Third and last stop of my NYC bartour was the Bar Snack, in the East Village. The bar attracted my attention since on their website they are described as “a new iteration of the classic neighborhood bar, offering dressed-up classics for dressed-down people”. An easy-going bar with top quality cocktails? For me, irresistible.
Indeed, this looks like a neigbourhood bar: a bit noisy, no dresscode, no reservations, relaxed bartenders and the feeling that everybody there lives in the block. But then drinks come: my Martini was simply perfect, as cold and balanced as in the poshest five star hotel bar. And the drinks of my friends (I had to taste them all) were equally fabulous. Following my first order, I went for their Boat Snack Martini, defined “dirty like a dance floor at 3am”: vodka, a small touch of a dry vermouth, special house brine and a dash of bouillon for some extra umami. I admit I was a bit afaid of the garnish (chicken skin chicharron, hem) but the we whole thing was simply delicious. And combined very well with the house Spice Bag: fried chicken, fries and peppers, all served in a simple paper bag with curry sauce.
So, no wonder why everybody in the Snack looks happy and “at home”, top quality and great service in the most informal place, highly suggested! Classic Martini rate: 9.
The Martini Hour 