Recently we found ourselves in Chelsea and close enough to Raines Law Room (48 West 17th Street) that we decided to pop in for a spot check. The room was busy as usual and Paul, the host, was deftly juggling the crowds as we settled into one of the snug booths.
The first time around, we loved the space and some of the cocktails but found imprecise execution in certain drinks. Our recent visit showed a bit surer hand behind the bar but still some issues to work out. And we have now learned our lesson - ignore the specials, which can be hit or miss, but generally don't justify the $16 pricetag for "premium ingredients." Heck $13 is a bit steep for drinks in this day and age.
Right away we re-visited the Gold Rush and made sure the waitress knew we liked a good amount of bourbon in it. The version we got was as good as we remembered it (after it was fixed the last time). We also tried the Smoke and Mirrors again - this time it was sweeter than we liked and just okay. Seems like execution is still an issue with this drink and as much as we want to like it, we just can't recommend it. Other specials included the Frida (Don Julio tequila, aperol topped with moet chandon), which was okay, and the Sylvia (made with Tanqueray Ten and a touch of absinthe), which was pretty good.
Back ordering off the menu, we enjoyed both the Archangel and Corpse Reviver #2. A Manhattan made with Bulleit was terrific but the revelation was a perfectly made Negroni.
One thing that sets Raines Law Room apart is the service - the staff, from the busboys to the waitresses, is really accomodating and without a trace of attitude. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the drinks and also extremely nice. And as we walked out into the night, Paul was as gracious as ever.
The first time around, we loved the space and some of the cocktails but found imprecise execution in certain drinks. Our recent visit showed a bit surer hand behind the bar but still some issues to work out. And we have now learned our lesson - ignore the specials, which can be hit or miss, but generally don't justify the $16 pricetag for "premium ingredients." Heck $13 is a bit steep for drinks in this day and age.
Right away we re-visited the Gold Rush and made sure the waitress knew we liked a good amount of bourbon in it. The version we got was as good as we remembered it (after it was fixed the last time). We also tried the Smoke and Mirrors again - this time it was sweeter than we liked and just okay. Seems like execution is still an issue with this drink and as much as we want to like it, we just can't recommend it. Other specials included the Frida (Don Julio tequila, aperol topped with moet chandon), which was okay, and the Sylvia (made with Tanqueray Ten and a touch of absinthe), which was pretty good.
Back ordering off the menu, we enjoyed both the Archangel and Corpse Reviver #2. A Manhattan made with Bulleit was terrific but the revelation was a perfectly made Negroni.
One thing that sets Raines Law Room apart is the service - the staff, from the busboys to the waitresses, is really accomodating and without a trace of attitude. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the drinks and also extremely nice. And as we walked out into the night, Paul was as gracious as ever.
Leave a comment