Beautiful space and wonderful drinks. Will come back to try the food next time

If you want an old, "rich mahogany," atmosphere this is the place for you! However, beware of the extremely arrogant bartender. I honestly heard him say to one of his coworkers, "It doesn't hurt . . . To be this good at my job." Eh hem. Well then. Alas, their 'taster' menu is fantastic. An awesome place to hang out and feel like you are in a club room, smoking jackets not completely necessary. read more

Feels like a place the guys from Mad Men would go to after work. Elegant, old-school, classy. It has to have the best Scotch selection in Manhattan, although you pay for it. For example, you can probably get a dram of Oban 14 for around $12-$14 at most bars in the city, it's $22 at Brandy Library. But you pay for the ambience. Also try the Gruyere cheese balls, amazing. read more

Oh good god what a selection. You have to be rich to dine and drink here, but man does it make you feel fancy, I unfortunately am not able to afford anything here. No hate! It's just meant for the upper class or for a rare treat out. No one is EVER rude to me when I go in. I come all the time to the free tastings. They are AMAZING. I have learned so much from this place and the presentation is excellent. The tastings are very informative and it takes a full 2 hours to go through whatever flight they have. You must rsvp fast, they fill up quickly! read more

I brought a good friend here when he was in town visiting, he told me that his goal would be to have a library like this when he turned 50. He is right. Brandy library is one of the most exquisite bars in all of manhattan and offers one of the most extensive scotch, bourbon, cognac, rye lists in the world. I am not kidding, I was watching a show called "greatest places for scotch in the world" which featured only 3 places (it was a 30 min show, with commercials, so really 22 minutes) and Brandy library was featured! I've been here at least a dozen times and find the sommeliers to be extremely knowledgeable. I usually just tell them what I like and they bring me something that I end up liking. As you know, I am married, but I still take my wife here for date night. If you are single and need a classy joint to take a date and still be able to have a conversation, Brandy library is your spot. Oh they have a nice wine and cocktail list. And make sure to get a resy if you are going during times when other people might want to go. read more

This must be what heaven looks like! I wandered past Brandy Library on my way to dinner and the name obviously caught my attention. Upon mentioning it to my friend, he insisted we go by for a drink after dinner. The book (yes, leather bound book) of whiskeys was so overwhelming that I had to call in reinforcements from the bartender. He was very helpful in his recommendations and I ultimately ended up with a rye that I really enjoyed. My friend had to order a brandy alexander because he says that's not an easy drink to get bartenders to make. While it was a bit pricey, it was very definitely worth it for the ambiance. A perfect date place....if your date likes brown liquors. (and if they don't....you might want to reconsider dating them) read more

Gorgeous ambiance, classy and chill crowd. All the cocktails had clean flavors, no syrups (as evidenced by the diluted earthy colors of the drinks). Definitely recco The Musket (Armagnac, muddled fig, honey, lemon juice A taste of Gascogne will make D'Artagnan ride again). read more

Decided to come one night with a friend of mine and it was definitely a great choice. The Ambiance complemented the great drinks, food and service. Try the Brandy Alexander, it's delicious. Will definitely be going back. read more

Brandy Library - New American Near Me - New York, New York

We came here before 11:00 p.m., in part hoping to get a bite to eat with our drinks. We asked the waiter whether the their molten chocolate cake was good. He tells us that the cake is amazing and, yes, molten in the center as we wanted. But the kitchen, he tells us, is closed. After a few questions, he explains that, no, we are not confused: The kitchen is supposed to close at 12:30 AM. But he tells us that the kitchen instead closed tonight at an earlier, unspecified time. He didn't offer even a "sorry." Also, he was pretty rude as we were picking our drinks, refusing to help find a drink we asked for and then trying to walk off as we thumbed through the menu. On a different, better night with a nicer waiter, this would be a great spot. read more

Absolutely beautiful spot! Their outdoor seating felt very safe and was comfortable and stylish. They have an incredible selection, and I love the selections for the tasting flights. The staff is so knowledgable and kind. They made my husband feel so special for his 30th birthday! read more

Great ambiance, great drinks, great place for a date and great amount of big ego snoots. But hey, it's TriBeca!

Unique spot for elegant late night drinks in NY. Sure here you don't have the skyline view, but setting is very special, giving the small room a warm and one of a kind atmosphere. Drinks menu is big... well you'll see! You should go there for 'real drinks', not cocktails/ beer/ champaign etc. And service is very good. Go there for an intimate evening with people you want to spend quality time with! read more

This is one of my favorite lounges in TriBeCa. It's a great date place or for a small group. Cozy, comfortable and intimate setting with great cocktails/desserts and the biggest brandy menu I have ever seen. I have been here many times and always enjoy it! read more

The Brandy Library embodies everything I love (and thought was gone) about New York. This is a prohibition-era-style place that is hard to find these days. I'm not sure what it was, but we weren't immediately allowed entry, even though there was available seating. Once we made it clear we were serious drinkers (for this is not a place you go for a beer and a shot of jaeger) we were set up with a cozy spot in the corner. A look around the shelves reveals an unbelievable selection of spirits. I'm a scotch man myself, but we went for the tequila which in the case of our selection I think doubled as jet fuel. What seemed like a thimbleful of tequila managed to get nursed for the next hour. After a bit of time you could easily convince yourself that you were the only ones in the joint even though there were small groups of other people doing the same thing we were. Almost like a coffee house for spirits (and I mean coffee house in the dutch sense of the word). This place is like something out of a dream and I would highly recommend checking it out. read more

Wonderfully relaxing atmosphere where you don't feel rushed to get in and out. The selection of scotch was impressive (according to those I was with) and the variety of drinks for non-scotch drinkers was also interesting and diverse. Bring your wallet though, we felt it was a little expensive compared to other places we have been...but of course those were not in New York City. The appetizers we had were excellent and the staff does a great job of setting the "tone" of the establishment without be snobby or condescending. We would recommend and definitely go back. On another note...we were all dressed in dress-jeans (if there is such a thing)...and felt very self-conscience. They let us in, but I would encourage outfits that are a little dressier. read more

We had gone here late on a Saturday afternoon. We were able to get a nice spot in the back on really comfortable chairs. They were extremely nice and very sympathetic on the barrage of questions I had. They handed us a book about the size of the Game of Thrones book, and covered just about every spirit you can think of. They do not have a large selection of food, we had the cheeseballs and burgers. They were DE-LISH! When the burgers were brought out, they were very small, topped with cheese and bacon and surprisingly filling. We had the Whiskey taste which is beautifully displayed in a box with six glasses and a card describing what we were experiencing. Everyone was extremely nice, that atmosphere was fantastic. I highly recommend this place either for a date or even just for nice relaxing after dinner drink. They even gave us a complimentary cookies on our way out. Try it, I recommend it! read more

Limitless options on all fronts. Went here on a rainy Sunday night for drinks and it was great. Amazing cozy and romantic lighting/decor. Staff was very knowledgeable about the drinks. Did a Mezcal tasting and a cocktail. Definitely recommend for a date night spot to impress! read more

Brandy Library had a really really great selection of whiskey, great for whiskey lovers. Romantic, cozy ambience with comfy couches and jazz music playing, the place is good for both a date and gatherings with friends. read more

Such a great place for a drink or a bourbon/whiskey tasting. The space has great warmth and a comfortable feel and if you're a cigar smoker, you can sit on their little front deck and smoke while you're enjoying a cocktail. read more

Great spot for a pre-dinner drink. Certainly less rowdy than the typical bar scene, but it also could've been the time of night we were there (7 p.m.) The menu was extensive, so I wish we had more time to dig in, but my pisco sour was an excellent way to kick off the night. read more

This is a great place to start out a guys night out, though it's ecumenical enough that I think my wife would enjoy it. The liquor collection is awe-inspiring, edifying, educational. And they have a fantastic antpiasto/tapas menu that is really well conceived and executed. The ambience is very guy-oriented and also as others have said, it's very suit-oriented as far as the clientele but it's not necessarily bad to be surrounded by a bunch of guys who care enough to dress well - that's a rare enough experience these days. We got there early and staked out a private nook by the fireplace, so the other patrons didn;t really affect us. The only difficulty with getting there early is the the service hovered over us and we kept having to defend things that weren't finished. But as soon as the place started filling up the service balanced out and became normal. My friends and I all ordered cocktails instead of the straight stuff which we weren't ready for. The bartenders are very good here, no question. I will defiintely go back. read more

The ambiance and selection are second to none. It's a bit pricey but it's New York and it is worth every penny. I have explored as many lounges as possible while in NY and this hands down is my favorite. read more

Low key great spot for the advanced spirit drinkers. Super knowledgeable bartenders and insane selection from all spectrums of whiskey, brandy, bourbon and more. read more

I really wanted to like this place but the service (or lack of) left a lot to be desired. We ordered our drinks and then our server disappeared. They have a huge selection of drinks but it's hard to place an order when no one is there to take it from you. read more

Maybe it's because I'm sitting across from my hubby in a dimly lit romantic spot with a gorgeous warm drink in front of me, but this spot is fantastic. My husband has come here a few times with clients in the tribeca area and said that it's awesome every time. So, I feel comfy giving It a five. The staff is friendly and patient - all in all, such a good experience read more

This is a BAR, with delicious pub food, & racks of liquor. Coool low lighting, & NO TV's! Very knowledgeable staff, limited cocktails. My guest & I had a great time! read more

Beautiful bar. Too bad the bartenders were less than helpful. I had to try a few times at the bar to get their attention for a drink, and when I asked what their most popular cocktails were, they offered no suggestions. I told them I usually go for something on the sweeter side. He recommended an old fashioned...I guess this was my fault for not sending the drink back, but it was nothing like I had told him what I like. The rest of the night it was impossible to flag down a bartender for a glass of water or even another drink. Maybe it was a bad night? Who knows read more

I felt pleasantly older at Brandy Library. Very much. I never hear about it until I read Madhuri I.'s review a few weeks back and I didn't need anything else to bookmark it. I'm running now into old reviews from some of my yelp friends or the ones that I'm stalking to, and I'm pleased to say how Brandy Library's spirit is still the same even from 2005. The spirit, in a mystic sense and in a real sense as I bet some of the spirits served to the mentioned yelpers could be coming from the same bottle that the one served to me. Since the bottles are keep like treasures in the wooden shelves, shining and part of a collection that deserve to be in a museum if there is any for liquors. If the first impression when you walk in is an aura of sophistication, upscale venue for medium age to grandpa customers where you may not feel totally comfortable, you will need just a few seconds to change your mind after being welcomed for the host that will assign you a table or a seat in the bar. The style is classic, cozy and friendly as the manners of their personnel; all of them. And as much as I love living as a woman in modern times, I like also to interact with old manners gentleman and receive compliments in a classic way. The name will tell you everything. Brandy Library. Library, Literally. The way it looks. The collection. Small groups seated in tables that, for how are distributed, will create a private space. The crowd can certainly be medium age, but 30s was the common number when I went there on a Sat night. I loved the bunch of fresh flowers. And there is no rules, but some advices are write down in the first page of their menu encouraging you to follow it: we don't have dress code but wear something respectful, no feet over the tables, talk in a reasonable volume and a few more. The menu is overwhelming. Seriously. You will find the drink that you want. The one that you hear about and the ones that you don't even know it exist. Actually, you can excuse yourself: who says you are having fun? as it is a place to learn*. Our drinks weren't the best I have taste but maybe its just that I have taste way too many already. Not the best, but exceptionally good. Peaches and cream Musket (mashed sweet fig. Love) Gin-gin mule Blood and Sand I loved how the guy was attending other patrons in the other side of the bar and come just to tell he would be with us in a moment. And I loved his friendly seriousness. And he made your drinks right in front of you and I mean, the required ingredients are carried there. I loved how he barely utilized tools. 1 part of this. 1 part of those. 2/3 of the other one ... the part wasn't any fixed volume but his own eyes of expertise. And the result was obviously good. Everything was mashed and mixed in a glass instead the cocktail shaker. As Raines Law room, I will love to keep Brandy Library as a weekday destination. After all, weekdays are days to study .. and *I feel pleasantly nerdy at Brandy Library too. Very much. read more

One cold and windy night, I was walking around the streets of Tribeca, holding my iphone with my poor frozen hand, trying to find the Brandy Library. After making a few turns on the confusing streets of Tribeca (why is this part of NY not in grids?), I walked past the Brandy Library, because it looked very unassuming. I realized my mistake, turned back and entered. Wow. Welcome to the Brandy Library Stephy. There were a few people ahead of me trying to get seated. Apparently you need reservations here. I went over to the coat check to drop off my coat and joined my friend, who was already seated next the fireplace. I love the atmosphere. Dark shelves full of bottles and cigars. A warm fireplace. Comfortable couches. The menu is extensive. If you don't like brandy or whisky, they have cocktails and wine as well. Our waiter here really knew his stuff, he was like a walking dictionary. Thanks to his recommendation, I had a Courvoisier- Napoléon Fine Champagne Cognac. I asked the waiter for ice, and he was slightly taken aback. Me: Can I have ice in it? Waiter: Urm... sure... I'll give you ice on the side. The courvoisier was good, it had a strong smell but had a sweet taste. I guess its the beginner version of cognac for girls. We also ordered some food. They had both hot and cold hor's d oeuvres. We ordered lambs in a blanket which were delicious. Small pieces of merguez (spicy sausage) wrapped in puff pastry, that came with 2 dipping sauce- dijon mustard and harissa (a Tunisian hot chilli sauce). I heard there was a another floor downstairs but I didn't check it out, next time perhaps! read more

While I thoroughly enjoyed my drink, the staff made my experience here awful. I have had countless experiences at two and three Michelin starred restaurants and thoroughly enjoy a high end meal or cocktail. That being said, I have never experienced a less customer centered staff in my life. McDonalds is better at customer service. I am stunned that an establishment designed to serve well heeled clientele is so horrifyingly backwards in its treatment of customers. I was glared at by servers and shamed by the hostess. I will never recommend this place to anyone. Go spend your money elsewhere. read more

This place is terrible. Clearly striving for the upscale, classy vibe, but they don't have the service or atmosphere to back it up. I was willing to look past the "reservations needed" policy -- it seems like the kind of thing that is only warranted at age-old, classic New York bars. For a relatively new place, it just seemed like a clear attempt to get to that level of "upscale" without putting in the time to build a reputation deserving of this attribute. The decor, similarly, is clearly trying for a certain look, but went with budget materials. Sorry guys, it shows. Tacky. Again, I was willing to look past both of those things. However things went downhill from there. I am the kind of person who tailors expectations according to the establishment's price tag. Therefore, if I'm paying $15 and over for a drink, I expect stellar service. When I asked for a recommendation for my first drink, I asked for something that struck the right note between not too bitter and not too sweet. My server directed me toward a cocktail that tasted like syrup. I already had a headache, and this was not helping. I asked for some seltzer, which I got a refill for later. Upon ordering a (different) second drink, I mentioned how sweet the first was, and did not even get an apology. After two rounds my friends and I got the check. Everything looked fine, except for the $12 charged for seltzer. That's right, $6 a glass for bubbly water that is given out free at every other bar in NYC. I suggested to the waitress that canceling that charge might be the appropriate thing to do considering how poor of a recommendation I received for my first drink. She immediately got defensive, rude and muttered something about my having a menu in front of me and that was that. I left furious. It's simple math to realize that deleting a $12 charge for something that costs the bar absolutely nothing is the right thing to do, in the hopes of encouraging someone not to write off the place or bad-mouth it to others. I sent an email about my experience, thinking I would give them one last chance at redemption, and never even received a response. Dear Brandy Library: if you want to call yourselves upscale, learn how to operate with the class, professionalism and common sense that should accompany the hefty mark-up on your very average cocktails. Everyone else: don't bother. read more

When I die, I hope they bury me here. I've been here quite a few times (and I admit the service is not always superb), but when the place is doing it right for me, it is really doing it right. If you have a decent budget, ask for Ethan (accept no substitutes -- unless you have to ;) and let him lead you on a tour of whatever alcohol suits your fancy. read more

Nice place and they have great cocktails. But the bread they serve is awesome . Would recommend to someone who wants to try a variety of alcohol read more

It's well-lit, so you can see what that guy you're talking to really looks like. Chances are he wears khaki pants with little lobsters on them. But the cocktails are gorgeous and the brandy is strong, so who cares? read more

Brandy Library is a great bar to enjoy pleasant conversation and high quality drinks in a great atmosphere, but they certainly could benefit from a competent host. At these prices, I think it is fair to expect a high level of service. I've had several enjoyable visits to Brandy Library over the past several years. The drinks and food are top notch and well executed. The serving staff was attentive, friendly and pleasant. All of these things were true of my visit last night, however, Shawn the manager and host was inflexible and could never be described as a problem solver; this is a shame considering the cost of the drinks. We arrived as a party of four and most of the seating space was empty. We requested space for four but one of us noted that another two might join us later. I know that the convention at many places in New York is to seat you only once your entire party has arrived, however I indicated to Shawn that we would be happy to sit as four and take our chances on a space for six among what would be available in the event that the other two arrived. He said that this would not be possible because he would be forced to "hold two tables." In response I said, again, that he'd not need to "hold," two tables. One would be occupied and that we'd like to be put in the back the cue for a space for six if others arrived. No table would need to be "held," vacant. I've seen this done before at this very establishment but Shawn said, almost curtly, that we needed to be seated at the bar. Given their uptightness about seating and decor, I was also shocked to see that in front of us, most of the shelves were mostly empty or had random glasses and other things sitting on them. The counter was cluttered with bottles. It looked like the shelving in my college dorm room. We sat at the bar for well over an hour and enjoyed food and several drinks with our pleasant argentine server and accrued a pretty decent size bill as multiple seatings for four remained open . . . the entire time we were there. In the end, given that, for SOME reason . . . Shawn seemed determined not to give us a proper place to sit, we left before the other two members of our party arrived; having decided to take our not inconsiderable business to somewhere where it would be appreciated. read more

I love this place! I go every time I visit NYC (at least once a year). The selection is fantastic and the knowledge of the staff is unparalleled. We also grabbed some small plates on this trip. The tuna tartare was delicious and the charcuterie was more than enough for 2 people. Based on their selection, I'll need to go for another 50 years to sample everything I want to try! read more

Every Brown Liquor on the Planet!!! A connoisseur of rare spirits dream. Great Service, Expertise and Depth of Variety. Go Check this place out read more

Very snooty bar claimed they have an over 25 policy and cannot serve a group of 6 it larger because they didn't have capacity when the place was practically empty. read more

The is by the best place to enjoy great ambience, top quality spirits, charcuterie, and cigars. Nothing but top quality ingredients and impeccable service. Had the pleasure of meeting Flavian (Owner) and Fonda (Business partner). And boy let me tell you, they are by far great people! I mean they really know their business and provided us such an enriched experience. First time trying La Tur cheese and all I have to say is WOW!!! Délicieux!!! If you're in Manhattan NY and want top notch service, ambience, spirits, and charcuterie, then this is definitely the place to visit...and frequent if you're a local. 5 stars no doubt! read more

Amazing drinks and nice ambience. Met the owner Flavian and his friend Fonda such a cool guys! For sure I'm going back here again the next time I visit New York. read more