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- Nearest Transit:
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Grand St (B, D)
Bowery (J)
Delancey St (F)
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
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$$$
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Fri, Wed
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
402 reviews for Milk & Honey
Review Highlights
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"They have truly innovated the modern day speakeasy." In 81 reviews -
"Tantalizing cocktails with fresh ingredients." In 92 reviews -
"The only downside is cash only but theres no tax." In 47 reviews
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401 reviews in English
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Review from Kari E.
New York, NY
5/10/2012
The fact that M&H doesn't have 5 stars is absurd. New York is the cocktail capital of the world, and M&H has the best cocktails in the city (closely rivaled by its sisters Little Branch and Dutch Kills). The bartenders listen to the flavor profiles and liquors you most enjoy and both skillfully and playfully create a beautiful beverage.
It should be noted, however:
1. As with all good bars, you get what you pay for. This isn't some shitty club where you're paying $10 for a warm Stella. You'll pay $15 per cocktail, but they will be mind-blowing. Don't show up, have a fantastic drink, and then bitch on yelp about how expensive they were. If you can't cough up the dough, go get a shitty drink somewhere else. I hear Welcome to the Johnsons serves a phenomenal PBR.
2. This is a bring your friends or a sexy date kind of establishment. I love M&H and I love my friends, but if you're looking to mingle or people watch, this isn't your place.
3. Make a reservation. I feel this is common knowledge, but I thought I'd throw it out there for anyone who doesn't know. You look like assholes when you're poking around looking for the door "hoping to get in". -
Review from Sasha B.
5/24/2012
Your standard NYC speakeasy. I wouldn't say it's anything spectacular when compared to Apotheke or PDT.
I did really enjoy the drinks. They use fresh juices, which I personally prefer to bitters (which they also serve).
They weren't as pretentious as expected. We had finished dinner and were looking for a place to grab a drink. I yelped what was local and saw M&H and decided to give it a shot. As we walked up to the nonsupsecting door, someone was just walking out, so we let ourselves in. The host was polite but let us know that they were fully booked at the moment, but he'd take our # and text/call when he had a table. After only about 30 mins, we were contacted and given a table.
wait staff was friendly and took the time to tailor a drink to our tastes.
I'd go back when in the neighborhood. I still think Apotheke is my favorite, because it's more conducive to socializing. M&H is all booths, so you really only interact with your party. -
Review from Ah-Hyun C.
New York, NY
5/21/2012
FINALLY tried out this much-touted speakeasy and the decor DEFINITELY did not disappoint. When I think of a "speakeasy" this is what I imagine - an unmarked door, dark musky environment, music from decades ago, and a bartender that knows what he's doing! Makes you feel like you're drinking and enjoying yourself when you're not supposed to. The two things that I will say though is that making people wait while standing for their reservations kind of takes away from the atmosphere. Also, while the waitresses were extremely knowledgeable with drinks, they were a bit pretentious and not incredibly friendly. If you're charging $16 a drink, it doesn't hurt to be a bit more amicable to customers and understand that not every customer will be as well-read on cocktails as you. For these 2 reasons, I took a 1/2 star off.
Anyways, the drinks were definitely extremely well made and thoughtfully prepared:
1. Strawberry Daiquiri: I was a bit disappointed that this was the drink that was made for me but I've never had such a fresh-tasting daiquiri that was also quite strong.
2. A whiskey drink that had egg whites and cinnamon: Great mixture of flavors, the cinnamon gave a good kick and the egg whites were so well mixed in that it wasn't as heavy as it can be in other places
3. Midnight Stinger: bourbon with a little bit of vernet / lime / bitters; had a warmth and richness to it that made it a very delicious and strong drink for those who like bourbon
I'll definitely be back to enjoy some amazing cocktails (probably the best that I've had in NY!) and also to enjoy an old school New York speakeasy experience. Make sure to bring cash! -
Review from Clifford R.
Manhattan, NY
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I'm not sure if we came on an off night, but the service was extremely slow. If I'm expected to jump through hoops to make a reservation and pay $16 per cocktail, then I'd like to be able to actually have more than 2 cocktails in a 90 minute window. I cannot stand wanting another drink, and having to wait 20 minutes for the waitress to come over.
Also, from the reviews I was expecting a quiet and intimate setting. This was not the case. We were right next to the door, so we constantly had people standing next to our table who were either waiting for their reservation, or being told they can't come in without a reservation.
The cocktails were very good, and I'm all about the verbal menu. But I'd go to Little Branch over M&H next time. Overall it was a nifty experience, and I still think you have to go once just for the fun of walking down some stinky, garbage-lined street and knocking on an unmarked door, and knowing you're in the know. -
Review from Jia J.
5/17/2012
By the time that I scored the super secret reservations to this place, I was already over the hype...which of course meant that I ended up being quite pleasantly surprised.
First of all, I had it burnt into my brain that this was a smaller version of the milk bar in Kubrick's film of A Clockwork Orange with similarly dressed but not psycopathic individuals with Eyes Wide Shut masks in a very black space dominated by glassy decorations. I also thought they'd have piles of exotic fruit, spices, and elixirs behind a bar.
My date and I located the unmarked door quite easily. What gave us pause was how the hell to announce our presence. Completely at a loss, I knocked feebly. Almost instantly, a young gentleman opened the door, nodded, and whisked us inside.
We were seated in a cozy, rounded corner couch at our own round table rather than at the small bar. From then on, we barely even looked at the present company, and just got drinking.
A bartender came up to us and interviewed us about our preferences. I mentioned my admiration for the Ramos Gin Fizz and got a light, zesty citrus drink. Definitely fresher tasting and less sweet than just about any other drink of that category that I'd ever had, but a part of me was sad that they hadn't actually shaved the lemon peel and juiced the fruit in front of my very eyes.
By the time we'd almost drained our highball glasses, a female server appeared and asked what we wanted. This time, I kept stressing a peach taste with cream but something neither sweet nor Schnappy. Server disappeared, and came back with a concoction featuring fresh cream. THIS was where it was at...if I could capture any fully realized essence of M&H and its philosophy, I'd say it's in this fresh cream, whatever is meant by fresh (didn't see a cow anywhere)....
The space was unremarkable to the vision. It was old, dark, and dimly lit, oriented lengthwise so that there wasn't all too much other than the bar, a narrow thruway, and a wall with jackets hanging on hooks. But there was something about the air of the candlelit space - something so old that it felt almost Western (as in Gold Rush era saloon Western, not that I was alive back then).
As I got more and more buzzed without even realizing it, I started meditating on how the Lower East Side basically WAS the original wild wild West (just read Luc Sante's "Low Life"), and how I was probably breathing the same air as poets, gangsters, cops and drunks from that time...and it tripped me out.
The server came back with a handwritten tab for $84. Here, I had to put my foot down. "We had three drinks not four, y'see?" I snarled (not really). She apologized not too profusely, and came back with an adjusted tab for sixty-something bucks. Much better.
The drinks were delicious, the privacy was excellent, the space was spooky, and the price was all good in exchange for the former three elements...but if I could do it all over again, I would have consumed more water. The drinks, fresh and clean as they were, didn't burn very clean in my system...I was pretty much hungover by the time I got home.
My conclusion is that Milk & Honey isn't overhyped or underhyped. Bizarrely, it's like the nation of India - a uniformly dehydrating love-or-hate experience that's different for everyone depending on what you do, when you go, and which regions (in this case, of flavor) you visit. That said, you'd be a fool not to go there at least once. And don't listen to what anyone says before you go. -
Review from Greg W.
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
What is there left to say about this place?
Very cool, high quality cocktails, some hoops to jump through.
The manner is which you order drinks is this place's greatest strength and tragic flaw at the same time. It really becomes hit or miss with the drinks.
I had two excellent drinks, that were pretty similar (asked for peppery and dry the first time, smokey and different the second time). The gf had one drink she loved and one she couldn't even finish.
So while I highly recommend everyone try here, and while I will go back, there is a level of hit or miss going on that you just have to live with. -
Review from Julie M.
4/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I've waited quite a long time to come to Milk & Honey and I am certainly glad I did. Upon entering, I felt a flood of all the history linked with this place. It is lovely, sexy, and intimate--just as the perfect speakeasy was meant to be. Oh yeah, and the drinks are amazing.
The Bee's Kiss was divine just as everyone else on here has mentioned. I also had a Champagne Flip which was quite tasty as well.
Although I thought this place was awesome and am so happy I came, I would not come out of my way to go here. It is definitely worth the trip once due to it's importance in speakeasy history but because Dutch Kills is in my neighborhood and it's not super annoying to make a reservation, I'd definitely prefer to go there over M&H.Listed in: The Best Cocktail…
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Review from Tim R.
Manhattan, NY
5/19/2012
Some speakeasies (e.g., Raines Law Room) make a show of their exclusivity. It is clearly a business model constructed to attract attention (and, therefore, make money). Despite the high quality product, this is a little obnoxious.
Milk & Honey, being very difficulty to contact, find, and (when you finally get through) make a reservation, may seem to fit into this category. But after experiencing the place, I can say that it is what it is -- a finely-developed drinking experience with "rules" that are not only practically necessary but enjoyable.
I found the place through a recommendation and stopped by on a Thursday night at 10 pm. They were so busy that I never got a callback. The next day was my friend's birthday, and we were going to go to Weather Up (an easier-access speakeasy and -- I've come to find out -- informal affiliate of M&H). After an hour of searching, I found the email to the place and wrote a relatively plea-ful email asking if I could get in tonight. The woman who responded was the hostess who had taken our name the night before and was very helpful. Since she remembered us waiting and since it was our friend's birthday, she squeezed in a party of four despite its being a friday night.
When we got there at 1045, they couldn't seat us immediately (probably because they had squeezed us in). It turns out that this was to our benefit. They gave us ALL drinks FREE of charge while we waited. This is not some stale company policy -- this is people who are proud of what they do and want to do it well. In this case, they believed it was suitable to make our wait more tolerable, gratis.
The waitress was not only friendly and patient -- she was extremely knowledgable. She knew how to convert our general guidelines (for example, I said I wanted something sweet and with egg whites) into amazing drink orders. She never failed -- every drink was something that not only had I not had before but that I had not even heard of before. And they were all EXCEPTIONALLY good.
This brings me to the bartender -- I didn't learn his name, but he is a true craftsman. It was a pleasure to watch him work -- almost as much as it was a pleasure to TASTE his work. These were the best drinks my friends and I have ever had, hands down.
Finally, a note on the ambiance -- this place is worth the reservation (and the trouble making one) since it provides a much more intimate environment than any other Speakeasy I've been to. Even the Weather Up in Prospect Heights gets REALLY loud on weekends. This place plays Prohibition era jazz in addition to other oldies at the right volume. And your booth is appropriately private.
I can not recommend this more highly. -
Review from Janel Y.
After my inital visit, I came back within 4 days with a new group of friends. There was no problem getting reservations and they are quick to respond. Also, we were about 15 minutes late and they will text you if you don't show up as they will only hold your rezzy for 15 minutes.
Here are the words we used and what we got:
-"sweet and fruity" = "Blackberry Honeysuckle" which was subtley sweet...I preferred the regular "Honeysuckle" as I enjoyd the citrusy taste better
-"citrusy and spicy" = drink with ginger
-something similar to a "Manhattan" = STRONG drink
-"something sweet, but not the Honeysuckle or Milk and Honey" = "Chicago Fizz" which was sweet but not as good as the two other drinks mentioned
-"something spicy with tabasco" = "Gordon's Breakfast" which contained gin, Worchester, salt, pepper, sugar, Tabasco, cucumber and lime. OMG...this was delicious! It is very similar to a Bloody Mary, but much better as I'm not a Bloody Mary fan
Once again, I'll be back!Listed in: I Heart New York, Let's Get Your Drink On
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2012
Visited this quaint and intimate place since a friend had heard about it and wanted to try it.… Read more »
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Review from Valerie G.
New York, NY
4/13/2012
Insanely easy reservation system - that is, if you an get the secret email from someone! (Thanks Victor W.!) Just a quick email a week prior & I got myself a reservation for 2 at a booth, Thursday at 8:30pm.
The door, like everyone says, is quite hidden. The only indication of Milk & Honey were the "M-H" stickers. There is a buzzer, but they also have an outside camera that they keep in eye on, and the hostess usually walks outside around the reservation time to look for lost guests ;)
My besty and I were seated in a super large booth, big enough for at least 4 people. The booth was SO plush - my butt was happy. And then my mouth was happy after she asked us for a few things we liked in our drinks.
My drink came with an egg and a citrus backdrop, my friends was a little sweeter, and most definitely refreshing. The drinks are all custom made and totally unique - worth the $16 price tag.
Cash only! And the waitress is a complete vixen ;) -
Review from Douglas P.
Manhattan, NY
4/30/2012
M&H's cocktails are good and its exclusivity may impress many, but the fact that a cocktail costs as much as a decent dinner is sort of absurd.
One Drink Ahead -
Review from Danny L.
Staten Island, NY
4/23/2012
Believe the hype. The arcane reservation system makes infinitely more sense now that I've been able to sample the libations at this fine establishment.
The Drinks:
While I don't usually fall for sweet drinks, the Bee's Kiss had me at hello. Almost more confection than cocktail, it's flavors evolve deceptively in a mist of aged rum, cream, and honey.
All the other names fade into a collage of whiskey, orgeat, and smokiness, but one thing is certain: they come together to form the masterpiece that is M&H.
A note on reservations:
If you really want to get in, you will have no problem obtaining a reservation. You just need two things: a love of fine spirits and a special email address. -
Review from Tiffany Y.
New York, NY
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
So I walked here from my humble abode downtown and was really confused to find myself in some strange part of Chinatown. I guess this is where LES and Chinatown intersect. Apparently, this place is one of those well-known speakeasy places. I thought I had missed it but luckily my friend was standing outside so I knew I was in the right place.
We got seated at the bar and I had this strawberry concoction. Well, it was a bar that could sit 4 people. We chatted with the bartender for a little bit and then they moved us to this booth right by the door (which I preferred a lot more although watching them make the drinks was kind of cool). Then I asked for something with egg in it and we were brought this drink that tasted like Bailey's and coffee. Best. Drink. Ever. -
Review from Ava R.
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't go here. It's the worst place ever. Everything about it is terrible--service, drinks, atmosphere. It's just horrendous and I'm begging you to PLEASE NEVER GO HERE...
...because it's awesome in every way and I want it all to myself. But seriously, if you try to come here, I hope you get lost and give up and end up going to some shitty pub where they make you a shitty vodka-cran while I'm inside Milk and Honey, beaming as I order yet another pricey drink by describing my palate's fantasies and I sexily sip it thinking it's worth every penny.Listed in: My Fav-o-rite Things
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Review from Chinh T.
4/1/2012
LOVE this place! Nice & simple reservation policy...I just sent them an email a couple of days before and then confirmed again via email. They're quick to respond & friendly to deal with (unlike other places where you can never get through).
There's no fixed menu, so all the drinks are unique and made to your liking. The hostess asks for your general drink preferences of alcohol and flavor, then makes suggestions based on those. They don't serve vodka, so the hostess suggested some gin drinks. I ended up trying three drinks for the night. The first was some gin berry drink with real blackberries in them. This still tasted too strong so I gave this to my boyfriend and traded him for his fresh ginger + gin drink which was damn delicious. My boyfriend also got a whiskey drink with an egg in it. Kind of like egg-nog in consistency but not taste.
Just remember, this place is CASH ONLY, so be prepared. Drinks are $16 a piece, but worth it! -
Review from Yibing Q.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 4/16/2012
Still as MIND-BLOWING as ever!
Efficient reservation system once you got hold of the right email address. You could only get in with a reservation!
Tried its Clover Club and Penicillin - drinking both = watching two surrealistic movies = multitude of emotions which could not be conveyed via words.
I was terribly pleased leaving this speakeasy.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/20/2011
my virgin speakeasy experience, which was extraterrestrial.
it was a painful process to secure a… Read more »
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Review from Brandon P.
Brooklyn, NY
3/3/2012
Picture this. You walk into a bar. It's packed so tight that all you can smell is the stench of body odor, broken dreams, and spousal abuse emanating from the large hairy man that is trying to grind on and slip a roofie into the drink of the girl that you've entered with. Dancing on the bar are monsters that you are sure must be human, and yet look like result of a platypus mating with a Yeti. For $15.00, you get to enjoy a drink that tastes as if someone had eaten a whole plate full of asparagus and then urinated into a cup and served it to you. Does this sound like your idea of a good time? Me neither.
That's why I came to Milk & Honey.
There is a great sense of sophistication and pomp that comes with entering into a bar through an unmarked door. You don't knock, they have a camera that they know that you are there. They check your name on the list, and as soon as you walk through the door you are transported to New York in the 1920's. The place has a small and intimate feel to it. It's lit by candles, the music is nice and yet unobtrusive, and the ambiance will make you feel like you are one classy bastard. Fellas, if you want to get laid, take your girl here. Or you could go to that first bar that I had you imagine, just make sure you have your roofies handy. However, I guarantee that the Milk & Honey route will work out much better for you in the morning.
The cocktails are incredible. Now, I'm not the kind of guy who usually goes and pays $16.00 for a cocktail. Most of my nights consist of grabbing a Four Loko, crying over my sad and pathetic life, and passing out in a drunken stupor naked on someone's stoop. However, it's nice to have a change from all of that. Simply put, Milk & Honey have the BEST drinks that I have ever tasted. It's as if they are made with flakes of gold and Jesus's sweat. Personally, I'd recommend the Gold Rush (which if I remember correctly was bourbon and honey), or the Bee's Kiss (which was cream, honey, and aged rum and also happened to be the best drink that I've ever tasted).
The servers are extremely nice and patient. You don't order by items on a menu, you order by flavors that you enjoy. This is a GREAT idea. While I was a bit dismayed that they didn't have a sawdust flavored cocktail (my favorite!), I've never been disappointed with the drink that I've been served. The bartender is a genius. He doesn't just make drinks, he makes art. The guy is the mothah fuggin Picasso of mixed drinks. The bartender at the previous bar I mentioned is more like van Gogh. He only as one ear and he lost the other after getting caught up in a dangerous cock fighting ring that left him with only one ear and one testicle. He became pretty bitter after that.
If you want to impress your date, take them here. If you want people to think that you're awesome and the modern Jay Gatsby, take them here. If you want to get rid of your enemies, push them off of a cliff to make it look like an accident, and then come celebrate here. Most importantly, if you want to have the best cocktail of your life, escape a bit to the 1920's, and have an enjoyable evening in a bar where you're not going to be molested by everyone and their mother, for God's sake, go to Milk & Honey. -
Review from ellen p.
New York, NY
4/6/2012
I had been dying to try Milk and Honey for years, and on a random Tuesday night, the man and I made a point to go. Like other yelpers have said, you could EASILY miss the grey metal door. We got buzzed in and were shown to our table. We shared 3 drinks, all of which were delicious. All were ginger variations, and you could tell they were expertly crafted.
I gave 4 stars simply for the pricing-at $16 a piece that's a bit steep. HOWEVER, for the exclusive, yet non pretentious atmosphere, it was well worth it. I'd love to go back again, or with another couple! -
Review from Adam K.
3/14/2012
Our visit to Milk & Honey was spectacular! We had a great time, even after a minor incident involving the actual location of the bar. This bar is very hidden. Without the 'M&H' on the door we never would have found it. The space is small, very small.
Upon arrival we were greeted by the server who asked if we had reservations. We did, so we were promptly seated in a very comfortable booth. After we gathered ourselves due to the aforementioned 'location related incident' we were asked about our drink preferences. Milk & Honey does not have a menu. They have a bartender that knows what you're thinking and assembles drinks to match your taste. We enjoyed about 6 or 7 cocktails between the two of us and probably never had exactly the same concoction twice. Each beverage was exquisitely prepared and tasted absolutely delightful!
Around 4am we were told it was 'last call.' I was under the impression that New York City was the 'City that never sleeps.' Well....clearly it does....at 4am.
Regardless of this new bit of knowledge, we immediately ordered another round of drinks, paid our bill, and left.
Milk & Honey was one of the better 'Speakeasy' experiences I've had in the city because the service was perfect and included zero attitude.
I will definitely return. -
Review from Derek H.
Cook, IL
3/24/2012 1 Check-in Here
Shhhhh...
Look carefully for the door. It's very discreet, but if you're going, presumably you know what to look for.
Theo was an awesome bartender. Watching him make drinks is like alchemy.
My three drinks were the Regal (with Tequila), Migration (a deviation of the Jungle Bird), and a Rum Ginger Highball. I have the names, but doubt anyone anywhere will be able to make them quite the same.
I was the guest of a friend who had a reservation, so I can't speak to the process or prices. It was a great experience that I'd love to try to re-create sometime. -
Review from Victor W.
MONMOUTH JCT, NJ
4/2/2012
This place is quite hard to find, it is literally a hole in the wall. When you walk in there is a romantic feel in the air with a tipsy feel. Our reservations were at 10:15 PM, but they did not seat us till 11:30 PM. For the delay they gave us free drinks on the house, which were out of the ball park.
I had a honey based drink, a chocolate based drink, and a drink that was honey with a slight cherry flavor. The drinks were delicious, definitely the best cocktails in the city. The bar tender was nice and friendly and entertained us. -
Review from Tammy P.
West Covina, CA
5/4/2012
The drinks are strong and definitely unique. The atmosphere was comfortable and inviting. Not sure if we would make a special trip to come here when we are in NY but I think if we in the area we could easily become regulars.
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Review from Elizabeth L.
New York, NY
2/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Be sure to give your friends the address before meeting up, as Google Maps lists Milk and Honey as permanently closed, AND gives the wrong address - lists it as some place around Grand when it's actually closer to Delancey.
Made reservations about two weeks advance using the email address on the website, maximum party of 5.
No menu -- waitress takes orders based on what you like, though my boyfriend told me to order the Bee's Kiss since Milk and Honey's known for it. It was a pretty strong and creamy concoction, though the aftertaste of honey was strong and delicious.
Pretty quiet around 11:30 on a Saturday night, but the place definitely picked up after midnight. -
Review from Cimberly G.
Orange, CA
4/28/2012
Totally cool drinks and place! Our cab driver was leary about leaving us off there. Great atmosphere! Only downfall was they don't have vodka. That is my favorite.
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Review from Nikhil S.
Manhattan, NY
2/25/2012
I will rate this place a 3.75/5 but the additional .25 comes for the attempt to try and create a different place where there is no menu and the bar tries to create the drinks based on the flavors you like.
Round 1:
We ordered a fruity/spicy drink and a milk / liqueur based drink. The former had a very strong ginger over tone which made it interesting but difficult to finish the whole drink . The latter being a safe choice was good, better than what you get at most of the places, it had an aged rum, coffee liqueur and some nutmeg sprinkled over.
Round 2:
We ordered a fruity/strawberry based fresh feeling drink and a honey based one. The former had a lot of ice but couple of sips and one could start savoring the freshness of the muddled strawberries under the ice. The latter was interesting but had a little more honey flavor than I could handle.
The place:
134 Eldridge Street, the yelp map is not very accurate so Google it to confirm. Nondescript entrance and in fact the street M+H is on will make you doubtful about the place to begin with, but the place has a very nice retro feel about it (reminds you of Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" travel to old times. Has a low light ambiance, with nice background music (not loud so that you cannot have a conversation )
For reservations:
Emailing them is the best way to go about it and they do get back on time unlike the usually mystique created about this place. -
Review from Natalie M.
Brooklyn, NY
2/27/2012
I really wanted to love this place, I promise I did. The drinks are absolutely amazing & the speakeasy is comfortable (read: not packed), intimate and chill. You'd think it was a winning combination. However, I was a bit turned off by the following:
(1) No sign at the door (uh, really?).. walking up and down the block (in heels) looking for the entrance is not my idea of a good time
(2) Strange reservation policy.. must warn you guys: don't you dare come late - we came 15 minutes late and were told that our table was "taken" (the place was still half empty)
(3) Cash only
Probably would have been a 5 star review if they'd learn to treat their customers with a bit more courtesy in the noted areas. -
Review from v v.
Mountain View, CA
5/8/2012
It's really not hard to get a reservation. Just use your brain a little. Anyway, atmosphere is intimate, the service was friendly and good, and the drinks were good. If you want something sweet I recommend the Honeysuckle. If you want something strong, get something Manhattan. I will say this though, the whole place and system reminds me a bit of a speakeasy. Prohibition ended a looooong time ago. Still, it makes for a fun experience.
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Review from Kyung Y.
Bayside, NY
1/24/2012
The cocktails here are absolutely AMAZING....worth every penny in terms of creativity and taste.
Only minor complaint I have is that I made my reservation for 8 sharp, but me and my friends were made to wait outside on the freezing cold till 8:10 without being sure whether or not we were even at the right place.. other than that, awesome! -
Review from John H.
Inglewood, CA
3/24/2012
Was visiting NYC with some friends last weekend, when I looked up nearby bars on Yelp. This place had good reviews, so we decided to check it out. We arrived at the address to find no sign, so we rang the bell. After about 3-5 min, an extremely rude door girl poked her head out long enough to condescendingly turn us away since we didn't have reservations. When asked their phone number, she refused to provide one. This awkward exchange went on for a few minutes until we decided to go somewhere who actually wanted customers. It looked tiny and nearly empty inside, and nothing to write home about. I guess their "exclusive" rep us all they have going for them. Don't reward this place's horrible attitude with your business!
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Review from Niki S.
New York, NY
4/17/2012
Best drinks of my life. Hands down. Loved everything about this place, but find a friend that is a member...
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Review from Grace L.
3/27/2012 1 Check-in Here
The mystique of the modern day speak easy is not just the fact that you feel like youre invited to a forbidden secret party, but that they can take their drink concoctions where no man has gone before, and it's all for you, only you. I say this because once you've found the place, and let them know you have a reservation under your secret alias, you enter into a candle-lit cave of wonders where the waitress asks you, "what are you feeling like today?" Tell 'em what you're feeling i.e. a little sugar and spice and everything nice, they will reach into their magicians couldron and create a mystical potion that will transport you to a nether region you only dream of. But in all seriousness, keep it civil, be courteous, keep your conversations to a hush, and enjoy the sense of intrigue and dare I say, danger?
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Review from A. B.
Brooklyn, NY
4/6/2012
The drinks are well prepared by the competent and amiable artisan mixologist and the waitress is an absolute doll. The pretentious and bourgeois air of the speakeasy is only exemplary by the arrogance and contentious attitude of the ill-tempered hostess.
PS- make sure you bring cash. And lots of it.
PSS- bartender's beard is fierce. -
Review from Derek B.
1/29/2012
Completely forgot to review this place from my visit last summer. Absolutely one of the coolest bars I've been in. I hate being in bars that are packed and loud and you have to yell at each other to even attempt a conversation. Well, this place allows neither, first, they aren't going to let more people in than can comfortably fit. Second, it's a real low key place, the music isn't blasting, no one is screaming, just good, intimate conversation. Totally my style. Perfect for a date or just talking to some friends.
And then of course the drinks. Holy crap delicious. Not cheap per se, but worth every penny. Just make sure you order by 'flavor' and not by 'name'. The bartenders here know what they are doing, trust me, trust them.
I really need to get back to this place.Listed in: Bars Bars Bars
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Review from Daniel P.
New York, NY
4/5/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Most wouldn't know, but this place Started It All. The Speakeasy Custom Made High Priced Cocktail Craze that is. It's dam good, great drinks (if you can afford them), excellent service and ambiance. I special occasion and great date place, or if you're Rockefeller great everyday drinking bar.
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Review from Mooie G.
Manhattan, NY
2/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Low key great atmosphere and the server is sooooo friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend. However, if you plan to get blasted and rowdy, it's not the place for you. The table behind us had a person who was so drunk she kept falling and fell onto the floor from her seat. Other places it maybe okay but this place is small and cozy so everyone will notice.
It good for a date/small group where you can hear each other talk. -
Review from The O.
Irvine, CA
1/5/2012
Small popular NYC bars can be tough and I have avoided trying M&H because I did not want to have to go through the drama of getting in. Well, I was very surprised when my reservation request was quickly answered. We loved this place from the moment we crossed the threshold. We were seated in a reasonable amount of time and treated with warm hospitality by the staff.
M&H is not a bar, it is an experience. The bar tenders are practically chemists who create amazing and incredible drinks. It was so fun just watching them work. It was a great place to have an intimate conversation with out being blown away by music and a loud crowd.
Not a single bad drink was served all night. Each was unique, elegant and fun. After spending a night at M&H, I am spoiled. I don think I could ever have a syrup/sugar filled cocktail and enjoy it again! -
Review from Thao L.
Manhattan, NY
Updated - 11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh Milk & Honey, how I ache
and long
for your sweet, sweet juice.
End poem.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/23/2011
I've never been to a speakeasy ever in my life.
Experiencing it here was such a treat!
My friend told… Read more »
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Review from John S.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
The owner of a local bar I frequent had been telling me to check this place out for ages, so when I happened to be staying in the area, I had to check it out...
First and formost, It's by appointment only. No phone number listed. No real exterior signs or lights. You have to get buzzed in. Strict rules. It's a speakeasy so it's a very tiny, dark, and intimate place -- perfect for great conversation. (I sat at the bar and I'm not sure I got out of my seat to hang my coat)
There are more private booths in the back, but I recommend sitting at the bar. That's where all the magic happens.
This place simply rocks and it's all in the little details..
M&H has an incredibly friendly and knowledgable staff that all serve double duties. Before opening, Sam the breaks down big blocks of ice into smaller ones.. and chisels one down before you to fit it perfectly into the glass. Anything in a collins glass has ice frozen in a long skinny shape.
A steady stream of fresh liquor bottles (of small size of course) are always used. They're often from tiny companies they hand-picked... Stuff like sweet vermouth is stored chilled on ice and replaced every couple days. Fresh fruit is juiced in front of you.
...and the thing that seals the deal? No formal menus.. That's right. Sam will ask you for your preferences and create something accordingly. No need to worry about getting a drink you won't like... it's like having a personal chef, but a personal bartender?
As a scotch whisky drinking, I had to try their most famous drink, Penicillin (It has 2 ounces of blended scotch, ginger honey syrup, topped with Laphroaig, a personal favorite of mine), and garnished with a candied ginger. You can smell the smokiness before you taste it... then the ginger kicks in... strong medicine indeed.
I had a few other very wonderful cocktails. Of note are a Louisiana styled Manhattan, and something called a Los Angeles cocktail which was a whisky sour with an egg white and topped with Italian sweet vermouth.
The price for this sort of delicacy? $16 a drink. Cash only. So be sure to rob a bank (even if it's just a piggy) before you swing by.
I know people say the speakeasy thing is overdone, but I think the attention to detail and service really set this place above all others. I'll definitely be back soon. -
Review from Kendra A.
Ladera Ranch, CA
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Traveled to NYC in Dec, 2011. While researching a highly recommended bar, Please Don't Tell, Yelp suggested Milk & Honey. New to the "speakeasy" type bars, I persuaded my friends to try M&H. Although the referral only/reservation only policy was somewhat a bit of work, it was WELL worth it. I believe the map may have put it on the wrong side of Forsyth, but after a bit of investigation, we quickly found the address down a dark, dimly lit street in Chinatown. The door was quite unexpected and I hesitated a bit, wondering if I was at the correct address. But alas, there it was, "M&H" on the graffiti ridden, gray door. I rang the bell and a very proper and well dressed gentleman named Theo promptly escorted us inside.
Very small (max maybe 25 persons) and dimly lit, Theo escorted the four of us to our booth adjacent the bar. Theo told us there was no drink menu and explained that they handcraft the drinks to the patrons liking. After asking us what type of spirits and ingredients we preferred, I simply said, "something with milk and honey" (mostly because I read so many good reviews on the Bee's Kiss). I believe my friend asked for something with fresh, muddled berries and any sort of spirt that would mix well.
Theo returned with a very tall collins type glass packed to the brim with ice and filled with an amazing blend of berries, mint and gin ( I believe). I was very excited when Theo handed me the Bee's Kiss. AMAZING! While I cannot remember what the other drinks were, trust me when I tell you they will make you something you absolutely LOVE. The stainless steel spoon/straws are so cool! However, please don't steal them. If you ask nicely, they might just allow you to take one and be gracious you asked rather than stole it! ** Be prepared that they DO NOT serve vodka.
The atmosphere is great.... very quite. You can actually carry on a conversation!
Lastly, a thanks to Theo.. whom not only explained their method of mixology, but even took the time to explain the difference between normal ice cubes and M&H's gigantic ice berg they personally make out of filtered or mineral water (not cloudy and better tasting). Theo even went as far as to bring out two pieces of ice onto our table to show us the difference. Great service, great drinks, and great ambiance! Overall, if you are looking for a "speakeasy" type place, I enjoyed M&H over D&Co. and The Raines Law Room. -
Review from Xinyuan W.
Bronx, NY
5/17/2012
super pretentious place, I am going to a bar, not running for president. came with a friend who knows someone who's a member of the London branch, are you kidding? for a bar? the drinks are good though. and you just tell them what you want instead of from a menu, I said something citrus with mint and it was amazing, my friend said something smoky with whiskey and it was fantastic as well. but really for a bar it's too much trouble to go through.
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