Little Branch Cocktail Bar NYC

Dec 18, 2023by RJ Peristere

One of our favorite cocktail bars across the entirety of NYC. Saunter down the tight stairway into the basement and you’ll notice flickering candle light,the strum of a large cello and the beautiful sound of ice cubes sloshing against a metal shaker. These people take cocktails seriously…but not too seriously. The bartenders love nothing better than a challenge. Tell them you like a few ingredients and see what they come up with.However, I order a Sazerac.

What we love about LB is it feels like you time traveled to the 1920s in 2020, does that make any sense? It hardly does to me, but what I mean is the vibe is modern and elegant but has the feeling of a place that's always been there. Warm and inviting yet still sophisticated. The three piece jazz band never goes too crazy and never attempts to become the star of the show but plays just well enough to capture and draw you in. LB is a great place for conversation or to just sit and listen and watch the crowd move in and out.

What Cocktails should I order at Little Branch NYC?

As I mentioned above, I'm a sucker for ordering a Sazerac, because to me it's the ultimate cocktail. But at the same time, it doesn't really require too much skill or technique, after all..it's just a few ingredients. This is a bar where we genuinely think you should look at a menu and see what stands out. The menu is constantly shifting and the bartenders like to show off their skill. Of course, the classic cocktails are superb and you can't go wrong. Their old fashioned is perfect and their cucumber cocktails are quite delicious as well.

Bartender's Choice

Or Dealer's choice, however, you want to define it. But this is where you let the bartender know what kind of alcohol you like, think bourbon or rum. And then let him go from there. It's fun to watch them smash up the and make something truly unique for you. It may sound like a cop out to tell you to order something that you have to improvise, but Little Branch nyc knows their way around cocktails.

Classic Cocktails

If you go to a steakhouse then you expect the steaks to be fantastic and the ancillary foods to be less so. The same goes for the classic cocktails at Little Branch nyc. If you can do the basics right then you have permission to move onto more complicated drinks. While they may not serve espesso martinis (sad :/) they absolutely make up for it with their Old Fashioneds, Martinis, and other cocktails. We recommend their Sazerac if you're into brown liquor.

Does Little Branch Bar have Live Jazz Music?

Starting at around 9 or 10, depending on the night. Little Branch will have live jazz trios or at least someone on the piano playing some soulful jazz music. The live music always makes the evening just a bit more special. After all, the band is only playing for you. So have A Few Delicious cocktails and let the band serenade you.

Is Little Branch New York a Speakeasy?

Define speakeasy... if you're looking for a place where you have to say a passcode to get in, then no not quite. But if you're looking for a place that channels the spirit of what it used to meant to be a speakeasy, then you're in the right place. Walking down into the basement and only hearing the slosh of ice cubes and jazz trios makes you feel like you're in a 1920's speakeasy. It truly channels the essence of the classic cocktail bars of the past.

Is Little Branch good for a Date?

One of our favorite locations for a romantic date. The candlelit atmosphere (even though the candles are battery powered) combined with the soft but elegant music makes Little Branch a great place for a romantic evening. We think it would be best for a post evening cocktail versus pre-dinner drinks. Only because we really enjoy the live music. I suppose if you dislike live music, then it would be better to go before ten. Also, because LB is in the West Village, makes it nice centrally located place to go for a stroll after the date.

Is there a Dress Code?

There is no official dress code for Little Branch. But it is a nice place so I would feel awkward if I was in a pair of shorts.

Do I need Reservations?

You can absolutely make reservations but you do not NEED reservations for the bar. If you want to sit at a table, then I would recommend making a reservation.