Set the scene.
Nestled between Hell’s Kitchen and the Meatpacking District, Chelsea is a westside Manhattan neighborhood known for its polished vibe and slightly older crowd. It’s not exactly the first stop for fresh twenty-somethings on a night out, but that’s precisely what makes its nightlife scene so compelling. Legendary haunts like Hotel Chelsea’s Lobby Bar continue to draw crowds, but there’s a new energy emerging—one we predict will anchor Chelsea’s social scene for years to come.
Enter Bar Bonobo, an elevated cocktail bar on 8th Avenue channeling swanky speakeasy vibes. The moment you walk in, the ambiance grabs you—Thursday at 6 p.m., and it’s already buzzing. To your right, banquettes and high-top tables line the narrow space; to your left, a retro-chic 70s-style bar with green velvet stools beckons. Toward the back, a red-lit private dining room hums with its own lively energy, blending seamlessly into the scene while keeping just enough intrigue to wonder who’s tucked away in its shadowy corners.
Let’s talk about drinks.
Led by Beverage Director Gelo Honrade, the drink menu showcases a vibrant exploration of spirits, delivering bold flavors to delight the palate. Naturally, we made a beeline for the martini section—and Bar Bonobo does not disappoint. Sure, you can order your classic dirty martini (with standard olives), but why not try something bold, like the Honey Fig-etta Bout’ It? This playful concoction mixes feta-infused Absolut with honey and fig vermouth, delivering a savory-sweet twist.
From the signature section, The Chelsea initially caught our eye—a blend of Beefeater Gin, pisco, lemon, strawberry rhubarb, and orange bitters. But the real show-stopper? The Cornstar Martini. Yes, we hesitated too, but hear us out: Absolut Vodka, Chinola passionfruit, vanilla popcorn syrup, and fresh lemon combine for a refreshingly citrusy, subtly sweet sip. Topped with popcorn, it’s a snack and a cocktail in one—a real winner.
Modern classics like the Aviation (Beefeater Gin, Luxardo, Crème de Violette, and lemon) and the timeless Cosmopolitan (thank you, Sex and the City) round out the menu. For a local nod, try The Big Apple, a delightful blend of Absolut Vodka, yuzu, Grand Marnier, ginger lemonade, fresh lime, and apple.
If you’re going booze-free, the Matcha-Tini—a sophisticated mix of matcha, coconut water, and coco—is both delicious and hangover-proof. Cheers to that!
What about the food?
The menu goes beyond your average bar snacks, offering elevated bites designed to share (or hoard—no judgment). Start with truffle parmesan fries, served with a dunk-worthy truffle aioli, or house-made chips paired with creamy onion and spinach artichoke dips—perfect for sipping and snacking all night.
Feeling fancy? Try the lemon arancini bites—crispy on the outside, gooey smoked mozzarella on the inside, served with a tangy tomato sauce. Pair them with one of the fresh salad options: a zesty Italian chopped or a classic Caesar.
For something heartier, the lamb lollipops with creamy yogurt dip are a must-try, as is the crispy chicken sandwich piled high with sweet sesame BBQ, ginger mayo, lettuce, and pickles. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: the black truffle and brie burger, stacked with an 8oz prime beef patty, brie cheese, baby spinach, and a grilled portobello mushroom.
If you’ve got room for dessert (or prefer to liquidate your sweets), there’s no shame in ending with another round. But if a sweet treat calls your name, the tiramisu—layered with espresso, mascarpone cream, and cocoa—will seal the night perfectly.
Final thoughts?
Whether it’s post-work happy hour with colleagues, a first date, casual drinks with friends, or a late-nightcap, Bar Bonobo checks all the boxes. Sophisticated yet inviting, it’s the kind of spot that makes you linger longer than planned—and leaves you smiling when you finally head home.
Top Takeaways
Location: Chelsea, New York City
Address: 35 E 28th St, New York, NY 10016
Cuisine: Cocktail bar/Elevated American appetizers
The vibe: Chelsea’s newest neighborhood haunt, blending swanky speakeasy charm with modern New York sophistication.
Pricing: $$
Takes reservations? Yes – Resy
Our favorite dish on the menu: The lemon arancini bites blew us away—crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive. (We could’ve easily polished off two orders but held back for the sake of variety.) On the drinks side, we were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved The Cornstar Martini. Don’t let the quirky name fool you—it’s a bold, inventive cocktail that delivers on flavor and fun.
The attire: Smart casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: This true “City That Never Sleeps” lounge serves beer, wine, aperitifs, cocktails, and bites daily, from 3 p.m. to 4 a.m.
