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Phone: +1 212-420-0012
Site: https://www.banzarbar.com/
Opening hours
  • Monday:Closed
  • Tuesday:Closed
  • Wednesday:6PM–12AM
  • Thursday:6PM–12AM
  • Friday:6PM–12AM
  • Saturday:6PM–12AM
  • Sunday:Closed
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Total reviews rating 4.8

61 Reviews for Banzarbar 2023:

Review №1

2022-05-25

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.

Review №2

2022-08-02

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.

Review №3

2022-01-20

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.

Review №4

2022-08-17

Hidden upstairs at The Freeman is Banzarbar. Let all of your wildest imaginations come to light. Kidding of courseA 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 Toms 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 itMy experience at Banzarbar was excellent! Nothing disappointed me. Cocktails were very impressive, ambiance intimate, and service was exceptional! Will definitely be back!

Review №5

2022-04-10

This place is in such a cool location at the of a beautiful graffiti/mural alley. Delicious cocktails, great staff, beautiful ambience, and the food that we got (artichoke dip was incredible, brownie was great) was memorable. Highly suggest visiting this place!!

Review №6

2021-12-05

It was great!The drinks were cool!The place is a bit difficult to find, it’s in the end of the Freeman alley street, and at the second floor of Freeman restaurant.I also also ordered the ube ice cream!

Review №7

2021-10-05

Great cocktails. Friendly and prompt service. Terrific setting. Overall a must go to and a fun spot to surprise friends or a date when they think you are just going to freemans. Also their whiskey selection is top notch if you are just looking for something neat or on the rocks.

Review №8

2021-10-05

Talk about earning street cred for knowing about this hidden gem; and I don’t even live in NYC. With limited seating, reservations are a must. The drinks aren’t your typical, same run-of-the-mill drinks you get served at your local bar. These are originally made, and served in a way that made me question the way my signature drink’s been made for the past 12 years. The vibe is dark and smooth, intimate but not stuffy. Perfect for a date.

Review №9

2021-12-12

Excellent little speakeasy upstairs from Freemans. The staff were all great - friendly and knowledgeable - the space is cozy and stylish, the cocktail menu is creative, and theyve got a couple good whiskey picks as well. I had a house single barrel pick from Russels Reserve that was spot on, and my wife had an interesting salted lemon cocktail built on a tequila base.We didnt order any food on this trip, but the curated menu looked well-chosen, too. Definitely worth a visit.

Review №10

2021-07-19

The crowd was way too loud for this place to feel like a classy speakeasy.The drinks are quite expensive but Id be ok with that if it actually tasted good. The Shackleton urn is really gimmicky and is probably the most popular because it comes with a little flame (that doesnt actually contribute to the taste of the cocktail itself)