Milk & Honey

Far and away my favorite bar in the world. The bartenders are so friendly and knowledgable, their ingredients are top notch, and the atmosphere is just perfect. There’s no question that, if you can go, you must. Just email them to make a reservation (for non members) for a party of 5 or less, which is the most they’ll take. The only question that remains is… what to get. The Bee’s Kiss is very very tasty, sweet and fun. My sister really liked the Bee’s Knees which is slightly more refreshing. Their version of a dark and stormy is mind blowing. My personal favorite (for bourbon fans) is a left handed. I tried a Kentucky River (bartenders rec for bourbon lovers), which I really enjoyed as well.
All in all. Go there. You won’t be sorry!

They were super nice, and even though one of our friends were going to be late, they were ok with that. No menu! Loved that haha! Drinks felt catered to just you, and boy. They were strong!!! Wish my tolerance was a lot higher so I could try more drinks! Dark inside, I liked the old oldies music playing.
Good experience

Imagine our excitement at scoring 12:15 reservations on the last Saturday at their old location. It was the part of our trip we were looking forward to the most.
Well, what a disappointment.
I loved the location. The unmarked door and the mystery. No one really mentioned how dingy and run down the inside looks. Now, I can get over that part. Sitting in an uncomfortable booth that is not luxurious or cool or even kitschy is perfectly ok with me if I’m going to be drinking amazing drinks.
The server comes around and asks us what we would like — I tell her I want something to sip on with whiskey, something like a Sazerac but maybe with a little fruit. The husband orders something herbally with gin.
What do I get? A cherry whiskey Collins on crushed ice. Um, what? The husband gets an absinthe mint gin rickey. He describes the flavor as an «absinthe mojito.» Now, I guess that mint is technically an herb. But seriously? Neither one of these hit the mark. Not even close. And she doesn’t come back to see if we like them.
Not having a menu is only cool if you are actually going to try to make the right drinks for people. They are obviously working off a set list of drinks — there are too many duplications in these reviews for them to not be. So seriously, just let me see it and I will tell you what I want. Because I absolutely would have never ordered a cherry whiskey Collins. The husband brings up a good point that she never asked him if he liked absinthe (he does) but it’s such a hit-​or-​miss flavor and probably something you should run by someone.
I didn’t make reservations three weeks in advance just to be served whatever you felt like serving me — without actually listening. Maybe some people are just so blown away with the whole exclusive atmosphere, maybe sometimes they actually truly get it right, or maybe sometimes people are just impressed at getting a great drink that they don’t care that it wasn’t actually what they ordered. My drink was good, don’t get me wrong but it wasn’t my style and it wasn’t what I wanted.
The server didn’t stop back at our table until my husband’s drink was gone. We asked for the check and decided not to take another gamble.

This may be my favorite bar ever. I didn’t fully appreciate the limited seating, cash only and reservations required rules until after sitting down. What happens is a fantastic, consistent flow of service, personal attention and easy in and out.
Our bartender could have had a fake accent for all I know, but it kept the vibe alive and his confidence in hearing our drink preferences was great. There is no menu here, as everyone says. You just say what you want… like basil and strawberries and… voila. The magical cocktail fairy godmother (the best kind of all) whips you up something delicious. Try ordering happiness and rum and see what happens.

With Sam Ross behind the bar, Milk & Honey, Sasha Petraske’s original and flagship speakeasy, is not only one of the best speakeasies in the city, but one of the best places to get a drink. Whether you think it’s the best is a matter of personal taste, but no matter how you look at it, Milk & Honey ranks extremely highly.
For those of you who haven’t experienced the original Milk & Honey, it’s true that they are moving uptown. The last day they’l be doing business is Dec 31. Heck of a way to go out, with a New Year’s Eve bash.
I’ll admit that like many people, I always wanted to go here, but could never find out the secret phone number, since this place is absolutely reservation only. However, all that changed, when I was reading recent reviews and one of the reviewers gave away the secret. Maybe this is because they’re closing, but go to the website for M&H, listed at the top of this Unilocal page. Under the ‘Contact’ section, you’ll see an email address is listed for New York bookings, which I used with success. The people who respond to emails are very friendly as well.
I made a reservation for midnight on a Saturday. My girlfriend and I arrived around 11:45. When you arrive, don’t look for any buzzers or doorbells, as there aren’t any. Don’t pound on the door either — they don’t appreciate it. Just stand at the door patiently. There’s a camera the feeds to a tv behind the bar. They know you’re there and will be at the door shortly. Once they open the door, just let them know your reservation and you’re in. Granted we did show up a bit early, but they still let us in, tho we did have to wait for space to open up.
The space inside is very cool looking. It’s dimly lit, with candles lining the walls the bar. The walls are exposed brick, with some wooden shelves to hold more vintage liquors. The bar itself is very small, with only four seats. There two or three booths as soon as you enter, but the majority of the booths are in the back. In terms of size, it’s around the size of Please Don’t Tell.
Anyways, as we waited for seats to open, the waitress came up to us and asked if we’d like to get some drinks started. She explained it was a verbal menu and went through the list of whatever fruits and such that they had freshly on hand. My gf wasn’t in the mood for alcoholic drinks, so she left her non-​alcoholic drink completely in their hands. As for myself, I had a sore throat, so I asked for something soothing and had the Penicillin recommended, which I sprang for.
Moments later, two seats opened up at the bar, which we took, with the option of moving to a booth once it opened up. But, once we started talking with Sam, we preferred to stay at the bar. Perhaps you could say that Sam is Milk & Honey. He’s a extremely friendly guy and despite how busy he is, he loves talking with his customers.
Moving onto my first drink, the Penicillin was excellent. The mixture of scotch, honey syrup, ginger and laphroaig is brilliant. It was definitely soothing. I’d never been much of a fan of straight scotch, but this cocktail shines. Sam later said that the Penicillin is a «gateway» cocktail, to introduce people to scotch. Whatever my girlfriend’s first non-​alcoholic drinks was, I can’t remember, but it too was excellent.
Moving on to round 2, I remembered hearing they had fresh cucumber on hand, so I asked Sam to craft me something with cucumber. He asked if he could stick with whiskey — no problem. He ended up bringing me an Irish Maid — Jameson, lemon juice, simple syrup and mint. It was quite refreshing and again, everything mixes together well and is complimentary. As for my gf’s second drink, it was so good that he wrote down the recipe for us, a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, pineapple juice, cream and cane syrup. YUM!!!
During all of this, we asked Sam about the new M&H. He said they have some good tricks planned, didn’t say much else, other than the new space will hold 66 people and offer some food. Regarding the current M&H space, he’ll be running a new bar called Attaboy, which will offer classic cocktails and perhaps a charcuterie platter.
Other info Sam shared — why they don’t serve vodka. Sam specializes in Prohibition and WW1 cocktails. Vodka was introduced in the 1940’s and is odorless and flavorless, which doesn’t mix well with his cocktails. I also asked him if M&H was the speakeasy of it’s kind. He actually said no — Angel’s Share existed first, as did other classic bars, such as Bemelman’s. He also explained mixing techniques and emulsification.
I wrapped up my night with M&H’s signature drink — the Bee’s Kiss. Sam outdid himself once again. Drinks are $ 16, non-​alcoholics are $ 8. Cash only. Don’t miss it! I’ll def be at the new M&H and Attaboy when they open.
I can see why Sasha is moving M&H to a larger space, akin to Middle Branch. I just hope the charm of M&H isn’t lost in the larger space.

Best bar I’ve been to yet.
You will need a reservation and you will need cash.
Personalized drinks with fresh ingredients. If you’re a person who knows what kinds of spirits and flavors you like, this bar will definitely cater to you. Great service and nice attention to detail. I don’t like dark bars or restaurants in general, but this serves the ambiance of the location.
Now to the people who would deduct a star from a place because they can’t get seated, or don’t take credit cards, etc. This is the way they operate, if you don’t like it, then don’t go. It’ll free up reservations for people who really want to be there and have great cocktails. At least you’re not waiting in a line outside in the middle of winter for hours.

I was born in the late 1900s. But I felt as if I was transported back into the Roaring 20s.
I love the décor here. There are coat hooks on the wall, and each table is lit with by a small candle. Its also cool that you had to find the secret door (its hard to find), they don’t open the door till 8pm, and you have to walk through 2 black curtains to get in.
Most of the booths were filled with couples. It is a great date spot by the way.
There is no menu. I told the waiter I wanted something fruity and sweet. He made a drink with rum, strawberries, kiwis and honey. It was out of this world. I LOVED IT.
My friends loved their drinks as well. Can’t wait to come back!

WARNING!!! CASH ONLY!!! So prepare more cash if you want more drinks!!!
I have been to a couple of speak easy bar! This is so far my favorite.
Why?
— Hard to get in. you need reservations. So, email in your reservation stating a time, date, and number of parties. because it’s hard to get in. You will feel good once you get in. :p
— Awesome drinks. DUH??? The don’t have a menu. or maybe they have. you just don’t need it. tell them what you want and your choice of liquor. They will mix, twist, create, design a drink for you. just trust them. I ordered something minty for my first drink and something tropical for my 2^nd drink. You think mint = mojitos and tropical = pineapple rum? I thought so too, but I was wrong!!! I have no idea what they’ve added in it that make it so awesome. WARNING! EAT BEFORE YOU COME BECAUSE THE DRINKS ARE STRONG!!! Elite Lori ordered something fruity with gin, they came up with gin and some fresh strawberries. I have nothing to complain.
— You feel like you sit on a time machine and travel back to some 18 centuries, with oldies playing, candles on the table. Perhaps it will be good for a date? But I guess it’s too dark to even see your date’s face. :p
I would love to return again!

M&H has a very intimate vibe. It’s dark and quiet, and I can’t even remember if they ha music here. The hostess didn’t make too much of a stink that we showed up half an hour early for our reservation and seated us right away. Finally a place with strong, yummy drinks where I didn’t have to scream at my bf to have a conversation with him.
They suggest drinks based on what you flavors you like, and I got dumb hammered. Will definitely be black for another round of blackout-​inducing cocktails.

Oh Milk & Honey, perhaps your real name should just be Milk & Manna for each time I have stepped through this door, I was certain I had reached Heaven.
There’s the feeling that you’ve just stepped in on a secret that happened 90 years ago.
There’s the feeling that something exquisite awaits you… in fact, it does!
You’ll make a reservation (email them via the website), arrive at your scheduled time and they will open the door that is simply marked M&H (and is locked). After you’re seated, you will be asked what you like because there is no cocktail menu. Now, don’t panic. You can say, «I’d like a Martini» (don’t even think of modifying that statement with «vodka» because you can’t get vodka here, which is AOK with me) or «I’d like a Manhattan» and you will get what you ask for.
But do allow them to be creative. I told our hostess that I was in the mood for something with a gin base, not too citrusy, and perhaps some ginger. I was then presented with my drink, which looked beautiful with its peachy color and giant ice cube, garnished with candied ginger. Its contents: gin, ginger, honey, citrus, and a touch of rose water aka Son of a Bee Sting
This might be my favorite bar of its kind. That it’s in NYC is remarkable because I’d expect it to exist in a smaller city like Nashville or St. Louis. You feel like your patronage actually matters here. As in, they’re not doing you the favor by giving you access. When considering M & H alongside its sister secret societies, I find it superior. They make everyone feel special or like a VIP, even if you’re not a member (I’m not).
«Son of a Bee Sting” — this might be how grandma used to curse in front of children and gentlemen, but I swear it now and I swear it with much reverence.

I’m in love with this place.
1. It’s not crowded.
(they won’t let anybody in without reservation)
2. Dim lights making this place romantic, relaxing
3. Décor here not ostentatious, everything pretty simple I love it.
4. Waitress, hostess very friendly and helpful
5. Drinks– just tell them what u like and they will make it perfect))
CASH ONLY

I’ve waited quite a long time to come to Milk & Honey and I am certainly glad I did. Upon entering, I felt a flood of all the history linked with this place. It is lovely, sexy, and intimate – just as the perfect speakeasy was meant to be. Oh yeah, and the drinks are amazing.
The Bee’s Kiss was divine just as everyone else on here has mentioned. I also had a Champagne Flip which was quite tasty as well.
Although I thought this place was awesome and am so happy I came, I would not come out of my way to go here. It is definitely worth the trip once due to it’s importance in speakeasy history but because Dutch Kills is in my neighborhood and it’s not super annoying to make a reservation, I’d definitely prefer to go there over M&H.

Insanely easy reservation system — that is, if you an get the secret email from someone! (Thanks Victor W.!) Just a quick email a week prior & I got myself a reservation for 2 at a booth, Thursday at 8:30pm.
The door, like everyone says, is quite hidden. The only indication of Milk & Honey were the «M-​H» stickers. There is a buzzer, but they also have an outside camera that they keep in eye on, and the hostess usually walks outside around the reservation time to look for lost guests ;)
My besty and I were seated in a super large booth, big enough for at least 4 people. The booth was SO plush — my butt was happy. And then my mouth was happy after she asked us for a few things we liked in our drinks.
My drink came with an egg and a citrus backdrop, my friends was a little sweeter, and most definitely refreshing. The drinks are all custom made and totally unique — worth the $ 16 price tag.
Cash only! And the waitress is a complete vixen ;)

So I walked here from my humble abode downtown and was really confused to find myself in some strange part of Chinatown. I guess this is where LES and Chinatown intersect. Apparently, this place is one of those well-​known speakeasy places. I thought I had missed it but luckily my friend was standing outside so I knew I was in the right place.
We got seated at the bar and I had this strawberry concoction. Well, it was a bar that could sit 4 people. We chatted with the bartender for a little bit and then they moved us to this booth right by the door (which I preferred a lot more although watching them make the drinks was kind of cool). Then I asked for something with egg in it and we were brought this drink that tasted like Bailey’s and coffee. Best. Drink. Ever.

Be sure to give your friends the address before meeting up, as Google Maps lists Milk and Honey as permanently closed, AND gives the wrong address — lists it as some place around Grand when it’s actually closer to Delancey.
Made reservations about two weeks advance using the email address on the website, maximum party of 5.
No menu — waitress takes orders based on what you like, though my boyfriend told me to order the Bee’s Kiss since Milk and Honey’s known for it. It was a pretty strong and creamy concoction, though the aftertaste of honey was strong and delicious.
Pretty quiet around 11:30 on a Saturday night, but the place definitely picked up after midnight.

Yup.

NYC roughly has 717 bars, not including the ones which listed themselves as restaurant/​lounge. This means there’s a watering hole on literally, every block in Manhattan.
I know, the alkie in you is JUST jumping for joy!
Sure, you can just walk into any bar and plunk down cash to wet your whistle, but have you ever wondered where do all the cool, civilized people go?
Milk & Honey.
People, you gotta do your homework here. You get into M&H if you have a membership or you know somebody who knows somebody who has one.
I’m not one of those people. In fact, I thought I can just google their phone number and hope I get «lucky» and be done with it. Oh guess what, they change their phone number every so often so by the time you read this review it probably would’ve changed already.
I did manage to get a hold of an email address. I emailed them a week in advance and then I was given instructions to email again the day of to re-​confirm.
ZOMG. All this work and I haven’t even gotten to the bar yet.
Finding this place is another challenge. There isn’t any sign outside. But if you follow the address correctly, you’ll find yourself standing in front of a tailor shop and upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the initials «M&H» on the door. Ring the bell and go through the velvet curtains. You’ll be standing in a darkly lit room, hearing 1920’s music in the background and will be attended by a barkeep in a newsboy hat and suspenders.
Part of the allure of M&H is the fact that they don’t have a cocktail menu. Do you like surprises? your answer better be YES. The bartender asks for your preferences; when it comes to cocktails, my mind immediately thinks of gin, orange bitters and citrus flavors.
What magical concoction would come from the bar? sitting there for 10 mins. waiting in anticipation felt like forever. But I wasn’t disappointed.
The Tailspin did just that! Anchored by gin, the green chartreuse and campari went well together and I don’t even like green chartreuse in my cocktails! (you can tell I don’t like licorice either). I also liked the Casino with gin and maraschino liquer. I’m a gin girl! ask and you shall receive!
The bf was in the mood for a scotch-​based drink. They gave him the «Penicillin», which had scotch, lemon juice, ginger with a splash of Laphroaig to finish it. This drink is brilliant, I mean, it has scotch AND more scotch on top of it! But he didn’t like it (what’s wrong with him?!) as much as his second drink which is just scotch on the rocks with couple dashes of bitters.
The bill came on a business card and our total was $ 64. Holy cow. Cash only too. This is NOT a place to get wasted, unless of course, you’re milking someone else’s wallet.
Nevertheless, I couldn’t have asked for better service or cocktails. My experience at M&H is worth its weight in gold.
5 stars.

Milk & Honey is like Penelope Cruz; gorgeous, classy, and sexy without lathering it on too thickly.
I had such a fluid experience getting a reservation here, which surprised me after reading the reviews, and trust me, I’m just a country girl from California. I emailed them, someone named Karla confirmed, I double-​booked at Degustation for the same time and crossed my fingers and did a little jig in hopes that when I emailed back asking for another time that they could fit me in, and Karla responded quickly saying that we could come at 8pm on Friday night! Getting a reservation here was easier than booking at my doctor’s, any salon, and basically anywhere.
The front door is not the easiest to find on a stormy New York night, but once buzzed in you’ll be warmed up by some well-​crafted libations and the sweet serenade of Billie Holiday. My friend and I were seated in a dark and cozy nook, and graciously waited on by a knowledgeable and charming lady (maybe it was Karla!?) After discussing our preferred spirits (mine being rum and whiskey), and our favorite accompaniments (citrus!), she conveyed this to the bartender who beamed us up some delicious drinks. First, I had the Captain’s Blood, which was nice (rum, lime), but the showstealer was the Presbyterian, which was a simple whiskey and ginger drink that threatened to turn me Protestant for the evening.
The ambiance was impeccable-​candlelight, a long railroad building, old time jazz. I didn’t want to leave; it was so comfortable and hospitable, and there was so much of that ‘Stormy Weather’ outside, as Billie says.

Make a reservation in advance. Reservations are done over e-​mail and the response was very prompt. Ring the buzzer on an unmarked door, wait for someone to buzz you in, and then pull back a curtain to enter the 1920’s.
M&H has a authentic speakeasy feel. The atmosphere is inviting, warm, candle-​lit, romantic. Our waiter was attentive, knowledgeable and adorned with a British accent and an awesome vest.
My 2 drinks were St. Germain influenced, the first a cocktail with Gin, lemon and an Absinthe rinse. The second was a Champagne cocktail. Both were very good and well-​made. My husbands two drinks were Manhattans, one very classic and one a Neo-​Manhatan, he said they were the best Manhattans he’s had in his life. Drinks are very well made and obviously an art-​form here.
I was surprised at how loud the bar was actually, but booths are very private and the atmosphere overall is very relaxed and intimate. Drinks are of course expensive, but you get what you pay for, and you won’t be disappointed.

Drink menus are overrated when you have a great bartender!
Date Rating: 10 (Srini was a great date :-)
Pick up Scale: N/​A (wasn’t paying attention)
Strong Suggestion: Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Sorry Nish this place is great take your three stars and shove em’! So nice to come to a place that is not crowded.

Elvis Presley hat einmal an einem Elvis-​Imitatoren-​Wettbewerb teil genommen und… den dritten Platz belegt. Die Leute wollten nicht den Gesang, nicht das Original, sie wollten den Mythos. Mythos wird auch in quasi-​flüssiger Form gehandelt. Das Milk and Honey macht es vor.
Eine Cocktail Bar? Nein. Es ist eine geheimnisvolle Aura, zu der man Einlass begehrt. Es ist nicht die Cocktail Kunst an sich, die im Vordergrund steht, wenngleich die Drinks schon taugen. Ohne zu glänzen.
«Speakeasy» ist en Vogue im Big Apple. Atmosphärisch führt das M&H in die Zeit der Prohibition. «Wo bekomme ich einen Drink?» «Speak easy, my friend, speak easy…» Sprich leise…
und folge mir in die finstere Seitenstraße.
Hier wird der durchschnittliche Gast dann… abgewiesen, ohne vorherige Anmeldung läuft nix.
Die ganzen Speakeasies sind bekannt, ihre Adressen schon längst nicht mehr geheim, daher darf ich auch die Adresse hier veröffentlichen, ohne Prügelkommandos mit Baseballschlägern vor meiner Haustür zu fürchten (…zumindest nicht aus diesem Grund…).
Vermutlich wurde die Adresse und die Telefonnummer sowieso schon wieder verändert, wie so oft.
Hinein. Jetzt gehöre ich zur In-​Crowd, juhu. Drinnen ist es dann recht nett, auf unspektakuläre Art und Weise. Der Raum ist ein langer, schmaler Schlauch. Alte Kacheln an den Wänden, keine Karte, kaum Licht. Bartender in 1920s outfit. Alle die drin sind sind drin und froh, dass sie drin sind. Ich wäre lieber anderswo, zum Beispiel im Pegu Club (
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Sasha Petraske ist schlau. Er hat mittlerweile einige Läden nach dem gleichen Konzept am Start. Nur die Hürde des Eintritts ist jeweils eine andere. Ich mochte viel lieber seine East Side Company (
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Mein Drink ist mir wichtig. Mit Eis. Ganz kalt. Mit Mythos? Muss nicht sein.