We were intending to go to its more well known neighbor, the one with the book that cocktail lovers all know…. However, we found that the wait at the other place was quite long, and the bouncers recommended Amor Y Amargo to pass the time. I’m very glad that they did - it turned out to be the best cocktails of the evening (even though we managed to get in the other place later on…) Bruce the bartender was incredibly crafty and was able to conjure up novel cocktails that pleased the variety of palates in our group. The neighborhood is lucky to have such a great place. Don’t miss it!

Really love their cocktails. They always have a seasonal menu, alongside the usual classics. This is my go to spot when bar crawling, and we’re in the mood for a strong and unexpected stirred drink. Service can be a bit hit or miss, servers are usually uppity. Atmosphere is super nice, but bar can get crowded and space can be quite limited (standing space only).

We enjoyed outstanding cocktails at this bar (very good negroni!). The decor is beautiful - I loved the tiling on the floor and the detailed ceiling design. The patron was friendly and knew his stuff. Would definitely go back.

Quality cocktails and very knowledgeable bartenders that didnt mind educating us on the different bitters and bourbons.

If you're looking for a good cocktail and a great vibe you definitely must go Amor y Amargo. The bartender was nice and I loved my old fashioned.

This standout cocktail bar offers a refreshingly down-to-earth experience unlike any other in the city. Centered around the rich and complex world of Italian Amari, it manages to maintain a focused concept while still presenting a surprisingly diverse selection of drinks all thoughtfully priced and accessible.

AJ makes the best drinks!! Loved the creativity and passion that is integrated into each craft cocktail. Amazing experience every time.

Ok, so I tried to take photos, and as you can see the setting of the bar was not good and I was not going to be the guy to turn on his flashlight in the super cool cocktail place. This is the BEST cocktail bar I have ever been to. And I’m a little mad I did not find it earlier in my trip. When I return to NYC I plan on ending every night here. Truly a wonderful experience.

It's a small yet quaint bar. It was the perfect place to finish my trip with my son and toast our last nigh in NYC.

I've been a fan from afar for a few years and make frequent use of my copy of "I'm Just Here for the Drinks". Getting to visit here in person did not disappoint. The space was charming, the bartenders were friendly and knowledgeable and welcoming, and the drinks were outstanding. I even had Angostura on tap in an Angostura Highball! Can't wait for my next visit.

I’m glad I made a stop here! I have very little experience with bitters. I got the one that tastes like grapefruit and it was delicious. Highly recommend for a fun stop and unique stop. Don’t forget the absinthe bar upstairs!

This place is a gem! The bartender, Ross, really knew his stuff and was so friendly and accommodating. The drinks were interesting and delicious. I can't praise this place enough!

Wow, wow, wow!! Spouse and I did the Spritz and we're just blown away. Our server added to the experience with his enthusiasm and insight into the cocktails. And the cocktails...what a great night.

The cocktail menu drinks are prebatched so service is amazingly quick. Anything else is readily made by the knowledgeable staff. The 8 amaro mix riff on a Sazerac is a bitter lovers dream. Layered, delicious, and ridiculously well balanced for so many ingredients. Go here.

very unique bar with incredible cocktails, friendly & knowledgable bartenders, and an extensive amaro selection (also available for purchase to take with you). it's a very small space, with an intimate, unpretentious vibe. just don't expect to get a seat!

Awesome find and great bartenders. Cocktails are amazing. Selection of liquor self described as "things people usually hate" turned into fascinating and tasty concoctions.

This bitters bar is pretty cool and a unique place to visit for a drink. I like to try an aperol spritz with different bitters. My favorites I've had from here are the root beer or orange bitters with the aperol!

The drinks were amazing. The old fashion was delicious! Highly recommended. The cocktails do come in a pre-made chilled bottle, but they’re still delicious. They supply you with a clean glass, some ice and a snack. Would highly recommend.

This is a pretty cool hip place that focuses on bitters based drinks. I don't know squat about bitters but I came with a friend who concocts his own old fashioneds at home. Their drink menu helpfully lists out drinks from least to most bitter. I got the least and my buddy got the most. I get the sense that these mixologists could probably make anything with bitters given their bar stocked with rows and rows of different alcohols. The room is a little tight - standing room only, but big on ambiance. It kind of feels like you just entered an old saloon or a speakeasy. The bar tender was pretty cool, making sure everyone was attended too. He even brought the drinks out to us since we were against the wall away from the bar. The drinks were delicious and for a non-bitters drinker it was an interesting experience. My friend enjoyed his negroni. One note, the drink kind of sneaks up on you afterwards so beware! PS - surprisingly immaculate bathroom on a Friday night

From Tokyo then home to the UK to see my family to the legendary San Francisco! Heard a lot about this place from friends and colleagues so it was due a visit! Amor Y Amargo is definitely the place to be. I absolutely loved it highly recommend this as a night out. The ambience, the amazing craft cocktails and the service is top notch. I don't remember which cocktails I had but I loved them all and my friends and colleagues loved them as well. We all had a great time here, this place ticks off all the boxes you will need for a great night out and it was really good value for money! I would without a doubt recommend this absolutely stunning place in this wonderful city……… Enjoy! Thank you

A new favorite in NYC. The atmosphere, the staff, the drinks... all perfect! If you are into bitter drinks, go for the 8 Amaro Sazerac - a perfect blend of all good (bitter) things. And, of course, have a Manhattan, too!

Recommended here by countless industry professionals. Aj an Kraig were incredible and the selection/knowledge is matched by few. Highly recommend.

The sharpie mustache was delicious. Chill speakeasy for some good drinks and friendly service

Umm… Wow. This place blew me away. Went here after Dead & Company and liked the drinks better. Everything was so tasty and had so many layers. I recommend this place to anyone who loves a well mixed drink.

If you like Amaros, heck if you just like a good Aperol spritz and want to expand your horizons then come here. We were served by the man himself. He was incredibly friendly and the tiny space is intimate and charming.

The best place for cocktails focused on bitters and amaros. We got basically the entire menu and every drink was really well balanced and full bodied with very interesting flavors. It’s mostly standing only, wondering if they’ll ever do BYOC (bring your own chair)

Reserve tasting was incredible. Fantastic food and drink pairing, educated and fun bartender kept the whole audience engaged all evening. A treat having a private bartender two hours to ask questions and learn the secrets of the trade. Can't wait to come back!

The cocktail that I ordered was pretty strong. The menu has a lot of choice but I could read it in the dark. I picked it randomly :) . I really liked the atmosphere and the waiter was fast and on point. He made us feel very welcome and got us a good spot to hang out.

Amazing little cocktail bar feauring every Amaro and bitters flavour you could ever dream about. They make fantastic cocktails, and guests are encouraged to try the different bitters, which the bartenders can then incorporate into custom drinks for your flavour profile. It's an amazing place to visit if you find yourself in the East Village. I would also make a trip just to come here honestly. Loved it!

+3

Mi Amor… this is the place to be. We tried the place pre-covid and haven’t been back to the city, not only have they expanded, the drinks are better than ever. You know it’s good when you can barely recognize or pronounce any of the ingredients on the menu. It was amazing. Go here. You won’t regret it.

+1

This bar is incredible. The bartenders are very attentive and helpful and the vibe is very casual and friendly while also feeling a bit classy. The drinks were very carefully balanced and showcased many Amaro wonderfully. AJ, one of the bartenders picked out an amazing craft fernet for me to try and also made a great drink on the spot for me when I challenged him to suprise me with something involving rum agricole. THE place to go for cocktail lovers and bitter fanatics!!

Came here with my homie to catch up. Was not disappointed. The ambiance is great. AJ was our tender, amazing service provided, every single cocktail we tried was near perfect. Our tender was also very knowledgeable on the different Amari, their profiles and their history!! Very refreshing. Can’t wait to be back.

Absolutely love this spot! Perfect location for anyone who enjoys a good Negroni without the snobbery. The drinks are excellent, and the overall setup is stylish and inviting. Just a heads-up, there are no bar stools, so be ready to sip while standing.

My favorite bar in the city! Love what they do with bitters and amari in their always changing menu. The bartenders are all fantastic and the atmosphere is laid back even though they could’ve chosen to be pretentious given the niche offerings. Love the music they play too!

I am not a whisky fan but I did love this place! Amazing decoration and Karyn, the bartender, is so dedicated and sweet. She was so patient helping my husband with bitter options for him to buy. Best customer service I've had in NY. And according to hubby the drinks were amazing. Thumbs up!

Great cocktails in an intimate ambiance. We went for a cocktail & food pairing event that was simply amazing. Inventive cocktails paired with plant based menu was a delightful and surprising experience.

+1

Perhaps *the* quintessential New York bar, Amor y Amargo combines high cocktail craftsmanship with a tiny, cozy setting that fits maybe 10 people. A single bartender-doorman specializes in drinks with bitters of all kinds. The kind of place that sparks the spontaneous encounters, conversation and laughter that make this city great.

So so so awesome. Absolutely incredible. Amor Y Amargo has a clear vision on what exactly they want to make, and everything from the ambience to the drinks themself are executed perfectly. There are many wonderful cocktail bars in Manhattan, but none can make anything like the drinks served here. Amor Y Amargo has a unique drink program you cannot experience anywhere else.

No tables, no seats, no waiters. Just drinks. And they make it so good, I couldn't stop 🤣 The ingredients they use make the drinks so unique and complex, every sip is like an adventure. It is crowded and loud, gets hot in the summer. So I wouldn't bring a date here, unless your date wants the finest cocktail in town.

Amor y Amargo has the perfect high end bar vibes with reasonable prices. They make delightful cocktails that are all worth trying. The Amaro Sazerac was our favourite but you won't go wrong with anything on the menu. I strongly recommend this for intimate dates and hangouts

Thoughtful and delicious amaro cocktails. Beautiful staff, great drinks, and staff are both knowledgeable and enjoyable.

Amazing amaro based coccktails. The vibe is always good, almost European feel (standing room only). Despite how crowded it can get, the service is always good.

Love this place!! Great location if you like Negronis without the pretentious vibe. Lovely drinks and great set up. FYI, no bar stools so prepare to stand while you drink.

We wandered into this cute little bar. The store front sells a variety of rare bitters and towards the back is a bar with gorgeous character. They have a seasonal menu which had a wonderful cocktail called First Blush. Its a standing room but great spot to start off your night.

Very unique place with exquisite drinks. Huge bitter selection. But tiny, so better get there soon!

An amaro lover’s paradise. The cocktails each feature different amari and bitters and are all delicious, our favorite was the 8 Amaro Sazerac. Drinks are served in a cozy, pub-like setting; I was surprised we didn’t have to wait at all to get in on a Saturday evening. Our bartender was very friendly and did a good job making sure everyone was getting their drink orders in turn. A special place!

David was an awesome bartender. The drinks were executed flawlessly without the need for citrus. World class bar

what a fun place. i felt like i was in an apothecary medicine shop. and the drinks did not disappoint. they're crafted almost scientifically. such beauty. i'll have to go back!!

Great little bar with super interesting and delicious cocktails. The bartenders are fantastic, my son saw a bottle of lavender bitters (he loves lavender) on the bar that wasn't listed in any cocktails on the menu. He asked the bartender about it and he just responded "I've got you," and created a cocktail for him on the spot that completely blew us away.

A friend brought me here and it was my first experience of amargo - and I loved it! The bar itself has a great, cozy vibe with low lights and an eclectic interior. Highly recommended. (We didn't order any food though, so I can't rate that.)

A standout cocktail bar that offers a refreshingly unpretentious atmosphere and a deep dive into the world of Italian Amari. Despite focusing on a single core theme, the drink menu showcases remarkable diversity. Prices are fair, and the overall experience is one of the most distinctive the city has to offer.

Stiff drinks and stiff bartenders, but maybe that's the way it should be? Sit down, shut up, and enjoy your drink? The place makes you want to fall asleep, but in a good way. It's a vibe and it's not about you

Great store that sells lots of cocktail wares and bitters, and the bar inside is also pretty decent. For the cocktails, I would say the Sharpie Mustache is more special and really good. The Tiki bitters used for the cocktail is really special, and the fragrance is super good. The old fashioned is also pretty decent. A recommended bar in the area.

+6

This nice and cozy place is a hidden germ in the city and happy that we found it! Their drinks are unique and real. Costumer service along with the drinks is all around amazing, which makes you warm and feels like home! So far my favorite drink is Sharpie Mustache

+5

This remarkable cocktail bar stands out as a truly unique destination in the city. It's refreshingly unpretentious and delves deep into the world of Italian Amari. Despite a singular overarching theme, the drink menu offers an impressive breadth of choices, all at reasonable prices.

Honestly, one of the most interesting cocktail programs out there. Mixing spirits that I have never seen together (Rye and Mezcal) in balanced and clean cocktails makes this a must visit. And their outdoor cabins are just awesome. We've been coming here for years, and the craftsmanship of the cocktails is always on point .

This place deserves more than just Top 50 North America bars. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and this place has an impressively vast selection of amari and bitters for you to try and experiment with. A must go in NYC.

Overall rating: 4.8 This is already a clearly popular place, so don’t need to say much. Even just being in a standing room, the server was so nice! When a spot cleared up, he shuffled us towards a standing area with a bar-like table. I only got one drink and it was delicious! Seems like a great pre-game spot if I’m going out in the area. It was getting too crowded for me around 9:30pm bc I’m an oldie so I just got one drink. But I liked the vibe!

This cozy little bar is perfect for a unique cocktail and an intimate environment. My boyfriend and I stopped in on a Saturday evening and the space was filled to almost capacity. The shelves are well curated with retail for mixing cocktails. The wood and tile create a homey ambiance and warm feeling. Never having tried Bitters before I wasn’t sure what I was in for but my taste buds got a pleasant surprise. Each unique cocktail was expertly mixed, beautifully executed and delicious. Not your typical, run of the mill bar, this is truly an experience. I’m sure we will be returning frequently to enjoy the rest of their menu.

This was an incredible spot. I had multiple cocktails in all were excellent. Service was stellar even though it’s a small venue. They have a small bar with standing room and a standing bar area as well. Decor is fun, tons of exotic, looking bottles of bitters and various “apothecary” coded items. It feels super unique, without being a super trendy spot with people having their phones out, recording, etc. But stand out for me was the bartender. Amazing excellent attentive service! Made everybody in that room feel like they were the only patrons.

Justin

Can’t beat the straight pours of incredible Amari and the legendary bartenders have recommended some of my all-time favs.

Pedro Devoto

Really good gem in the heart of East Village. The cocktails are delicious and the bar tender/owner is very nice and friendly. He knows how to recommend a drink for you. Really recommended.

Rita Blaik

Had delicious cocktails - thank you Bruce! I'll be back again for sure the next time I'm in NYC.

Juhee Park

Amazing cocktails! Ended up trying almost all drinks on the menu. It also has great vibe and is a stand up bar that makes sense that you don’t get squeezed and can hear other people talking w/o yelling or ears bleeding

Jared Miller

Amor y Amargo is a tiny East Village bar that sticks to one lane — bitters, amari, and spirit-forward cocktails, and does it exceptionally well. The place isn’t trying to charm you with décor; it’s basically a compact room with shelves of bottles and bartenders who know exactly what they’re pouring. The drink list is full of stirred, boozy options. If you like amaro, you’re in the right spot. Their cocktails lean herbal, bitter, and layered rather than sweet or flashy. Something like the Sharpie Mustache gives you that mix of rye, gin, and layered bitterness that hits hard but stays balanced. They rotate drinks often, but the style stays consistent: strong, clean, and built for people who actually enjoy tasting the base spirits. The space is small, so expect to be close to other people or even standing. The bartenders are dialed in, focused, and efficient without putting on a show. You can ask questions and they’ll break things down for you without being pretentious. If you’re into bitter, complex cocktails and want a spot that doesn’t mess around, Amor y Amargo is a great move. It’s straightforward, specialized, and delivers exactly what it promises.

Selma Marrakchi

One of my favorite spots for cocktails in the city. The kind you sip slowly. The staff is super knowledgeable, creative, and passionate about their craft. Lots of bitters you can purchase too if you feel like trying to recreate at home.

Jodie Wilson

Absolutely amazing cocktail selection, certainly one of the most unique menus in the city.

Valentin Maniez

Never seen such an extensive bitters collection! The drinks are boozy and balanced, no juice or 10 ingredients, the service is great and the atmosphere is lively thanks to the small space.

Kaiser Soze

David made our trip so memorable. The space itself is so great of course, but he helped guide us to some incredible amaros and possibly my favorite. The intimate space lends itself to interaction and conversation which I love and I can't wait to make another trip back!

Justin Kwong

Really cozy spot. Staff were friendly and attentive. There is standing room only, and the crowd seems to turn over quite frequently. Tasty cocktails and an energetic atmosphere make this bar a must visit in East Village

Tony's Lists

Gorgeous apothecary-themed space. Super knowledgeable/welcoming/friendly bartenders. Expertly-crafted cocktails. We especially enjoyed the carefully selected tasting flight.

+5

Khoi Pham

What an absolutely special spot. If you didn't like bitters before, you will now. The classic 8 Amaro Sazerac was so smooth and the new seasonal Double Down was pleasantly earthy. The staff is the best, so kind and friendly. Seats at the bar will eventually clear up as the night progresses but you may have to stand around for a bit.

Alison Pouw

great vibes. strong drinks. just a great night. come here any time and they will fit you in. standing around a table type vibe but it works well to meet new people! great energy on a friday or saturday especially. we got 2 of the seasonal: the one with lemon essence and the other with dark chocolate notes. the dark chocolate one was amazing. please get it if you go fall 2024. i would come back here 100%. go if you like spirit forward drinks.

Felix

Incredible cocktail bar, one of the truly unique bars in the city. Very unpretentious, and explores the depth of Italian Amari. Reasonably priced. Even though all the drinks stick to one major theme, there is incredible variety among the drinks.

Iván Montejo

This is just the bar for me! I'm partial to spirit-forward, bitter cocktails, and Amor Y Amargo has an astounding diversity of amaro and other specialty liquors: their menu changes each season, but they also have classic cocktails for all tastes. It gets quite crowded and seating space is limited. Prices are a bit lower than at other high-end cocktail bars. Service could be improved.

+2

Hasanain Hasan

Corner bar at an intersection with wide windows where you can people watch while enjoying your drink. Italian inspired bar, you might not find your favorite cocktail here l, for example, they don't have Vodka. Read their menu in advance. Friendly staff, the bartender is very knowledgeable and service was super fast. Mature crowed, lovely jazz music at back ground

+8

Great bitter selection if stopping by. Tried 4 drinks and the sazerac was my favorite but not what I expected.

+2

A neat bar with specialized drinks made with Amaros and bitters. You won’t get conventional cocktails here, so keep that in mind. I had a Negroni and a Punchy, bitter drinks just how I like them! The bartender and waiter were pretty good at managing the huge crowd they had, it’s a small place but lively. Definitely recommend.

I came here on Valentine Day and had a Mountain Chase. The drink was delicious and the mixologist was very knowledgeable. Definitely adding this to one of my favorite places to get a nice cocktail in the Village!

First time to have a Manhattan made with only bitters with Old Overholt for the rye. Amazing. After several visits, the drinks are hands down still the best served with professionalism, however don't look for the bartenders to be engaging. Not your old school. If you can look past that you'll enjoy yourself.

Brought a date here for a few drinks. It was the perfect balance of crowd and intimacy. I would recommend this place

Brought a small group here on a Saturday night around 7PM. We just managed to snag spots by the bar. I didn't see seats anywhere, but the overall vibe is still pretty cool. Hundreds, if not thousands, of bottles of bitters line the walls, giving it a midcentury apothecary feel. The bartenders obviously know what they're doing, but the service as a whole could have been better. We had to get our own water, which I'm pretty sure wasn't supposed to happen. We got the Archive (daily special, that day was a peach and baking spice forward Negroni) and a couple of their classic drinks. Very tasty and enjoyable, although honestly I've enjoyed other cocktails more. Prices are about average for a nice cocktail bar in the area, you're looking at around $20/each. By the time we left, the bar was packed, and patrons were spilling out to the storefront and into the street. Get here early.

We don’t drink, but we visited Amor y Amargo with our friends who are extremely into high quality & unique alcohol. The decor was cool and old-fashioned with vintage furniture. The display and layout were like in a museum and their product was like an alrt. The staff was kind of cool and reluctant but we were fine with that. Our friends love their drink so much and plan to visit their bar in the near future.

+4

The concept here is great, I love how this bar is both a bitters shop in the front and a cocktail bar in the back. The vibe is more on the casual and laidback side so our group was able to have a conversation without shouting too. In terms of drinks, the cocktail combinations are definitely uniquely made. They go heavy on the bitters (as the theme implies) so you can taste some interesting flavors which makes it a hit or miss but overall not bad.

Rajat Maheshwari

Really good drinks and cozy spot. There's only room for like 10 people to stand and drink. Put off by bartender/owner. He made a face and comment because our tip was too low. 15 dollars for 4 drinks while we stand. Lol tipping culture just out of hand.

Andrew Schneider

No doubt about it, the ambiance of this place is unique and charming. Overall incredible atmosphere. And best amaro selection I have ever seen. Bartender was a bit put off by questions, it appeared and came off as pompous and arrogant, but he was very knowledgeable and had a certain je-ne-sais-quoi to him.

A fancy cocktail bar located in NYC, East Village. We've been the to prove their famous Negroni. The is not bad at all, but it was pre-prepared in a bottle, so it lost most of his charm. Same thing happened with the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan - it seem the only ones prepared "fresh" by the bartenders are their signature cocktails. We were not offered a food menu, so not sure if they serve anything there. A stop at Katz's - only a few blocks away - solves the issue. But if you love a bitter cocktail, it is worth trying it.

Andy Dremeaux

It's a space I've been visiting for over a decade, with many friends and out-of-towners for this truly awesome and unique bar. The decor is beautiful and they offer something you can find almost nowhere else. But why put forth a display of 100 bottles of specialty liquor and then service them with a bartender that is so thoroughly unpleasant and arrogant? I come to this place because I am fascinated by the selection and love to talk about it -- I bought the god damn book -- but this dude (not the author) seems almost repulsed that I'd ask questions. That I'd inquire about one of the ingredients he is mixing into my drink right in front of my face. Although mixing is an overstatement at Amor these days: every single cocktail we watched him make was premixed. Pour it in the glass, slice of lemon, that'll be $18. And lets be honest, it's no secret that despite the incredible sounding descriptions and wild mixes of ingredients, nearly every cocktail at this place ends up tasting the same. Bitter with a little of this, bitter with a little of that. It's great when you have a bartender that likes to engage with you and talk to you about the history and origin of the drinks. Instead I got a bartender that handed me an ipad at checkout that had an $18 tip preselected for 4 drinks that he poured from a glass bottle over ice.

Sara Sikorski

I have been going for about a decade? I would say about 10.1/10 times the bartender is in a bad mood and you will know about. I was ok with it when I wanted to try a new amaro. I have witnessed for years if you ask any question they will respond in a shitty way. For many years when the bartenders responded shitty i would make a straightforward suggestion to the patron asking, like try a spritz to see if you like it. The bartender with a braided goatee (go figure, right) pushed it too far tonight. I asked a question and he was unnecessarily a jerk about it. He doesn’t know anything. This place sucks. The bartenders suck. Don’t got here. Go somewhere else. A woman asked for a sober drink tonight and they said we have absolutely nothing and then served two bartenders a topo Chico about an hour later no problem at all.

I love the intimate atmosphere, but the waiter is so rude and unwelcoming! We asked for some napkins, and he told us to get them in the restroom!!? Also, their cocktails are PRICY but taste cheap. Totally OVERRATED! Will not recommend this place to anyone.