The Up & Up

Wait staff was compliant. But place sucked because they wouldn’t let my friends join us

The doorman was cordial and charming, and Jacob our bartender was professional, friendly and skilled. My drink of choice – Asking For a Friend – was delicious, as was my friend’s Shaddock & Smoke.
Why the 3-​stars? I didn’t really get the deal with the dice, nor was it ever explained, and while most of the space was completely empty, the bar itself was extremely cramped – with maybe 8 people seated. I’m petite and take up very little space, so there’s no reason for the bar seating to be so tight. There isn’t much ambiance, either. It’s not exactly a attractive place to people-​watch or admire the design.
If cocktails are $ 15 I expect the full experience – more along the lines of Angel’s Share.

This place is in the central west village location and is a break from the usual college dive bars around. It was a small underground space, with 15 dollar plus cocktails. I didn’t have any trouble getting a table for 4. I ordered the slamming door, a whiskey cocktail with a wash of absinth and it was quite a enjoyable stiff drink. The space was intimate and cozy with friendly knowledgeable waitresses. My other friends ordered a variety of «fruitier» cocktails that were way too sweet for my tastes. This place reminded me of a more approachable, less stuffy version of Raines. Nice date spot, the drinks at 15 dollars was a little steep, but for the convenient location and a lack of a wait makes this a solid cocktail lounge. Other than some snacks there isn’t much of a meaningful food menu.

The Up and Up
If you’re looking for quality cocktails near the hustle and bustle of West 4^th I highly recommend this fine establishment. The bartenders are fun and talkative and really enjoy talking about their concoctions.

Nice cocktails. I loved my hill wife w/​macchu pisco. But I was not a fan of my friend’s midori sour — but w/​midori liquor there’s only so much you can do IMHO. Got there 530 on Tuesday so it was empty, but they take your name and friends names who are joining you later. Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable of what they serve.
The décor is really lovely. I especially like their wallpaper and lighting. The music wasn’t loud when we were there (530−645pm).
One big negative is that there were only 4 small food items on the menu — pickled veggies, pork rillettes, and two other veiggie dishes (butternut squash and eggplant?). We liked the rillettes and I’m sure the others are good, but I want something more substantial when having cocktails. We wrapped up so that we could walk up to the Pommes Frites on the same block to satisfy our food craving. Their lack of food options will probably keep me away, which is sad.

Came in on a Saturday night with a group of 6 around midnight, was told to wait while the doorman checked if there was room — a curious request after entering and seeing the place was mostly empty and more than enough seating was around.
Servers were knowledgable and friendly.
Drinks were well described on the menu and if needed the waitress talked a few of our group through options depending on their likes and dislikes. A mis-​step of a smokey drink for one of us was quickly swept away for an alternative to ensure enjoyment for all, certainly a nice gesture.
A very unexpected find along Macdougal where most things are on the more rambunctious side. This hideaway downstairs bar was very nice to hear your evening companions and enjoy a well made drinks.

What a cool bar. We had to wait to me sat down. But nice lounge setting. Great cocktails. Wasn’t too loud so I was able to enjoy talking to my wife. Great date night place.

Came around 6pm on a Friday and it was already filling up.
$ 15 cocktails. I had the Foster Avenue and it was strong! I was expecting a little bit of sweetness from the melon, but it really just tasted like liquor. But it’s not like that was a deal breaker, I still finished my drink.
No standing room. They have booths and a some smaller tables. Not a bad place to grab a drink but even though it was only about a third full when I got there, it was already pretty loud.

Ambience — 5
Service — 4
Décor — 4
Location — 5
Cocktails — 2
I loved (almost) everything about coming here, except the most important factor. the drinks. Was with 3 friends when I visited. We each had 2 rounds. Of the 8 drinks, all of which i tried, 2 of them were decent. Up&Up can be the best at what they do but they need a new head bartender. The drinks were just not $ 15 worth. Or good enough to say «i have to come back».
Cut down on the menu. Put more TLC into each drink and then MAYBE we’re cooking with gas. Until then, this is a cool bar in a great location, however dont expect to drink anything rememberable.

I personally enjoy a nice «pretentious» cocktail bar. I like being able to relax and converse with the people I’m with. I like to enjoy my drink and not just get drunk. And I like to taste delicious new things. This place hit the mark. We were sat at the bar (two of us) immediately. The place is cozy and warmed up to us though the initial descent down the stairs into a concrete bar made it feel a bit dungeony. Both bartenders we interacted with were friendly, helpful, and seemed to genuinely enjoy their work. The drinks were really good too. Yes cocktails are expensive but it’s worth it. Plus at $ 15 a drink is it really any more expensive than any other place? I’ll be back.
NB also plays good music and doesn’t blast it.

Who would ever think a bar that doesn’t serve 4 shots for ten bucks on macdougal street would survive? This place has been open for a year now and they seem to be doing great! Similar to all the other «big names» in the mixology industry, this place has a fantastic menu. Very easy to understand and just enough to not overwhelm you.
My wife and I plowed through 8 drinks in a short period of time, but the most memorable were the Midori sour and the 74. The butternut squash and toast spread was a nice touch.
We weren’t able to sit at the bar but the server and bartender gave us a lot of attention and made us feel right at home. The cocktail prices are what you’d expect for a place like this and they are justified. It’s just a matter of time before these guys start popping up on the «top 10» lists. Oh… The bathroom was very clean too.

Nice cocktail bar. If you’re into craft cocktails, you’ll love it. If you are more into chugging bud lights and fireball and screaming «…livin’ in a lonely world!» when don’t stop believing come on, you probably won’t enjoy this place.
I loved the drinks. The «screen door slam» is a masterpiece.
The bartender Chaim is a gem and will talk to you in places you didn’t know you had ears.

Venue — Cozy, dimly lit, and intimate spot for good drinks
Cocktails — There is a menu full of different cocktails. The bottled ones actually come in a tiny glass bottle or flask. Their ice is either crushed or huge cubed blocks, so you know they do it right. Everything I tried was good.

Super cute spot pretty close to comedy cellar so great for a nightcap or pre-​show drinks. Came here on a Saturday around 830 and the wait was 15 – 20 minutes or so. They take your number and text you when your table is ready though so you can walk around or wait somewhere else.
The menu here is extensive but not overwhelming and they have a creative selection of craft cocktails to choose from. I got the One-​Star Unilocal Review (and as you can see, it greatly surpassed the expectations set by its name). My second drink I cant recall the name of, but it was pinkish in color and had a strong ginger taste to it. It almost tasted like the ginger green juice from the BluePrint Cleanse, which doesn’t sound great, but is actually a compliment coming from me since I LOVE that juice.
In any case, I’m sure you’ll find something that suits you here. Ambiance is very cosy, although I wouldn’t come here in a group greater than 4.

What a spot! I was a little hesitant at first as it is basically in NYU’s backyard, but I was pleasantly surprised to find a refined establishment with true mixologists behind a beautiful wooden bar.
My friend and I came for post-​work cocktails and were not disappointed. I started off with vodka martinis and she with a specialty cocktail of the evening. Whatever it was, something with mezcal, it was delicious. And Mezcal is not my jam … but I was into this. Jacob our tend was about a jovial and pleasant as it gets, with a little sass thrown in for good measure. We’re regulars at the Dutch, but I will certainly be returning to Up & Up again.

After having dinner in the area we decided to stop here for a drink. After making our way down the stairs, we made our way inside and there was a guy waiting there ready to sit us. They had the option of a table or at the bar. I would’ve loved to sit at the bar, but because it was really full, we went for a table near the entrance. The bar itself is one large room with the bar closer to the bathrooms, which are all the way in the back of the establishment.
After being seated and given menus, about two or so minutes later we were approached by our server. He took a seat, as he could tell we were still going over the menu and maybe needed some guidance. He asked me what alcohol I preferred, taste, etc and gave me his suggestions — which I took, and were great.
The entire place is very dim, but it gave off a romantic feel, IMO. They also had some food on the menu, which I did want to try but because we just ate I just wasn’t going to be able to fit much more into my stomach — it came down to deciding between more food or alcohol … I chose alcohol =X.
For me, this place is really just great. Great location, great ambiance, great service, great drinks, great quality all around. I will definitely back over and over again.

The name up & up is definitely deceiving considering the bar is down a set of stairs! That being said, it’s awesome. I went with a couple of friends on a Saturday at 5pm. It had just opened and was pretty quiet. The scene was very cool and speak easy like.
The bartenders were very service oriented and came over several times to provide advice on our order and check in. We told them what we liked and they provided spot on suggestions and detailed descriptions of the drinks. Even as the bar got busier! From what it seems like, they only seat people — they don’t allow standing. I like this a lot because it makes the environment feel much less crowded. I would definitely suggest this spot for an intimate date or to go with a group of friends (but go early because it definitely gets busy.
All of the drinks we got were great. Make sure to read the menu and see what each symbol means in terms of the style of the drink!

Wow this underground bar is HUGE. Nice quiet bar for conversations. Every drink in the menu is $ 15.
I went here only because the evening wind was getting out of control. But I would not recommend this bar for drinks. I went with Screen Door Slam and Foster Avenue, two recommendations from Unilocal,and both were very mediocre. I didn’t feel like spending $ 15/​glass for an almost home-​made cocktail. I have to let you down Up&Up.

I became a fan immediately after reading the menu and coming across the ‘one-​star Unilocal review’. There is so much hubris in that name that it is screamed ORDER ME! It was a beautiful drink — with large clanky ice cubes and a fruit peel. I also tried the seventy-​four and would advise that you not order that.
The scene was very Ellen Parsons meeting up with Patty Hewes discussing a secret witness in a case (Refer to the TV show — «Damages»)… Incidentally, the group of women I was with happened to be discussing issues that were not so far off.
If you’re not careful, you will miss it. The entrance is tucked downstairs. I entered at 5:30 pm on a work night, there were only 4 people in the whole spot sitting at the bar. It was classy and a bit seductive.
I would absolutely return due to the fact that you can easily find a table at 5:30 — 6 pm. Perfect spot for after-​work catch-​up drinks that is close to various subway stops.

When I first heard that a new cocktail lounge had opened up in the heart of Greenwich Village on MacDougal Street, I was simultaneously skeptical (given the sheer number of quick and college student-​friendly venues on that perimeter) and impressed. There’s very few places in that immediate area that will offer an option for more complex drinks served in a less-​than-​raucous atmosphere… and the venue’s name, a nod to the bartending terminology of either stirring or shaking a drink in ice and straining it upon presentation, was a promising note.
Keep your eyes peeled for the small «Up and Up» sign, which will direct you to a flight of stairs leading underground. (Make your final texts and check-​ins here, as cell phone reception will similarly decline.) The venue itself is surprisingly spacious, with a lengthy bar area and two separate seating areas; one is tucked away near the entrance while the other consists of a row of tightly-​packed two-​tops. Layout-​wise, it’s not the most optimal use of the space, especially for larger groups, but it’ll provide enough personal space for guests to have a conversation without fear of being overheard.
I had to go with the Red House Cobbler, which was a beautifully blended mixture of Citadelle Gin and Fino Sherry with Lime Juice and muddled Fresh Raspberries. The name is taken from William Morris’ Kent estate, and is a successful riff on the traditional Sherry Cobbler; it’s one of the lighter and more refreshing options on their menu, with just enough zing and sweetness to disguise the sheer potency of alcohol that is also in the mix… Served on the rocks, it makes for an ideal summer drink and was my favorite cocktail that I tried that evening.
For those who are similarly unendowed with the necessary enzymes to properly break down alcohol, the Up & Up offers «Halfsies» versions of several drinks. The original version of the Jenny Kidd I tried (Bar Hill Gin, St. Gemaine, Campari, and Lemon Juice) was a solid drink, but some of the later modifications (utilizing rum and honey) probably made it more robust. I’d certainly give it another chance.
The Up & Up is a welcome addition to the Greenwich Village options, without a doubt. While reservations can only be made for larger parties, take advantage of the fact that this cocktail lounge is still relatively new; it’ll certainly make the right first impressions.