A cocktail bar that creates a luxurious yet intimate vibe that is perfect for a casual night out with friends or a romantic date night
If you’re on the hunt for a new cocktail bar to try, we’ve got the inside scoop. Dear Strangers made its debut in the West Village last week with a charming soirée to celebrate its grand opening. This modern cocktail bar and restaurant is the brainchild of the talented bartenders from Employees Only, who bring over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry to this exciting new venture.
What makes Dear Strangers a quintessential New York City cocktail bar is its unassuming nature. Nestled beneath a West Village brownstone, you might walk right past the entrance—or not realize that behind the door lies an exceptional cocktail bar. Once inside, you’re greeted by a stunning bar space, with lighting that highlights the impressive selection of spirits on display. The seating, featuring luxurious velvet in rich midnight blue tones, exudes an air of sophistication. Marble accents and leather upholstery pair beautifully to create an intimate yet inviting atmosphere. Dramatic lighting fixtures and eclectic art pieces adorn the walls, adding personality and flair to the space. The layout is spacious enough for guests to explore and settle in comfortably.
What truly sets this spot apart is its cocktail program. At Dear Strangers, the drinks are the star of the show. We personally loved the Angie, a delightful blend of gin, passion fruit, and matcha. The herbal notes of the gin and the sweet-tartness of the passion fruit are perfectly balanced by the rich, earthy undertones of matcha, creating a drink that’s both harmonious and bold. For those who prefer a drink with a bit more heft, we kept coming back for the Smokin’ Bandit, a rye whiskey and peated Scotch concoction with lemon and yuzu soda. It’s a refreshing twist on a whiskey highball, and the citrusy yuzu soda enhances the natural sweetness of the rye and Scotch.
And let’s not forget the food menu, which is the perfect complement to the cocktails. Developed in collaboration with Chef Diego Rodriguez, the menu celebrates Latin American flavors with an American twist. For those looking to pair their drinks with something delicious, options include Green Aguachile, Bisque de Tigre Chilaquiles, and for dessert, a Cheesecake Buñuelo—perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
For more information about Dear Strangers, visit dearstrangersnyc.com or follow them on Instagram @dearstrangersnyc.
