About
Thyme Bar is an underground cocktail speakeasy located in a historic pre-war cellar beneath 23rd Street in Manhattan's Flatiron District, positioned underneath Chanson New York patisserie. Opened in 2020, the establishment has quickly become one of New York City's most acclaimed hidden bars, gaining significant popularity since the pandemic.[4] The space itself carries rich historical significance, having previously served as a gambling den and speakeasy during the Prohibition era of the 1920s, lending authentic character to the modern venue.[1][2]
The bar's mission centers on delivering an elevated cocktail experience that combines sustainability, artistry, and innovation. Under the leadership of beverage director Jeremy Le Blanche and mixologist Samy Berdai, Thyme Bar has established itself as a destination for those seeking avant-garde mixology that transcends traditional bartending.[1][2] The establishment is recognized by The World's 50 Best as one of New York's most beautiful underground bars, reflecting its commitment to creating a memorable and refined drinking environment.[2]
What distinguishes Thyme Bar from other speakeasies is its revolutionary approach to both the taste and presentation of cocktails. The bar employs cutting-edge avant-garde techniques and technologies, creating what critics have described as 'sippable art.'[2] The cocktail menu features 16 options divided into two categories: 'Le Jardin' and 'Floriography,' with the latter showcasing drinks of particular presentation complexity.[3] Signature creations include the 'Cloud 9' cocktail, which uniquely incorporates Dijon mustard alongside passionfruit juice, French vanilla, and vodka, demonstrating the bar's willingness to experiment with unexpected flavor combinations.[4]
The bar's commitment to sustainability and ingredient selection is evident in its use of rare and unconventional components, including orange shaved ice and used coffee grounds.[3] This thoughtful approach extends to the overall dining experience, as Thyme Bar offers both à la carte cocktails for walk-ins and an exclusive prix-fixe food and drink pairing menu available by reservation only.[2] The tasting menu consists of five courses for $85, featuring an amuse-bouche, Le Jardin cocktail, food item, Floriography cocktail, and dessert.[1]
The ambiance of Thyme Bar is deliberately moody and intimate, with dimly-lit, ornate décor that evokes the speakeasy aesthetic of its historical predecessor.[1] The bar's presentation style incorporates unexpected drinking vessels, transportive aromas and smokes, and interactive garnishes with botanical elements, creating a multisensory experience that extends beyond the cocktail itself.[2] Food offerings, while limited to appetizer-style bites rather than full entrées, include items such as Berkshire Pork Belly Sliders, arancini, sourdough toast, and specialty cakes like Strawberry Champagne or Blood Orange & Earl Grey Chocolate Cake Mousse.[1][3]
Thyme Bar's location in a historic cellar beneath a patisserie adds to its allure as a hidden gem in New York's speakeasy scene. The venue operates with a reservation-based system for its tasting menu experiences, ensuring a curated and controlled environment that enhances the overall experience. The bar has garnered attention from food and beverage critics and has been featured in various NYC dining guides and publications, establishing itself as a must-visit destination for cocktail enthusiasts seeking innovation, artistry, and historical ambiance.
