New Bar Review: The Up & Up
Space in a bar is underrated.
While there’s definitely a certain charm to crowding into a hole-in-the-wall, sometimes you want a cocktail without cocktail bar crampage. So the first thing I noticed about The Up & Up is that it’s downright palatial. I know that seems like an odd thing to bring up, but the spaciousness is indicative of the Up & Up’s vibe: comfortable.
James Beard Nominee Matt Piacentini (formerly of The Beagle), Chaim Dauermann (formerly the head bartender of Gin Palace), and Chef Jessica Meter have teamed up to create this lovely laid back bar in New York City's West Village. You can choose from a selection of bottled cocktails curated from various bartenders around the country, “halfies” (mini tipples), fine cocktails, wine and beer. (Editor's note: there's also a significant sherry selection if you ask.) Plus, the food menu offers some tasty shmears: chicken liver mousse, duck confit, pork rillettes, and pickled veggies.
I kicked back a few drinks, but the standout for me was the Foster Avenue: Glenmorangie Scotch, Perucchi Vermouth, Pear Eau de Vie, Honeydew Melon and Orange Bitters. Despite being Scotch-based, the cocktail had a sort of Vesper profile: whistle-clean with wonderful aperitif wine sweetness.
The Up & Up prides itself on warm hospitality, and despite the size of the joint there are enough talented people mixing and working the floor to make you feel right at home.
Visit the Up & Up:
116 MacDougal St.
New York, NY 10012
Follow on Twitter @theupandupnyc