We have a great fondness for underground watering holes so we're pleased to add another to the roster in Sweetwater Social, which opened last night on Broadway at Bleecker. Nestled beneath fellow newcomer Bleecker Kitchen & Co., the cozy new bar boasts fun cocktails, tasty bar bites and some games to wile away the hours. Before this, the space operated as the Vault at Pfaffs and before that as semi-secret cocktail lounge Woodson & Ford; maybe the third time's the charm.
Some Goldbar and 1534 vets are behind the pine mixing up the drinks from the over 300 different spirits on offer. Cocktails are vaguely themed around different sections of the city, as evidenced by their subway-themed drink menu. The "Day at the Races"—a nod to the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens—combines gin, port, lemon juice and cinnamon with cranberry preserves and mixed berries. "Ticker Tape"—an ode to our winning Yankees—has a bourbon and banana thing going on; the "Dirty Hipster" (just take your best guess) combines egg yolk, maple syrup and nutmeg with Baba Black Lager and rye whiskey. Our one miff: what's the "Moonstruck" cocktail doing in SoHo?
The bar rocks a nice foosball table sourced from mixologist Tim Cooper's childhood basement; they've also got shuffleboard and other games. Eats include bar snacks like Mini Corn Dogs ($11), Tater Tot Casserole ($9) and the Bleecker Burger ($16) with bacon and cheddar. On the lighter side, try the Yellowtail Crudo ($13) with smoked coriander vinaigrette or the Petite Celery Salad ($10) with green apple, champagne grapes, tomato and walnut dressing.
643 Broadway, (212) 253-7467
