Banzarbar

Atmosphere 9/10 The speakeasy inside a restaurant in an alley of East Village, hidden behind a not-so-obvious door on the second floor. The interior design recreates nicely some elements of the Banzar expedition, which gave the bar the name. Rather dark and intimate atmosphere with plenty of bar seating, and a nice back bar. Drinks 10/10 Recommendation: Shackleton’s Urn Very thematic menu with references to the journey of Banzar expedition. Creative drinks, cool garnish and presentation. Special glasses and cups for some cocktails. nice coasters Service 9/10 Cool bartender team - shoutout to Zach, who took the time to explain the history of the bar and the menu. Water and a welcome drink served immediately. Average prices for NYC Reservation necessary and recommended well in advance

Came here for my friend’s bday celebration! Thank you for the great service and the cocktail on the fire performances 😍 This place gives me the vibe of being on an 1800s British ship. Good place for date!

One of the most underrated bars in New York City. Very cool space, hidden away from the traffic of the Lower East Side. You’ll walk into Freeman’s, then be guided through a maze of hallways before reaching the small, intimate space. Drinks are sophisticated and refined. Expect to taste your alcohol—not a ton of options for things that are super fruity or sweet. Those that are still are balanced out with other flavors, crafting a well-rounded cocktail. Definitely book Banzarbar for date night. The volume is kept to a minimum which makes it easy to get into conversation.

Definitely a cocktail experience place. This place is a vibe. Hidden atop Freeman’s, which is already hidden in Freeman’s alley. Space is intimate and limited. 10 bar seats, 1 table of 4 and 3 tables of 2. Reservations are required, although I was able to get one same day on Friday night. Walk in might be possible depending on the day and if you come early. I recommend requesting to sit at the bar. You get to interact with the bartender and they can help navigate you through the complex menu. On to the cocktails - they are definitely different and creative. There are wild flaming ones and then twists on common cocktails. The tastes are complex and unique. My first one was a bit strange. It was a spin on an old fashioned with a shochu/bourbon blend. The bourbon was quite woody and the cocktail gave off a weird aroma. My second cocktail was a spin on a G&T, very floral and 🌲. I enjoyed this a lot. The bartender also poured us a complimentary vermouth to start, which was nice. They are pricey, ranging from $20-26 per cocktail. I believe all recipes were created in house by the bartenders.

Located inside the second floor of Freeman's restaurant. Made reservation online and the friendly staff showed me the way to this hidden speakeasy. As an extension of the restaurant, this speakeasy kept the same theme of old, industrial, dim light, part leather and part wooden furniture that collectively takes you back in time to early twentieth century or older. The bartender knows what he s doing, the menu seems creative and diverse, but I ordered my good old classic "Manhattan" Highly recommend this place, make sure to reserve online.

Hidden upstairs at The Freeman is Banzarbar. Let all of your wildest imaginations come to light. Kidding of course A very small, intimate space, but one that really sets the bar high. Their menu is based off periods of history. For my first drink, I decided to go with The High Alps (look it up if you want to know more about their cocktail menu inspiration) and order the Mont Blanc. Tequila is the base, but the anise and lemon really popped out. For my second drink, I decided to order From Prussia with Love. The Old Tom Gin paired with the various floral and vegetative flavors made this a very refreshing drink. For my last drink, I decided to go with the Polynesian Triangle and ordered their staple, the Shackletons Urn. Being a gin guy myself, I truly enjoyed the London Dry and Old Tom's Gin that were the base. The green chili and peach was a nice touch that added some differing contrast to what is a very, very exceptional drink. I really, really enjoyed it My experience at Banzarbar was excellent! Nothing disappointed me. Cocktails were very impressive, ambiance intimate, and service was exceptional! Will definitely be back!

📍 2 Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002. An intimate cocktail bar open daily at 5PM. This exterior photo shows the bars entrance at the end of Freemans Alley. ★★★★★

Amandip Kaur

Excellent experience and great ship theme speakeasy ! The interior decor was very intimate and overall ambiance was charming. The drinks tasted very good and bartender was very kind. Both the mariners pyre & pomme de giverny were fantastic.

L.

A true speakeasy! I forgot the name of the restaurant it’s in, but once you ask for Banzarbar the host will show you down a winded path to the hidden bar. The bar is ship-themed, from the deco to the menu, which was fun; the space is quite small and can’t fit very many parties, so it has an intimate vibe too. The drinks also tasted surprisingly good. All in all, a hidden gem of a speakeasy!

Madhumita Sawant

Vibes: 9/10, Drinks: 10/10, Service: 10/10 Honestly this place was amazing! We booked a reservation for Friday on the same day for 2. It’s a speakeasy and the host of the Freeman’s restaurant will take you the Banzarbar located on the 2nd floor. It’s a very cozy, dark, intimate vibe. Perfect for a date night. Not noisy either. The bartender promptly served us with water and the welcome drink, while also explaining the history of the bar and the thematic menu around the Banzar voyage. The drinks themselves were excellent. We ordered 3 each between me and my partner and we couldn’t choose a favorite because they were all amazing. We also ordered the Shisito peppers with a chipotle dip, which were incredible!

Caline Farah

I loved this place! It’s in a colorful alley, and the bar is huge. They take you to several different rooms. Each room is a bar. The vibes are mysterious and magical, totally recommended. And the bartender was very knowledgeable. Besides the drinks we ordered, the bartender kept offering us a taste of vermouth or wine and other stuff.

Olivia N

Overall rating: 4.9 Pictures don’t do this place justice. Place is very dark and intimate which I absolutely love. Going to start listing the drinks I’ve had to help remember for the future: 5. Midnight Revolver I’ve been wanting to go hear for awhile & so glad I was able to get last minute reservation. Definitely best on a date or with one friend. The bartenders are very well trained & so knowledgeable! Will definitely be back!

Damahni Jackson

📍 2 Freeman Alley, New York, NY 10002. An intimate cocktail bar open daily at 5PM. This exterior photo shows the bars entrance at the end of Freemans Alley. ★★★★★

Pinar Ozcan

What a great experience! The drink menu is divided into areas in the world and creatively put together. I picked my drink from Polynesian triangle area- Itameshi - Japanese blended malt whisky, Jamaican rum, amaro, cinnamon, miso, it was amazing. Smoked cinnamon smell was all there and I enjoyed it. We also had a bite, the lamb skewers, duck dumplings and cauliflower. The food was so so, but I would definitely go back for the drinks. The drinks - 5* The vibe - 5* The food - 3*

Emily Zhou

Walked in on a Monday night without a reservation and was seated after 20min. The bar is super cozy and the menu is organized well. There was only one bartender so service isnt the fastest but he was so nice and helpful and we loved our drinks. Especially if you're not in a hurry, I highly recommend this bar!

Stephen Inniss

Haven’t been to Banzarbar in a while, but the level of mixology there has not changed from the high bar it set last time. Very flavor-creative drinks requiring infusions and clarifications. I will be going back to try out the full menu. Definitely recommend the Tom Kha Tini II & Garden of Earthly Delights, 2 savory cocktails based off Tom Kha Soup & garden variety herbs respectively

Cam

Very unexpectedly high-quality food at a speakeasy cocktail bar inside of Freemans restaurant. They have an extensive cocktail menu and excellent customer service. Love the pear cider they gave to start the evening! Ordered duck confit dumplings with ginger broth and salmon crudo with watermelon radish and they both tasted great! For cocktails, I had Arctic Willow (whiskey-based) and From Prussia with Love (dry vermouth-based). Both tasted very unique, complex yet balanced.

Shaun Young

Banzarbar is a hidden gem nestled in the upstairs of Freeman’s. The space is small and intimate. The service is warm and friendly. The bar program is creative and unique. They had a limited menu during our visit so we only had oysters and the tempura green beans. Both were fresh and flavorful. I will absolutely return. Loved the entire experience.

Anton S.

Atmosphere 9/10 The speakeasy inside a restaurant in an alley of East Village, hidden behind a not-so-obvious door on the second floor. The interior design recreates nicely some elements of the Banzar expedition, which gave the bar the name. Rather dark and intimate atmosphere with plenty of bar seating, and a nice back bar. Drinks 10/10 Recommendation: Shackleton’s Urn Very thematic menu with references to the journey of Banzar expedition. Creative drinks, cool garnish and presentation. Special glasses and cups for some cocktails. nice coasters Service 9/10 Cool bartender team - shoutout to Zach, who took the time to explain the history of the bar and the menu. Water and a welcome drink served immediately. Average prices for NYC Reservation necessary and recommended well in advance

Jin Chae (Jenny)

Came here for my friend’s bday celebration! Thank you for the great service and the cocktail on the fire performances 😍 This place gives me the vibe of being on an 1800s British ship. Good place for date!

Eva Phan

One of the most underrated bars in New York City. Very cool space, hidden away from the traffic of the Lower East Side. You’ll walk into Freeman’s, then be guided through a maze of hallways before reaching the small, intimate space. Drinks are sophisticated and refined. Expect to taste your alcohol—not a ton of options for things that are super fruity or sweet. Those that are still are balanced out with other flavors, crafting a well-rounded cocktail. Definitely book Banzarbar for date night. The volume is kept to a minimum which makes it easy to get into conversation.

Mike D

Definitely a cocktail experience place. This place is a vibe. Hidden atop Freeman’s, which is already hidden in Freeman’s alley. Space is intimate and limited. 10 bar seats, 1 table of 4 and 3 tables of 2. Reservations are required, although I was able to get one same day on Friday night. Walk in might be possible depending on the day and if you come early. I recommend requesting to sit at the bar. You get to interact with the bartender and they can help navigate you through the complex menu. On to the cocktails - they are definitely different and creative. There are wild flaming ones and then twists on common cocktails. The tastes are complex and unique. My first one was a bit strange. It was a spin on an old fashioned with a shochu/bourbon blend. The bourbon was quite woody and the cocktail gave off a weird aroma. My second cocktail was a spin on a G&T, very floral and 🌲. I enjoyed this a lot. The bartender also poured us a complimentary vermouth to start, which was nice. They are pricey, ranging from $20-26 per cocktail. I believe all recipes were created in house by the bartenders.

Hasanain Hasan

Located inside the second floor of Freeman's restaurant. Made reservation online and the friendly staff showed me the way to this hidden speakeasy. As an extension of the restaurant, this speakeasy kept the same theme of old, industrial, dim light, part leather and part wooden furniture that collectively takes you back in time to early twentieth century or older. The bartender knows what he s doing, the menu seems creative and diverse, but I ordered my good old classic "Manhattan" Highly recommend this place, make sure to reserve online.

Samuel J

Hidden upstairs at The Freeman is Banzarbar. Let all of your wildest imaginations come to light. Kidding of course A very small, intimate space, but one that really sets the bar high. Their menu is based off periods of history. For my first drink, I decided to go with The High Alps (look it up if you want to know more about their cocktail menu inspiration) and order the Mont Blanc. Tequila is the base, but the anise and lemon really popped out. For my second drink, I decided to order From Prussia with Love. The Old Tom Gin paired with the various floral and vegetative flavors made this a very refreshing drink. For my last drink, I decided to go with the Polynesian Triangle and ordered their staple, the Shackletons Urn. Being a gin guy myself, I truly enjoyed the London Dry and Old Tom's Gin that were the base. The green chili and peach was a nice touch that added some differing contrast to what is a very, very exceptional drink. I really, really enjoyed it My experience at Banzarbar was excellent! Nothing disappointed me. Cocktails were very impressive, ambiance intimate, and service was exceptional! Will definitely be back!

NYE special event was excellent! Loved the atmosphere, the cocktails and the food. Our bartender Zack went above and beyond the whole night and made sure we were enjoying everything!

Mariela Ure

NYE special event was excellent! Loved the atmosphere, the cocktails and the food. Our bartender Zack went above and beyond the whole night and made sure we were enjoying everything!

BANZARBAR, the hidden gem nestled on the second floor of Freemans Restaurant, has certainly captured the essence of a bygone era, earning a well-deserved 4 stars out of 5. Entering this vintage New York establishment felt like stepping back in time. The rustic colonial American decor, adorned with carefully preserved animal heads like deer, elk, and moose, created an ambiance that truly transported us to another era. It's a colonial tavern tucked away in a New York alley, and the rustic vibes were on point. The hospitality was top-notch, with hosts who were welcoming, and a bartender who was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly attentive and friendly. Their warm service added to the overall charm of the place. The drink menu was a delightful journey. We started with complimentary French dessert wine that set the stage for what was to come. The Pineapple Sage and Mount Pelee cocktails, both priced at $22, were a revelation. They offered a perfect balance of flavors, with the use of tinctures as a delightful bonus. The subsequent round of drinks didn't quite match our personal taste. The Sea Silk and Realm of the Nagas cocktails, also at $22 each, were decent but didn't leave as lasting an impression. One notable aspect was that none of the four drinks we tried felt overly boozy, which was a pleasant surprise. It allowed us to savor the intricate flavors without being overwhelmed. Ultimately, BANZARBAR impressed us with its captivating decor, exceptional staff, and an ambiance that transported us to a different time and place. We're already planning to return and explore their fall and winter cocktail menu. It's a speakeasy gem that promises a unique and memorable experience in the heart of New York City.

Dwight Kenneth

BANZARBAR, the hidden gem nestled on the second floor of Freemans Restaurant, has certainly captured the essence of a bygone era, earning a well-deserved 4 stars out of 5. Entering this vintage New York establishment felt like stepping back in time. The rustic colonial American decor, adorned with carefully preserved animal heads like deer, elk, and moose, created an ambiance that truly transported us to another era. It's a colonial tavern tucked away in a New York alley, and the rustic vibes were on point. The hospitality was top-notch, with hosts who were welcoming, and a bartender who was not only knowledgeable but also incredibly attentive and friendly. Their warm service added to the overall charm of the place. The drink menu was a delightful journey. We started with complimentary French dessert wine that set the stage for what was to come. The Pineapple Sage and Mount Pelee cocktails, both priced at $22, were a revelation. They offered a perfect balance of flavors, with the use of tinctures as a delightful bonus. The subsequent round of drinks didn't quite match our personal taste. The Sea Silk and Realm of the Nagas cocktails, also at $22 each, were decent but didn't leave as lasting an impression. One notable aspect was that none of the four drinks we tried felt overly boozy, which was a pleasant surprise. It allowed us to savor the intricate flavors without being overwhelmed. Ultimately, BANZARBAR impressed us with its captivating decor, exceptional staff, and an ambiance that transported us to a different time and place. We're already planning to return and explore their fall and winter cocktail menu. It's a speakeasy gem that promises a unique and memorable experience in the heart of New York City.

We were a party of 6. To start with, one of us booked a table for 4 and another one booked a table for 2. We thought that when we get to the bar we could ask to either be seated together, or at least be able to hand out with each other. The bartender was reluctant to accommodate, stating it is the bar's policy is not to allow more than 4ppl parties. When we told him that wasn't mentioned on the reservation details, he said: well - you should have figured it out given that you couldn't book a table for more than 4 ppl. He was extremely rude, seated the couple on the bar a bit distant from the 4ppl table (though the table was large enough to have 2 joining on a bench + one chair, plus there were couple's seats closer to the 4ppl party) and scolded us when we tried to hang out near each other to chat. Scolded, as in saying out loud: "Everyone should stick to their seats. No standing allowed". It was such a turnoff. despite our initial excitement and anticipation, we decided to stick to the one round of beverages and we left the bar after only one hour only (reservation was for 2 hours). That was a pity, as the place is pretty cool, and the vibe of the non-human elements was very appealing, despite the overpriced cocktails. I am convinced that there's a better way to communicate the bar's policy, and make the people feel welcome. Our party will probably not go to this place again, even if we are less than 4 ppl...

Nitzan Levy

We were a party of 6. To start with, one of us booked a table for 4 and another one booked a table for 2. We thought that when we get to the bar we could ask to either be seated together, or at least be able to hand out with each other. The bartender was reluctant to accommodate, stating it is the bar's policy is not to allow more than 4ppl parties. When we told him that wasn't mentioned on the reservation details, he said: well - you should have figured it out given that you couldn't book a table for more than 4 ppl. He was extremely rude, seated the couple on the bar a bit distant from the 4ppl table (though the table was large enough to have 2 joining on a bench + one chair, plus there were couple's seats closer to the 4ppl party) and scolded us when we tried to hang out near each other to chat. Scolded, as in saying out loud: "Everyone should stick to their seats. No standing allowed". It was such a turnoff. despite our initial excitement and anticipation, we decided to stick to the one round of beverages and we left the bar after only one hour only (reservation was for 2 hours). That was a pity, as the place is pretty cool, and the vibe of the non-human elements was very appealing, despite the overpriced cocktails. I am convinced that there's a better way to communicate the bar's policy, and make the people feel welcome. Our party will probably not go to this place again, even if we are less than 4 ppl...