New Yorkers’ new favorite cocktail bar is written in the stars, blending celestial charm with mixology magic.
Hospitality hotshots Bobby Papachryssanthou and Steven Duran first collaborated at The Tao Group, where they were both part of the Lavo opening team. After partnering to launch The Ditty in Astoria and Goldie’s Tavern in Midtown, the two are teaming up again to bring an ethereal new bar to Koreatown: Little Dipper.
Designed by interior decorator Amy Aini, the bar’s interior draws from Bobby’s childhood memories under the night sky in upstate New York. Guests descended a black-lit stairway etched with neon constellation murals by local artist John Herbert Wright.
The intimate 40-seat space features sapphire-blue velvet banquettes, white marble tables, blush velvet bar stools, constellation-shaped light fixtures, and golden accents. Starry screens fixed to the ceiling create an immersive spirit, making every visit feel like a night beneath the stars.
Bobby and Steven tapped Alyssa Sartor, formerly of August Laura, to craft a cocktail program inspired by the 12 astrological signs. While guests are encouraged to reference their birth charts, they should let the stars guide them to their preferred drink.
Standouts include Aries’ Warrior Vibe, a robust mix of whiskey, aloe honey, cherry bitters, and a tableside infusion of green tea; Leo’s King of the Jungle, featuring vodka, pineapple ginger shrub, Le Moné, maple, gum arabic, and elderflower tonic; and Virgo’s Star Maiden, a blend of arugula-infused mezcal, marshmallow root-infused banana, simple syrup, lime, and aperitivo float.
Balance (Libra) combines strawberry-infused amaro, absinthe, and cinnamon cream, while Devoted (Cancer) blends dill-infused gin, brennivin, lemon, and gooseberry.
To complement these stellar drinks, the food menu offers shareable delights. Favorites include Chicken Bites & Caviar with French onion dip with Kaluga gold caviar; BBQ Oysters; and Smoked Trout Dip served with market vegetables.
There’s also Tuna Caviar (sushi-grade tuna, soy, avocado, and Kaluga gold caviar tartare) plus Uni Tater Tots with lemon citrus mayo. Seasonal nigiri options like Amberjack, King Salmon, and Wagyu; tableside handroll service; and a $95 12-piece sushi omakase from Ten Homakase elevate any visit to Little Dipper.
Top Takeaways
Location: Koreatown, New York City
Address: 135 W 30th St, New York, NY 10001
Cuisine: Cocktail bar
Price Point: $
Takes Reservations: Yes–Resy
The vibe: This ethereal, sophisticated subterranean cocktail lounge is best suited for astrology lovers (or may even convert any skeptics).
Our favorite thing on the menu: Grounded (Taurus)–made with shiitake-infused mezcal, amaretto, peach mushroom broth, plum oleo, and white silver tip tea–is unlike anything we’ve ever tried. Magic (Pisces) is quite the crowd-pleaser: tequila, basil aquavit, bell pepper, cucumber, habanero, and lemon. In terms of food, order the Chicken Bites & Caviar and Tuna Caviar.
The attire: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Cocktails and light bites are served from 5 PM to 2 AM Wednesday through Saturday.
