so no one noticed the camera phone.
Here's the thing - nobody said it was not open or had anyone sign a non-disclosure agreement or the like. The city is rife with speakeasy marketing gimmicks like passwords and "secret" spots.
The staff told us the place had been open a couple of weeks.
They gave us hours.
And when we were there, people were paying for their drinks.
These are the facts.
As for the post - you asked us to change the it and we did so.
We look forward to the day when you are open to the public.
H.B.