VIBE

This shoebox of a bar, from the creative minds behind Beatrice Inn and Employees Only, combines a chic, industrial-vintage aesthetic with surprisingly little pretentiousness to draw stylish types from the surrounding trendy Tribeca neighborhood. Attractive, retro touches (like utilitarian bar stools, weathered green booths, bare light bulbs, and staff clothed in factory uniforms) create a unique vibe, great for enjoying a vintage classic from the bar and a tasty bite or two.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

Smart casual works well here; opt for a sleek, fitted top, knee-length skirt, fashionable pumps, and a choice clutch.

GO HERE WITH

A friend; significant other; a date; client or coworker

CROWD

Well-off bunch of neighborhood sophisticates, couples, and first daters.

WHY WE LIKE IT

This place appeals to wine-and-diners at any time of day, be it to enjoy coffee and muesli first thing or a braised beef baguette paired with a Negroni after work. Its intimate quarters and moody, amber-lit (i.e. flattering) surrounds also make it a really fail-safe place to bring a date. (Bottles of wine are recommended if you’re seeking to impress, though keep in mind that some spill into three digits.)

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

The space is small and there’s very little standing room.

GOOD TO KNOW

This venue is unmarked, so keep an eye out for the bare light bulb and its address painted in red (the only two indicators of its entrance). Be sure not to miss the restroom built inside an ancient elevator car, complete with wrought-iron details and a manually emptying train car sink. Delivery and takeout are available.

CLOSEST COMPS

Peasant Wine Bar (New York); Commercial Tavern (London)

Click here for our full-form mobile travel guide, The Purple Passport to New York City.