Really enjoyed my time at this spot. It's located on top of the deli downstairs and features a half sandwich + cocktail happy hour that's kind of genius. I wasn't hungry enough to partake, but the cocktails here really hit and were super inventive. I started off with the Badlands, their version of a spiced Manhattan, which has now ruined me for Manhattans because of how good this is. The nice kick from the spiced pear and chili liquor really hit the spot. I moved on to the Upper East Sider which was so light and refreshing, definitely a great palate cleanser. Ambiance wise, this place is romantic AF. I saw multiple dates taking place here, this is definitely a spot that would impress a lady, IMHO. Also, our server was perfect. Attentive, informative, but not overbearing or rushing us along at all. 10/10, no notes. read more

It's a cute bar that can be easy to miss but not terribly difficult to find. I thought the menu was pretty limited and the price of the drinks were probably pretty standard, yet more expensive than I expected for the space. I asked about a mocktail Roulette (bartender's choice) but for whatever reason they said the wait time for the mocktail would be 15-20 minutes whereas that same wait time wasn't given for any of the other drinks ordered which I thought was a bit strange. Probably would pass next time. read more

Excited to come try cocktails. I was told the bartender was late so they couldn't pour anything but beer and wine for at least the first hour. That was disappointing read more

Was headed to dinner on the E side and wanted to pre-game and found this gem!! Found the deli obviously first and had read entrance to bar was on 75th. Found it but wanted to take a pic as I thought it was attached to the deli. Once upstairs, was blown away. Awesome old speakeasy vibe. Drinks were impeccably created and service with a smile. Will be back to try their HH half a sandwich with a drink?! Brilliant!! read more

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This was a cute little spot! Small, dimly lit bar with great service and yummy drinks. Definitely a good date spot. We went when it wasn't too crowded so had a very chill experience overall. Would definitely recommend, especially on nights you want be cozy and indoors read more

"Cool speakeasy without the pretensions" Above the deli, this place is nicely hidden around the corner, but not too hard to find. Given that this is a relative desert of cool bars, this place is a great option if you are in the hood. What's to cheer - Low key, no bs - Reservation option - Standard, speakeasy level quality drinks - Fair prices What's to jeer - Nothing super creative in drinks, more spins off old favorites - Not a unique or awe inspiring interior. It's fine though read more

Cocktails great No sure it's. Handicap accessible Clean Great service Went for happy hour cocktails and sandwiches Sandwiches were great Cocktails amazing Katia is the best - she killed it read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Great date spot above a restaurant! I've entered through the restaurant before but the next time they had me enter through the side entrance. It's dark and a bit noisy but they have good drinks and service. read more

Really cool spot above the 2nd ave deli, they have a fun cocktail menu with some seasonal rotating throughout the year. Small spot, very dive / speakeasy feel. Great Happy hour deal that includes half sandwich and a cocktail. Service was excellent, friendly, and always checking up on you. read more

I really enjoyed this cocktail bar. The ambiance was great. Cocktails were well made. Went in as a walk in on a Saturday night and it wasn't busy. We found the hostess to be a bit rude but the hospitality from other staff was great. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - BlackBerry cocktail x Manhattan - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The nonchalant, yet still well lit, entrance, set the stage accurately. This bar is so humble and unassuming, yet wildly innovative both on the cocktail and food front. Our server was eager to help, fast, and attentive without helicoptering. The drinks, especially the Mai Thai, were clearly crafted with care and had layers of cool flavors. We only had the deviled eggs, but if they were any indicator, the rest of the food will be quite good. On my list for a return visit! The bathroom area is instagramable, btw lol. read more

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Based on the Yelp reviews alone, I was excited to try 2nd Floor Bar & Essen, and thoroughly let down. Let me first say that the drinks, food, and service were all good, but I just found it underwhelming. For my first drink I ordered the 'Fountain of Youth', which was supposed to taste like Cinnamon Toast, but just tasted sour and was unappetizing. My second drink was great: the Gypsy Prayer. Unfortunate name, however. As for light bites/snacks, the Franks in a Blanket (a hot dog chopped up) was excellent. The Gefilte Croquettes were mediocre, expensive, and I was only served two microscopic ones. I get that they're affiliated with a deli, but I do wish there were more vegetarian options. It would've been nice to partake in their fantastic happy hour deal (half sandwich + cocktail for cheap), but every sandwich contained meat. The ambience was lacking in character, in my opinion, and the booths were pretty uncomfortable. Not the worst, not the best, just not what I was expecting in the slightest. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Cozy little bar located on the second floor, honestly after trying two other cocktail bars in this area I highly recommend this place. The hostess/waitress was nice and drinks were good.. I wanted something refreshing but didn't like banana so maybe he was the manager? Came by and asked what I liked I said strawberry but I guess they didn't have so they made me a pineapple drink that had cinnamon and egg white which was pretty good. Food was a miss for us..: the mini hot dogs was too salty with the sauerkraut and the fried potato was rubbery... l assume it's supposed to be potato chips but it was rubbery and you could literally bend it and it wont snap... maybe stick with the drinks when you come? read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Pineapple drink with egg white - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Love the intimate, cozy vibes of this UES bar! We wandered in after an early Friday night dinner (around 7:30pm) and there were only two groups at the booths and a few people at the bar; otherwise it was quite empty. They have a great selection of creative cocktails. While there are no mocktails listed on the menu, the bartender is able to create tailored non-alcoholic drinks. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - a view of the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Staff was really accommodating to my party size and friendly. I really like their cocktail selection. The atmosphere is great if you're with one other person or even up to 5 people since they have large booths. Was easy to get seated around 8:45/9pm ish on a Saturday evening. I got the El Niño and really enjoyed my mezcal drink! I would definitely return! read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - El Niño - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Perfect date spot in UES. You can tell everyone here is on a date so the vibes are great. I've always enjoyed to cocktails I've gotten there and they've got a nice wine selection. The servers will never rush you and rarely interrupt so it's great for getting to know someone new. They've also got some great small bits to split if you're looking for something light to eat. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time. read more

The drinks are great, except for the one my boyfriend tried. He got the Banana Boat, a mixture of rum and banana with some absinthe and vanilla extract thrown in. I'm convinced it's named after the sunscreen brand, because it tasted exactly like sunblock. That one was a dud. However, I can recommend anything from the stirred/spirit forward menu. I had the Somewhere in Nowhere, which was their take on a mezcal old fashioned with a hint of chili. There's barely any food here, but we split an app of Frank's in a blanket. Basically a dressed up hot dog with everything but the bagel seasoning. Supremely delectable mustard read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Banana boat & somewhere in nowhere - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Went for their great happy hour deal. The service was slow and waitress was short and rude with us. Great ambiance and space though. The food and drinks were great but unfortunately everyone in my party who ate one of the apps got food poisoning the next day and were knocked out for the next 72 hours. Maybe it was a fluke but definitely scared to return. read more

What a hidden gem in the UES! When I heard there was a speakeasy in the UES I went: there's no way its going to be great. But when I came in here on a Thursday night (pre-Corona) with a group of four at 7pm, I knew I was in for a speakeasy with creative drinks and awesome ambiance! The bartenders are true artists. They make a mad good moscow mule, old fashioned, as well as their specialty cocktails. Waiters were really informative in terms of matching the right drink for what we were thining of drinking that night. These bartenders are mixology kings who can really make whatever you're up for that night. Menu also was quite expansive, at least ~20 specialty drinks and cocktails? There's also a deal for a drink and a sandwich for ~$20. Otherwise, standard cocktail pricing for manhattan. I just love how this place is hidden behind a diner and that the drinks were spectacularly made. i know I'll be coming here more often since its so close to home! read more

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Very low-key speakeasy like vibe to the place. The entry is a random door which does have a neon sign + a menu outside, but it can be something that is easily walked past. Stairs lead upstairs to, unsurprising, a 2nd floor. The music is at the perfect volume so that you can still have a conversation with someone else. Only came here for drinks with a drink. The drinks are on the pricier side for cocktails. I ordered the Shapeshifter - seasonal drink - which I did enjoy. The burnt cinnamon was a nice touch and smell as well. Would come back here in the future read more

First time here I had the Maya Made and the Upper East Sider which were both refreshing. Drinks are on the pricer side for cocktails but the place is a good atmosphere for a date night or quieter place to grab drinks. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - The Upper Eastsider - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

So when we were walking up, the nicest server in the deli waved to us to come in to the deli and so we did. We told her we had reservations for 2nd Floor Bar & Essen and she said, "OK, wait here & I will send you up when it is opened. Then she did and the little manager upstair said (rather than welcome or thank you for joining us or anything welcoming) next time, you need to enter through that door. I knew quickly this was going to really have to wow me to be back. Who scolds their customers on arrival?! Our waiter was lovely (green but lovely). The drinks were fine. The food was awful. The mini burger inedible and the pastrami popcorn gross. The roasted turkey sandwich was fine. How do you screw up cold cuts between two slices of bread? The ambiance was really bad too. Not a cool speakeasy vibe. It just looked old and worn out. It's so sad in a city that has so many options that all of this wasn't executed better. What we left wishing was that we just ordered in from Pastrami Queen and made our own drinks! read more

Cute speakeasy! Great vibes, feels intimate and sexy. Meaning it's very dark with lots of candles lol so it makes the perfect date spot but would be fun with a small group at one of their booths The drinks: Eastern Trader - this gin drink had unique flavors and some coconut in it so it felt really fun Unforgiven: this was more like a classic bourbon cocktail We both liked the Eastern Trader more. The food: They were sampling a small food menu when we visited so we tried the Franks in a blanket - they were delicious! It was a frank wrapped in a puff pastry and had lots of seeds (almost like EBTB seasoning) and came with a ketchup and mustard dip. The ambiance and space: Great space. However the small tables for two were SO close to one another. I don't necessarily want to sit that close to strangers right now but also it was difficult to walk between the tables to get to the seat. And I say that as someone who is on the average size. And it's hard to have a convo with the person you're with when it feels like you're sitting right next to the table beside you. I wish they'd consider spacing them out more. Service: Great! Tyra was our main server and she was awesome. Very friendly and quick. Another employee also came by just moments after our candle went out to replace it so they're very on top of things here. Value/Cost: For two drinks and an appetizer we were at $55 before tip. The price per drink ($18) is pretty typical for a speakeasy/lounge kind of place and each drink was quite unique. It's not a place where I'd want to pay for several rounds but fun to visit and indulge in a fancy handcrafted cocktail. Overall, a lovely spot to visit in the UES. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Eastern Trader - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Went here on a whim recently and it was such an unexpectedly wonderful find! It's a really cozy space and wasn't too loud to have a conversation. We opted for a bottle of wine, although the cocktails sounded great too. We wanted to try the pastrami popcorn out of sheer curiosity, but it was almost closing time and they had sold out. To our surprise, our server brought us an assortment of complimentary cookies as an apology! It was such a sweet and unnecessary gesture. I look forward to going back! read more

This is one of my favorite places in the city! I've been here about 5 times so far which says a lot considering I hardly frequent a nighttime spot more than twice when there are so many options in the city. This restaurant/bar is still fairly new... having only opened November 2017. A somewhat speakeasy. Although there is a separate entrance (of which I only recently learned), it is connected with 2nd Avenue Deli. Such a night/day contrast between the two businesses, though both do serve Jewish food. The ambiance emits a cozy feel with its dimly lit, rustic, simple decor. There are a number of tables/booths, a small bar area, and another smaller seating area past the restroom, far removed from the rest of the establishment. As word is slowly making its way around the city this place is slowly getting more packed. Great for the business, sad for me as I'll soon not be able to just walk in. The cocktails are all amazing- no matter what your booze of choice is. My absolute favorite is the El Niño (a mezcal coconut cocktail with tiny round ice and a flower and dried fruit embellishment), I always start with it before ordering something else on the menu. The food is what I describe as Jewish delicatessen meets hipster. All items are for sharing as are served tapas style small plates. Recommend 3-4 dishes depending on what you order for 2 people. The service is attentive, friendly, personable, and genuine. Cannot day enough good things. read more

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I know this word is thrown around recklessly, but 2nd Floor Bar & Essen is truly a GEM. Located above the 2nd Ave Deli, the family responsible for the historic Jewish delicatessen designed this bar to attract a younger audience. Fancy cocktails and tapas-style versions of Jewish deli classics make for a very unique combination. We came here on a Wednesday night. It was pretty empty, but the candles and music still created a nice ambiance. There are tables and booths with waiter service, but we opted for the bar, where we got to watch the bartender make our fancy cocktails. We had the Upper East Sider and the Maya Made ($14 each), both of which were crisp and refreshing. We also ordered the vodka and dill lox ($10), which was tasty, but the portion size was comically small. The lox was served on two tiny matzah crackers, each about half the size of a credit card, on top of a large bowl of ice. Oy vey.... read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Upper East Sider ($14) - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Solid cocktail bar with a good selection of beers too. Enjoyed the booths and spaced out seating. Had the spicy mezcal drink which was quite good. read more

Wonderful ambience with amazing drinks. Excellent selection, it feels like you were in a downtown bar uptown cannot wait to come for more cocktails with excellent service. read more

Intimate speakeasy-style coffee bar with creative cocktail selection. The decor is elegant, and it's dimly lit, which makes it a nice option for a date night. Somewhat surprisingly, there are also a few booths available for larger parties (4 people), but this isn't the kind of place for a group any bigger than that. The entrance to the bar itself is around the corner from the main deli entrance - look for the small neon sign and save yourself the trouble of walking around looking lost. Reservations highly recommended, especially on a weekend. The only drawback is that the row of two-tops towards the back are a little close together, and some of the romance of your sexy cocktail date is lost when you're forced to hear the romance of four other sexy cocktail dates happening within a few feet of you. read more

The Upper East Side is a veritable craft cocktail desert, but the 2nd Floor Bar is the oasis that you have been looking for. The 2nd Floor Bar is above the 2nd Avenue Deli and is reachable through a door around the corner from the deli entrance. The vibe is old New York and looks it has been here for many decades. The bar snacks are deli themed. All good and unique. I'm not often on the UES, but when I am this will be on my itinerary. read more

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Easy to find up the stairs on 75th. I will definitely be back! Had two upper east side drinks which were delicious. Fresh cucumber! The ambiance was cozy and cool. Booth was comfortable. read more

The drinks are gross... can tell that they're made of bad alcohol. The server never came by to ask how the drinks were. I didn't even want to waste my time replacing my drinks. read more

Wonderful cozy speakeasy feeling lounge, a unique dimly lit find upper east side. Been here many times, love it, and everyone I've taken has enjoyed the comfortable vibe great for meeting friends or a date. Atmosphere. Inconspicuously located on 75th Street close to 1st Avenue where you need to spot the small neon 2nd floor sign, then head upstairs to find a number of booths for seating, as well as some cozy chairs and small tables for two toward the back. There are also cozy rooms for private parties. Service. Servers and bartenders are very friendly, personable and accommodating with special drink requests. Drinks. A number of interesting cocktails. My favorite is the pretty mezcal based El Niño. Have also enjoyed the unforgiven. In addition to a number of their creative menu drinks, they've been happy to accommodate special requests for creative mezcal cocktails which were fantastic. I appreciate talented mixologists and when I've asked, they've delivered well. Food. All the small bites we've had have been great. The favorites and must haves are the deviled eggs and bone marrow. Other bites we've ordered which were all great: - Franks in a blanket - mini burgers - selections from the meat board - crispy potatoes - pierogis - mini stuffed cabbage Definitely recommend as a unique and cozy speakeasy feeling spot to meet for drinks and small bites with a friend, small group or date. read more

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A really great spot in the UES. Perfect for date night or drinks with friends, the cocktails are absolutely perfect and the food is even better. I've been here twice so have tried almost everything on the menu and would love to come back any time I'm in the area. Highly recommend! COCKTAILS: My favorite cocktails were: El Niño (sweet almost tastes like a pina colada but 100% better), Maya Made (very tasty, refreshing), Icarus parachute (tastes like an orange creamsicle with a tea-flavored twist) and melonchalia (sweet, melon-y, delicious). I went with three other people on a Saturday night at 5:30pm and we ended up spending 5+ hours there at a table, making our way through most of the menu and cocktails. FOOD: Favorite food was the pastrami deviled eggs (truly the best I've ever had), meat board (which we got comped when the hostess saw our waitress was struggling as it got packed & food was taking awhile to come out, much appreciated), duck blintzes (perfectly seasoned and cooked). Also got the bone marrow, herring three ways, gefilte croquettes, vodka lox- every dish really was excellent. Would highly recommend you stop by for drinks and some food. VERDICT: this place is a definite go to on my list and I will be back many more times ! The service here is also great. 10/10 recommend. read more

We had dinner reservations at a restaurant around the corner and needed to have a cocktail (or two) beforehand. This place is great. The bartender makes interesting drinks and during happy hour you can get a "combo" with a 1/2 pastrami on rye. I will definitely be back. read more

I love the intimacy of this place. It's not that big and it's dimly lit. I do think the music could be different. I like rap but don't think it fits in this setting, maybe play some jazz? The food is my favorite part. The Franks in a blanket are amazing - the dough is an everything bagel. I haven't had their cocktails, but I usually have a beer or rosé cider when I come here. The prices are pretty reasonable/standard for NY. It doesn't get too crowded which I like. Still feels like a secret even though it's not really one. Last time I came here was a Sunday night and I was one out of two customers in the whole place. Nice and relaxing. Don't come here if you want $1 shots or to start screaming the lyrics to the Chainsmokers while sipping vodka and red bull. One time I came here, this drunk chick at the bar was totally killing the vibe with her antics. If you want to be drunk, go somewhere else. read more

I felt quite guilty about not being aware of this cozy cocktail bar that has been in the business for almost one year in my neighborhood. How delighted my girlfriend & I were when we were seated in this intimate, beautiful , & elegant bar located on the 2nd floor inside the " 2nd Avenue Deli that is located b/t 74th/75th on the 1st Avenue ." If it is confusing for out-of-towners to find this oh-so-New York -cocktail bar, please don't call me but contact the bar asking about the location or the history behind it. An excellent place for your dates or a night out with your friends. Their tapas- like dishes were very tasteful to compliment its delicious cocktails. Austin, our server, was professional, knowledgeable, & efficient. We had a great time catching up. Loved it so much that I just reserved a table for a party of four when our out-of-town friends visit us this weekend. Highly recommend ! read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Tried this place with my brother and sister in law tonight. Not terribly impressed with the service but the food is delicious, though rather small portions for 3 people to share. We had the deviled eggs, stuffed latke, franks in a blanket, perogis, kreplach and a side of pickles. Everything was tasty and left us wanting more. Great cocktails (pricey) but worth the experience. I got the Upper Eastsider and my brother got the Maya Made. Yummy! Very pretty bar! Would recommend to those looking for small bites and drinks on a date. read more

2nd Floor Bar & Essen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Speakeasy in UES with creative drinks and awesome ambiance! Bartenders are true mixologists and can make any drink you are in the mood for. The menu has a lot of different types of drinks that can pretty much please anyone, but you can request something specific too. They have a few finger foods as well, we got the fingerling potatoes and these are more like thick garlic potato chips - yum! read more

Behind a nondescript door and a simple neon sign, up a dark set of stairs, sits an intimate, candle-lit cocktail bar, one of the best in the city. With plush leather booths, a patinated tin ceiling, and dark wood wainscoting, this bar hints at an old school New York City past. Some tasteful nostalgia to go with my craft cocktail. As for the drinks, they are creative and delicious. A portion of the menu is reserved for seasonal drinks, which I usually veer On weekend nights you might need a reservation, as it does fill up. But on weekday evenings I've been able to wander in. read more