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Apothéke

9 Doyers St., New York, NY 10013
nr. Bowery See Map | Subway Directions Hopstop Popup
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Reader Rating:
6.3 out of 10
|
3 Reviews | Write a Review
Scene: Hot Spot, Lounge

Photo by Noah Kalina

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Profile

An apothecary-themed cocktail bar from Alan Trummer, opened inside a former opium den. Co-owner Christopher Tierney modeled the lounge after old European apothecaries, which did indeed sometimes have bars—he designed the banquettes and added a large red couch and a small ottoman that Trummer scored from his buddy Daniel Boulud when Daniel closed for its makeover. The light sconces will be filled with an absinthe-like herbal liquid that emits a soothing scent. The ceiling was uncovered when the one belonging to the previous tenant, Golden Flower, was pulled down, and was then painted with gold leaf. The bar was custom-built using imported marble and some pressed tin purchased from an antique store that also sold Tierney a 200-year-old door equipped with a cool sliding peephole. Stunning? A little bit, yes. And she’ll look even better after a Five Points, made with Chinese herbs, Austrian elderflower, Italian bitters, unfermented grape juice, and sugar cane rum. — Daniel Maurer

Cocktails

In the spirit of Chinatown, the list of over 250 specialty cocktails will be divided into categories such as Health and Beauty (containing cucumber, rose water, floral notes), Stress Relief (lavender and sage), Pain Killers (cayenne, habanero), Stimulants (espresso, Red Bull), Aphrodisiacs (Champagne, cognac), and Pharmaceuticals (herbal elixers). We’re thinking the Euphoric Enhancers category will get the most attention: The Opium Uplifter is made from South American herbs and botanicals soaked in a Guatemalan rum essence, and is finished with house bitters. The House Absinthe is supposedly made using a secret 200-year-old recipe that involves fermented sugarcane juice.

I went here for a friend's birthday on a week night and it was great. I tried 4 different drinks and they were all very, very good. The cost is definitely up there, as much as $18 for some drinks, most were around $15. The decor was amazing, really comfortable and not too crowded. It was very hard to find, but well worth it. As for the bouncer, there wasn't one all night. The bartenders were really nice and friendly and helped me figure out which drink was best for me. I had the best time, just wish it wasn't so remote.

Enjoyed the experience, but it was 7:00pm ...

r3a35mm from 07302 | Posted on 8/25/09

Overall Rating: 10 (Highly Recommended)

Didn't need to make a reservation. We just showed up one day (think it was a weeknight) around 7:00pm and the place was not full. There wasn't a bouncer, either. Too early, probably. Bartenders were friendly, drinks pricey, and interior decoration very interesting. Hard place to find.

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