With an ensemble of lively restaurants, trendy bars, and energetic nightclubs, few neighborhoods are better than Lower Manhattan’s East Village for an evening out in New York. Adding to the list of worthy nightlife spots is a sultry cocktail lounge in the vicinity’s Alphabet City area, Madeline’s Martini.
At the helm of Endless Hospitality Group are Robert Ceraso and Jason Mendenhall, East Village bar impresarios who know a thing or two about creating a vibey atmosphere to imbibe — Bar Lula and Goodnight Sonny are two from their portfolio. Behind the door’s graffiti-clad façade, a rugged 12-seat cocktail bar with dark wood trimming, exposed brick walls, and recessed liquor shelving spawn a debonair ambiance; white marble café tables line emerald green banquet seating featuring a hand-painted mural called “Peacock in the City” by acclaimed local artist Leah Tinari.
Guests are greeted by a taxidermy peacock perched above a vintage cigarette machine as they proceed into the second sipping spot: a back room lounge that’s reminiscent of a clandestine hotel after-party sporting vibey music and velvet upholstery. Plus, a custom painting by Tinari — which showcases Madeline’s unofficial peacock symbol wrapped around a woman lying on her side — hangs prominently on the wall. Effortlessly, the space is equally eccentric as it is sophisticated.
As indicated in its name, the cocktail list highlights classic and innovative martini renditions: Madeline’s Martini (gin, equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, maraschino, house bitters), The Dirty Peacock (vodka, dry vermouth, black olive brine, stuffed olives), and the Martini by the Sea (mezcal, sea lettuce brine, bianco vermouth), to name a few. If you’re not quite in the mood for a punchy martini, there’s a selection of red, white, and sparkling wine, along with beer, liquor concoctions, and nonalcoholic libations.
In regards to the food menu, developed by Ceraso and Chef Ricardo Arias (from the kitchen behind Bar Lula), shareable snacks, including Iberico Ham, Calabrian chili olives, Shrimp Cocktail served with housemade cocktail sauce and a generous amount of lemon, and a noteworthy Caviar Sandwich comprising black caviar, horseradish, and egg yolk spread are available to nibble on.
Whether it’s a steamy date with a potential special someone or a girls’ night out on the town, look no further than Madeline’s Martini for a refined yet vibrant evening.
Top Takeaways
Location: East Village, New York City
Address: 171 Loisaida Ave, New York, NY 10009
Cuisine: Cocktail Bar and Small Bites
Price Point: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes – [email protected]
The vibe: An unassuming two-part cocktail bar with a moody ambiance ideal for sipping martinis during an NYC night out.
Our favorite thing on the menu: It’d be amiss not to mention one of their innovative martini concoctions. Our must-order drink is the Breakfast Martini comprising gin, fresh lemon, and citrus apricot marmalade for something sweet and refreshing.
The attire based on the vibe: Smart Casual
Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner: Evening Fare: Wednesday – Saturday, 7 pm – 4 am
Other articles you may like:
