Brandy Library

What I had: Russian Caravan
Would I go back?: Meh maybe — I was indifferent about it
Story: Nice place with atmosphere. Came here with friend while we were waiting for a table to open up at Nobu for dinner. Hostess was pleasant enough and directed us to check our coats. When we sat down we were given a ridiculously large menu — needless to say when these situations arise I simply as the bartender or waiter for a suggestion based on what I am looking for. I ended up with the Russian Caravan Cocktail — it was a delicious drink and an interesting combination of flavors but a little to sweet for my palette. The only reason I think I might come back here would be for atmosphere or to try a flight of whiskeys otherwise I wasn’t overly impressed this place seems to be a scene more than a quality cocktail bar.

Seriously the best craft cocktail experience we’ve had in NYC! Thank you Marcus and the entire staff for making our daughter’s 21^st birthday unforgettable! Yeah, we were the first ones through the front door (4 pm) but we sat at a primo table and received VIP treatment! Unbelievable cocktails with attention to detail… ambiance bar none, the most unique place in NYC! 1600 choices!
This place needs to be on everyone’s bucket list!
Thank you!

If you want to have a bad time, come here. The staff is far from accommodating. Way too stuffy to have any kind of atmosphere for fun. We paid over $ 100 dollars for the staff to speak badly about us openly next to the public restroom. Horrible atmosphere for tourists. If you are a miserable financier (who unapologetically cheats on his spouse), this place is perfect for you…

I dropped into the brandy library for a quick drink at the bar before a dinner reservation nearby. I didn’t realize that was the kind of place you needed to make a reservation. Though to be fair, you can still get in without one (for 2 people, at the bar), but if you had a group of 4 that wanted comfy couches and to drink a while, you should make one.
I’ve been to a few other bars that offer crazy lists of scotch, whiskey and other spirits, but the number of cocktails adds to the greatness of the list. There are about 15 seasonal cocktails and then another 15 classics, which really any bar worth anything should be able to make, but here you know it’s going to be good.
There are also scotch and whiskey flights and other things you can try. There appeared to be some food, but I’m not sure if it’s anything more than bites.
The atmosphere here is that of a upscale bar at a very fancy hotel, or a fancy university club, like the Yale club — minus the old people in smoking jacket or people talking about their polo team from 1964. The clientele is mostly men in their 30’s or couples of about the same age. It’s a great place to go for a drink, but it would be even better for a night of drinking.

If you are a whiskey lover, this place is a must visit. They carry a beautiful selection of whiskeys and some the best rare and precious varieties. Though the owner seems to be a lover of scotch, the venue does carry a great selection of bourbons, Irish, and Japanese whiskeys.
This is a great location for a group party. Food is delicious, tapas type small dishes. I would recommend this place as a pre-​dinner stop.

A wonderful place for a quiet drink and conversation. The atmosphere is great, and is perfect for an after dinner drink with friends. The selection of brandies, bourbons, and scotch is really impressive. They have a small selection of delicious apps that you can order to complement your cocktail. The wait staff are all extremely knowledgeable on the subject of brandy and whiskey.

A pretentious swarm with shitty service. I’ll have my bourbon without your attitude at home next time.

I love the atmosphere of this place! When you step in this place, you definitely feel you stepped back in time, with its 1960’s ‘Mad Men’ vibe. The drink menu which is a thick 2 inch binder is extensive, ranging from various ages/​types of brandy, bourbons, whiskey, including cocktails. It’s all a little overwhelming for a whiskey drinking novice like myself. I wish the ‘librarian’ could have been more approachable and engaging. As a newbie whiskey drinker, I don’t know the right questions to ask and going through such a large menu is intimidating. I think if the librarian started a conversation about flavor profiles or explanation on the different types of bourbons or whiskey, it could better educate me on what I’m looking for, as well as improve the overall experience.
Otherwise this place is great for a date. The space is intimate and couches are comfortable. They do not take large parties (greater than 5).

We came in here for a drink late at night. Wow– so beautiful here.
The whole ambiance of the place makes you want to sit awhile and stay. The lighting is flattering. The music volume perfect. The hostess seated us immediately and was extremely friendly.
We didn’t eat since we were coming from dinner. But I would love to return again, sit at the bar and enjoy the delicious craft cocktails, warm ambiance, and great service.

A very impressive — not to mention extensive — drinks menu! For NYC and this area in particular, the prices were not terrible.
I liked the overall atmosphere. When I came, the upstairs was closed for a private party so we went downstairs. It has a very dignified vibe; that is to say, it feels like one’s grandfather’s library. Dark woods, quiet… it’s a place for business meetings, not a boys/​girls night out. Maybe it’s different upstairs?
The restrooms were incredibly tiny. And when I left, there was a gathering right outside smoking cigars. I couldn’t escape the stench. Don’t know if this was a spill over from the inside party or if there’s always a smoking crowd right outside. That left me with a bad last impression.

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.

Wondering what to expect? The name says it all. Every kind of brandy, whisky and bourbon you could ever imagine. Beautifully appointed, warm soothing lighting, relaxed and mellow atmosphere. My only complaint is that I find all of their cocktail prices a little too high. The price never keeps me away but usually limits me to a single round.
ps– ask for a little historical overview on the special items that are on display behind the locked glass shelf tucked off to the right on the side when you walk in.

Oh. My. God. A bourbon lovers heaven. A single malt lovers heaven. A brandy lovers heaven. Outstanding atmosphere & intimate ambience. Some very nice wines & appealing craft cocktails as well. Cool concept & expert, friendly staff. These folks know their business. Did I mention heaven?

Look. Brandy Library. I love you. But we’ve gotta talk. We have got to talk about your service.
If you went by drink selection and food quality this’d be a six star location. It’s beautiful, like an actual library, yet quite small and intimate. It smells good. The selection of whiskeys and brandies and scotches and everything else are phenomenal. The food — which a place like this could get away with — is superb. The little lamb things in pastry are to die for.
And you’d be forgiven if you thought at any given time that your server had literally gone and died somewhere. I want to say that they are all very nice and I am sure they are lovely people. But somehow every time (15 – 20 visits) I go my server disappears for 25 – 45 minutes at a time. Where do they go? The place can only hold about 40 people at most and there are plenty of them. Is there a portal to an alternate brandy library in Earth 2 that they have to serve too? Do they get lost in an elaborate labyrinth beneath the Brandy Library that they must escape each time? Where are they?
When I’ve complained nobody seems to know.
I mean, shucks. It’s worth going. Just be sure you don’t mind waiting.

We came for a new Glenlivet founders reserve launch. So perhaps the place was staged, but it didn’t hide the good things about this place.
1– the food served was excellent
2– the waiters were very nice and trying to please the crowd all the time (thumbs up)
3– The people behind the bar knew what they were doing
4– The place was nice and clean
5– The environment and music were inviting
What else can you ask?

If you come in the late afternoon/​early evening, you can have the comfy sofas to yourself and lounge for as long as you feel.
At 5pm on a Saturday, service is unassuming and friendly. There is no turning up their noses for any questions you have and they are patient to take your order.
In a menu as thick as the Bible, there are only two pages of food. I say definitely get a few plates to accompany your drinks.
The sushi is fresh. We ordered the spicy tuna and crab and avocado. The spicy tuna was more regular tuna– it was not mixed into spice mayo. I love wasabi so I typically slather it on anyway, but it seems like it was the only heat in the roll. The crab and avocado roll is rich, prepared with mayo, and fresh as well.
But the piece de resistance– the plate capable of making friends or enemies is the starter of gougeres.
Light and fluffy balls of bread with the distinct but not overwhelming flavor of cheese — these puffs are top notch that no human can resist. They are not gooey and filled with cheese. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with that — in fact I usually seek out exactly that. But these cheese puffs are what I thought I only deserved in dreams. They are perfectly prepared as they are– airy inside but with the thinnest, most crisp layer of cheese coating. This soft cheesy bread melts in your mouth. Get them when here. I paired mine with a Chardonnay that really brought out the cheesiness.
(This place would be incredibly romantic if it weren’t for the loud assholes at the bar. I’m willing to hire a bouncer to kick them out on behalf of this establishment.)
I also ordered a cognac cocktail called Peaches and Cream, which is truly creamy and not too heavy on the cognac but potent still. Definitely a worthy contender.

Impressed. Upstairs is a bit bustling (or so it seemed). A group of us were seated downstairs as it was nice and quiet and we really did have a lovely time. The staff are extremely gracious and attentive although when initially stepping in, it was not quite to be expected.
It is attractive in so many ways from staff to their extensive drinks to choose from to ambience and crowd. A great place to unwind post-​dinner.

Snazzy place to come for a drink with a few friends. I chose to come here with some colleagues before we were heading out to dinner. The atmosphere was very laid back and upper class. I loved the theme of bookshelves filled with brandy bottles.
The waiter seemed like he knew what he was talking about and recommended some decent drinks to us. The one I chose was not my favorite and the portion was a bit small but nonetheless is got the job done.
I would definitely make my way back here when I visit New York again. If you’re younger then 25, you may not enjoy the company of the crowd. I warned you now.

Came here again for a second time… And it exceeded my impressions again!
We were drinking from 1am until 3:30am
The waiter was very polite, and provided us with an awesome service. If I remember correctly, his name starts with H and he is from Bangladesh. He was very knowledgeable in the drinks. He knew how most of the drinks were made, stored, and processed. He provided us with a summary on how the drinks should smell, how it should taste according to the age, the different type of caskets and their age used for storing and aging drinks, whether some drinks should have a smoke taste, and much more. Basically, he knew most of the drink labels there… I was amazed by his skills and knowledge. He was very polite and kept us entertained for the night. In summary, it was an awesome service provided. The best of the class, 5 stars!!!
I had a Cognac, it was a Leopold Gourmel 15 Carats, it was awesome! I am not usually a Cognac drinker but that drink soothed my tongue that night. It was sweet and it was delicious!
I truly recommend you to come here if you are looking for an awesome night to spend!

Brandy library is am awesome spot for a pre or post dinner drink with friends. They have over 1500 different bottles of brandy, whiskey, bourbon, etc in house, which in itself is quite impressive.
I came to meet a friend at the bar before we headed over to catch our dinner reservation. The bartender was knowledgable and very friendly. The atmosphere is exactly as it’s advertised– it looks like a library but instead of displaying books they display alcohol. Very cool décor inside I felt like I should be sitting in business attire with a manhattan or old fashioned in my hand.
Alas, I am too wimpy for a stiff drink and went with the Bostonian. Very girly and simple. I liked it. My friend ordered an old fashioned and said it was the best one he’s ever had. They also brought is out some benginets to sample as we drank our drinks. They were light, airy and delicious.
Cool vibes I will definitely be back to sample the food selection.