We've hit Raines Law Room (48 W. 17th Street) quite a few times since it opened and we have to say it is constantly getting better and better. At this point, some of the buzz has worn off - people are fixated with places like Mayahuel or the bar at the Breslin - but for our money we'd rather be at Raines. Plus it's a lot easier for us to get in.
The secret to Raines' success is that the cocktails (most $13) are just that good. A recent sampling confirmed what we already knew - the breadth of possibilities makes this the best new bar in NYC.
We tried a mix of new concoctions and old favorites and came away impressed by the newbies.
The Five Points (Lairds Applejack, Dolin vermouth, Marie Brizard apry, amaro ciociaro, orange twist, brandied cherry) was complex and very good. The Communist Daughter was perhaps the best use of Beefeter 24 gin we've had (ably assisted by aperol, grapefuit juice and a spritz of pernod absinthe). The Iconclast (Johnnie Walker Black, amaro averna, Marie Brizard creme de cacao, lemon juice, orange bitters, a rinse of green chartreuse) was dark, smoky and delicious. And there was certainly no suffering to be had while enjoying the Suffering Bastard (Bulleit bourbon, Plymouth gin, lemon juice, sugar and muddled ginger), which was a great balance of smooth and bracing.
And as always a trip would not complete without the Gold Rush - just make sure they aren't skimpy on the bourbon. Raines Law Room is the real deal and it just seems to be getting better and better.
The secret to Raines' success is that the cocktails (most $13) are just that good. A recent sampling confirmed what we already knew - the breadth of possibilities makes this the best new bar in NYC.
We tried a mix of new concoctions and old favorites and came away impressed by the newbies.
The Five Points (Lairds Applejack, Dolin vermouth, Marie Brizard apry, amaro ciociaro, orange twist, brandied cherry) was complex and very good. The Communist Daughter was perhaps the best use of Beefeter 24 gin we've had (ably assisted by aperol, grapefuit juice and a spritz of pernod absinthe). The Iconclast (Johnnie Walker Black, amaro averna, Marie Brizard creme de cacao, lemon juice, orange bitters, a rinse of green chartreuse) was dark, smoky and delicious. And there was certainly no suffering to be had while enjoying the Suffering Bastard (Bulleit bourbon, Plymouth gin, lemon juice, sugar and muddled ginger), which was a great balance of smooth and bracing.
And as always a trip would not complete without the Gold Rush - just make sure they aren't skimpy on the bourbon. Raines Law Room is the real deal and it just seems to be getting better and better.
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