Attaboy

Lower East Side

New York City

Bars

Dark, Narrow, Clandestine and One of the Best Places for a Cocktail in the City

Hibiki Japanese Whiskey Attaboy Lower East Side

Cuisine:

Cocktail Bar

Price:

$$$

Features:

Clandestine Great Cocktails Hot Spot Tops in Neighborhood

About Attaboy

& why it made the Carpe City list

Word of the secret space has been out for some time, so you’ll most likely see a small crowd outside that makes it feel a bit less exclusive, but the crowd is there for a reason.
Look for the steel door with the letters “AB” next to what appears to be an old tailor shop. Give it a knock. Then wait a while. The multi-tasker answering the door takes care of a few other things inside.
Attaboy doesn’t take reservations, and it’s basically a seated bar. They allow a few people to stand in a specified area, but other than that, if there’s no seat for you, you wait until there is.
On the plus side, it’s not a ridiculous velvet rope spot. It’s egalitarian, and they’re great about taking your number and calling when seats open up.
If you arrive any time from 8 pm on, you will most likely wait.
It’s great for 2-4 people. Six can work, but go early or expect a long wait as six can only fit snugly in one of the few booths.
The staff is talented. They don’t offer a menu. They ask some questions to learn a bit about your taste and then work to create a custom cocktail to your liking.
The vibe is intimate, dark, and chill. It’s great for a date or impressing visitors.
If you have a wait, here are a couple of spots nearby: Lena, a wine bar, is across the street; a favorite called The Flower Shop is one block south; Antler Beer and Wine Dispensary is not far as is Ten Bells, one of our wine bar favorites. If the wait is too long, you can always try Fig 19, The Back Room, or Garfunkel’s for a similar clandestine vibe.