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History is being made (literally) below Broadway in this re-imagined take on the former 19th-Century watering hole of the same name made famous by Mark Twain and Walt Whitman. Nary a detail has been overlooked in evoking the kind of dimly lit, clubby atmosphere, where quaint touches—if a bit contrived—abound: from portraits of Modigliani-esque nudes and an exposed fieldstone cellar wall to the turn of the century club chairs, pretty much every item has been custom made. Vintage-style newspapers serve both as history lesson and menu (and damn fine conversation pieces) from which you can order pitch-perfect cocktails from the corset-laced waitresses (whose uniforms were designed by Christian Siriano, of Project Runway fame). The eponymous ‘vault’ has been transformed into a glass-paneled cellar showcasing the inventory of Champagne bottles and as for the bar itself — a beautiful 150-year old import — it’s just the right fit to unbutton your pinstripe and enjoy a fat tumbler of Blantons, or the limited bar menu (lamb chops, duck sliders). Of course, striving for such decadence comes at a price (house cocktails go for $16); but you walked into the wrong era if you’re looking to pinch pennies. — Patrick Siggins

History buffs can satiate their cravings on the private history tour offered by the well-versed host.

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