Pouring Ribbons

I ordered a drink (my third) at the bar. I told the bartender, he nodded, and I forgot about it because I was busy with conversations. About 30 minutes later, I noticed that I still didn’t have my drink. I look over at the bartender I ordered from, and he is in the corner talking to people he knew. I waved at him, and he clearly saw me and stopped talking to the people he was talking to. But he ignored me at first — going to the cash register and spending a few minutes doing whatever he does. I finally get his attention and remind him about my drink. He acts like he remembered, but I watch him start from scratch and pour a brand new drink. This is over 30 minutes after I ordered at a completely empty bar.
When it comes time to leave him a tip, I still leave a 10% tip and write next to the tip «you forgot to pour my drink.» I used to work in a restaurant and I know how horrible the pay is, so I will NEVER leave someone nothing. Despite all of this, once the guy sees the receipt and the note I left, he goes out of his way to insult me, yelling at me in front of the people I was there with.
Sad thing is: this was actually a fun night up until this point. It’s true that 1 bad experience can ruin your night at a bar/​restaurant. I don’t see myself coming here again. Hire new bartenders. Preferably ones who can admit when they make an obvious mistake like forgetting to pour someone a drink.

What a great place to grab a drink on a Friday night. While at first I was skeptical since this was so far from where my friends and I were hanging out, I found this bar to be completely relaxing, comfortable, and actually a great place to hang out and have an actual conversation!
No BOOM BOOM BOOM music playing in the background, deafening me. No overpriced tasteless drinks. While each cocktail is $ 15, I found this to be completely worth the price, as each drink was unique and my friends found them to taste delicious.
There’s no rush of people pushing each other to get a drink, everyone gets to be seated and servers take our orders.
Would definitely come again, the service was good, the drinks were good.

If you want to be a really fun date…
1) Go here
2) Tell your date that you two aren’t going to look at the menu to pick drinks but instead each of you will just pick a number from 1 – 24 and whatever that number is. that’s what you order. (They have 24+ intricate drinks on menu)
Trust me this tactic won’t disappoint. All the mixing and matching was well worth the hangover the next day
Enjoy!

Definitely a unique find in this area of the city. The only way the ambiance can be explained is «interesting». You feel like you’re in New York but strangely outside of it. Great vibes and great people that enjoy a great cocktail.
This place clearly has some of the best cocktails in this part of town. You might have a little trouble finding it but it’ll be worth it.
Try «No Crying In Baseball» you even get a ‘free’ baseball card :0

Aside from great cocktails, the ambiance of this place just works. A lot of other speakeasy style cocktail bars can be so dark you can’t even see who you’re with, or you squashed at a table or seat at the bar and basically breathing down everyone’s necks. This place had both dimly lit lighting that aired on the side of inviting and able to see your companions, as well as spacious enough that you felt comfortable the whole time. Note though: the bar stools could be a bit more comfy. After two cocktails I felt like I had been out on my road bike for several laps around central park. If I had to choose again, I would have opted for a table, out of sheer butt comfort. All that being said… I really liked my two drinks. Best Thing Since Sliced bread was a winner. It reminded me of the butternut old fashioned from J Bird (RIP), that I loved so much. Great peanut flavor on the front end and a nice full bodied bourbon to round it out. Our bartender was great. When my friend didn’t love one of her cocktails he actually just picked it up on the tab. He wanted us to be happy about what we got so he took it upon himself to make sure we were happy. I would definitely recommend coming here if you enjoy carefully crafted libations.
Oh and the music was on point. Really good mix of today’s hits mixed with hip hop favs like Justin Timberlake, Jay-​Z, Biggie, Drake, Rihanna, and Missy Elliott.
Deal Seeking Diva tip: Pick up your motel key on Sunday or Mondays and try each of Route 66 cocktails before they change the menu in April (doesn’t have to be in one visit), and you’ll receive an Old Fashioned travel kit. Will have to get on this myself!

Would never have noticed this bar/​lounge located on the second floor. The only thing from street level is a door saying «pouring ribbons» which leads to a staircase. The upstairs was very spacious with nice bartender/​waiters.
There are soooo many drinks to choose from but I had gone to this place for their yogurt drink: really a gin fizz/​pisco/​orange cordial/​lemon curd with a teaspoon of smoked yogurt. I could not even taste the alcohol it tasted so good! And it’s presentation was very unique!

This is pretty classy place for avenue b. Or maybe that’s just what ave b is like these days. Fancy well made cocktails, people sitting at tables like they’re civilized or something.

No contest: this is the best place I have ever been for cocktails.
We visited during the Route 66 menu (highlights: Night at the Wigwam, Complements of Mr. Harvey, Best Thing Since Sliced Bread, and No Crying in Baseball) on a Monday night. There was lots of space at the bar, so that’s where we asked to be seated.
The menu has this great grid system for explaining whether a drink is refreshing or boozy, and traditional or adventurous, which I felt made ordering our first drinks much easier.
Once our bartender, George, realised that we were interested in cocktails, he let us talk his ear off (and returned the favour) for hours. He was great at making recommendations based on what we found interesting (we’re frustrating because we like everything and never narrow things down), gave us the lowdown on the best cocktail spots in Manhattan, and told us all about the Pouring Ribbons ‘program’ — what they’re trying to accomplish there, which is just pushing the limits on what you think drinks can be. I’m positive that they’d make an outstanding whatever-you’d-like-to-drink, but you should let them test your boundaries. He also walked us through several of the cocktails we didn’t have and gave us a taste of some of the ingredients they’ve developed or are working on.
Because the menu changes, if you have a drink you really like you can ask them to write it down on a postcard for you so that you can make it at home or they can reconstruct it for you if you come back after the menu changes. They keep loads of ingredients for off-​menu drinks on-​hand, so it’s likely they can accommodate.
Also the only place I’ve ever seen with vintage Chartreuse, including some that sells for $ 100 a half-​ounce and is 70 years old. They said that it’s one of only two bottles they know of.
Given the it the Canadian dollar has taken recently, this was a little tough on the pocket book, but worth it. I so hope we’ll be back sooner than later.

I have never been to a speakeasy so this is my first time. The only thing is I had to wait at the door, in the cold when it was pretty empty upstairs. But my annoyance was gone once I stepped inside the decorated space. I loved the interior design and how the seats are designed and placed. The menu is cute. I didn’t know what I want so when I told the waiter I want something sweet, he said you gotta give me more information (coldly). So being someone who doesn’t drink a lot, I was like hummm and suddenly the waiter goes I KNOW WHAT TO GET YOU and he went away. I personally trusted him being that I have heard good things about the place. The only thing is when it came, he didn’t tell me what it was. I was expecting him to be like this is blah blah blah. I didn’t ask either but it was pretty spot on as to what I like and it is very light ;)
I like how they don’t rush you and that it has a relaxing vibe. I hate to walk between crowds at bars.
I can see myself coming back but definitely want to try more speakeasys!

Unique drinks, cool vibes. I came to the right place.
Pouring Ribbons is a chill cocktail bar with a speakeasy vibe. The place isn’t too difficult to find, since you’ll find a bouncer at the door followed by a group of people waiting to get in. It wasn’t hard to get in either. My friend and I got in with ease after just telling the bouncer there was two of us. The atmosphere was chill with dimmed lighting. We sat at the bar, but if bar seating is not for you, there’s a bunch of couches and tables with stools. I can see it being a great place to come with a group of friends.
The drink menu was extensive too. My friend and I actually had a hard time ordering because there were so many choices. Not only cocktail choices, but whiskey and other mix drinks as well. I ordered the punch cocktail which was very unique and flavorful. My friend got one with pineapple-​a more tropical drink-​and didn’t enjoy it as much. Mine was strong too, which made it really worth the $ 15.
If you’re ever in the area or looking for a cool place to chill with friends, check this spot out.

Finally managed to come here after a long time trying. The place is a little further out than I expected so be prepared to walk a little. It’s a good size and would look nice in the dark. I came and got a couple of drinks — she’s no lady and drop shot. The drinks are thoughtfully prepared and well designed, well mixed too. Yes they are pricy but I think I would rather pay the price for a good drink. The waitresses are helpful and give good recommendations too. I’ll be back to try the others!

We arrived promptly at 6pm, opening time, on a Friday. Greeted by security, my group and I were asked for our IDs, on his mic he signaled how many were coming up. We walked up a flight of steps that led into a bar room with chairs and tables. We sat near the main and only window of the venue. The menu differs slightly from the online menu, however, because I wanted something that I saw online and not on the actual menu, they were kind enough to accommodate me with my request.
Cautionary Tale, Larceny & Old Lace, Vendetta Road, a classic Screw Driver, and Champagne were the drinks that circulated at our table. Everybody enjoyed their own drink, so pending your taste buds and the mood you are in, go with it. I doubt you will be let down.
The Cautionary Tale sorta reminded me of a French 75 with Tequila. However, I did end up ordering a champagne cocktail that bordered along the lines of a 75, however this one included a touch of lemon and a sugar cube. It was soooo delish.
I rarely, if ever, give credit to too many bartenders who refer to themselves as Mixologists, however Pouring Ribbons has exactly that. These were perfectly created; the right about of alcohol, and mixers, neatly garnished with twists.
The atmosphere went from early evening daylight to comfortably dimly lit. And not so dim you are falling asleep, but dim enough to still see the face of the person in front of you. The music was a little to 80s for me. And not that I don’t appreciate the 80s, I wad looking for something a bit more up current and upbeat. So were the couple we ran into as we were leaving. Everybody enjoyed their cocktails, but it was the music that had us seeking new retreats. But I will be back.

Very cool speakeasy! We were here on a Saturday night and ordered 2 drinks each for a party of 6. We were seated at a comfortable corner booth that was spacious enough for all of us. The service was great. One thing that’s awesome about speakeasies is that the servers really know the drinks. They give great recommendations and know about how the drinks are made. The drinks were all quite delicious and not ridiculously strong. Between the 6 of us and the 2 drinks/​person, we tried probably 8 – 10 drinks.
I think there’s only 1 or 2 restrooms, but I never found it a problem and didn’t have to wait. The whole speakeasy is pretty dim but has several different types of seating– bar seating, sofa lounge areas, high stools at high tables, etc.
We were definitely making a bit of a raucous towards the end of our time at Pouring Ribbons, but the servers were really cool about it. It is a bit out of the way from where we are, but I would love to come back again!

I’ve only been here once so far but I think I love this place. I’m sure it gets mobbed on weekends, but on a Wednesday after midnight it was blessedly deserted– only two tables and two bars stools were occupied.
The space is beautiful. Up a flight of stairs that shields you from the street, you come into low light, a beautiful arched window, intimate tables and cozy couches. Service was friendly, attentive, and helpful.
I forget the name of the drink I ordered, but it tasted like it was made specifically with me in mind. Both sweet and spicy while also being balanced, it had some chipotle… syrup, I think, that made the whole thing just a little smoky. It was perfect, and came in a big ridiculous glass with an umbrella.
The atmosphere was *begging* for some kind of jazz or funk, but unfortunately we were getting… well, things like Pharrell Williams’s «Happy». If I can hear it at a supermarket, I’d rather not hear it at a speakeasy. Then they busted out with the Spice Girls «Wanna Be» and it was our cue to go. I couldn’t tell if I was mortified or impressed, but I think it speaks to their fun personality that they played it. I mentioned I’m coming back, right?

Delightful cocktail bar that has the allure of the speakeasy without the label. The semi-​hidden entrance would be difficult to find… if there wasn’t a comically serious bouncer guarding the door. In any case, that’s more for show — he’ll make it seem like this is some sort of exclusive venue, but chances are, you’ll get right in.
Came here on a Friday night around 8:30 and the place was maybe 60% full (filled up quite a bit as the night went on, as one would expect). 8:30 turned out to be a great time to go, because we were seated quickly (albeit next to a couple that decided Pouring Ribbons could be their own personal make out den). I appreciate the table service here — cocktail bars of this ilk aren’t always that generous, so I very much appreciated our bubbly, down to earth waitress.
The menu here can be described as an example of simple genius. Under each listed cocktail, there are two spectra on which the cocktail falls — comforting to adventurous, and refreshing to spirituous. I say simple genius, because any cocktail bar could do this. Sure, you could find this out anywhere with enough questions, but the fact that this is already laid out for you is a nice touch. If you’re new to cocktails, this little guide is your friend. And even if you’re a cocktail nut like me, knowing that a cocktail is on the adventurous side (okay okay, if you’re a cocktail nut like me than you can probably figure out where a cocktail falls on that spectrum without assistance) can affirm your hope about a particular drink.\
Now for the drinks: I tried the «Rags to Riches» (Fighting Cock Bourbon, Cardamaron, Vanilla, Root Beer Bitters) and the gin old fashioned. The Rags to Riches is definitely more on the comforting side — it’s essentially a boozy root beer float. What could be better than that? It’s simple, sweet but not sickly so, and will definitely put a smile on your face. The gin old fashioned isn’t for the faint of heart. This baby is STRONG. But fantastic. One unique thing about Pouring Ribbons is its twists on the classics. I’ve only experienced an old fashioned with whiskey. But I actually got a little lesson in mixology while I was here — an old fashioned simply implies a preparation with sugar, bitters and orange. The rest can be improvised. So over the past few months, Pouring Ribbons has offered both a tequila and a gin old fashioned. Wouldn’t have been able to stomach this drink with tequila, but I thoroughly enjoyed the gin version. If you’re a big gin fan and prefer a spirit-​forward cocktail other than a martini, go for this one.

I love this place, great drinks and super friendly staff. The atmosphere is super chill and dark. It’s up a long staircase into a room with a bar on the east side and tables on the west. Do yourself a favor and sit at the bar. Watching the bartenders make drinks is just something I enjoy doing. You know they are doing it right when they take the time to taste the drink before it goes out to the customer. Not just slamming something together and getting it out.
It does take some time for your drinks so when the first round comes out, it would be safe to order your second round then. If you are of course sticking around for a few drinks.
Keep an eye out for the green awning or you’ll miss it. It’s kinda hard to see but once you get there you’ll find it every time…
Whiskey sour is my favorite but try the dueling banjos. Even if it’s not on the menu just check with one of the bartenders, chances are if they have a batch of the corn simple syrup (pretty sire that’s what it is) they can make one for you.

I’m a huge fan of this chill bar that serves classy cocktails.
I love the bar menu, which begins with a chart that allows you to visualize and choose refreshing, comforting, spirituous, and adventurous cocktails on a two-​by-​two matrix :).
My favorite cocktail is the I’m No Doctor as of now — I’m looking forward to trying new ones in the future!
Pouring Ribbons has a nice open space that is dimly lit — great for groups.

Pouring Ribbons serves delicious, beautiful cocktails (for a whopping $ 14 per drink). When I went two weekends ago, I was with a group of 6 and we were worried about not being seated since it’s a rather small lounge. The bouncer was super nice to us and said they could make room for all of us upstairs and we were seated at high tables with stools. Later on, 2 more people joined us and when another large party left we were moved to their couches (much more comfortable. their stool/​table ratio is really odd)…
I ordered the gimlet (except with vodka) which was absolutely delicious and the Moscow Mule, which was a bit too gingery for my taste. Water is automatically given to everyone and constantly refilled which is always nice. The waitresses were friendly but also pretty slow — It took us over 20 minutes to flag one down and get the check.
I also came here just yesterday on a Monday night, and was pleased to see they had created a new Summer menu. I ordered a piña colada variation with chipotle, which had a great smoky taste and garnished with toasted coconut. The rum, chipotle, and coconut all tasted so good together and it was a nice switch-​up from the original too-​sweet colada. I also had a drink (the name escapes me) with vodka and watermelon, garnished with a flower shaped watermelon which was sweet but not too sweet. The drinks are honestly worth the $ 14.

Lovely New York style speakeasy! Nice staff, chic ambiance, creative cocktail selections and the very considerable (nerdy… but nerdy is new sexy) chart for each drink.
I liked how they put all fresh cocktail ingredients in front of you at the bar line — olives, berries, oranges… bright and refreshing. I tried Dark and Stormy — very delicious!
However, I found, the major ingredient of cocktails at this place is ice, by both mass and volume. I am so curious if they rotate the menu in the winter… Will have to come back.

The music is always what I’d call bizarre-​casual. Tonight it was a lot of Barry White (whom I adore) but otherwise way too much generic Disco, last time it was Johnny Cash (whom I adore) but otherwise way too much generic Disco. It has to be Pandora or Spotify, because the sound quality is really all over the place, sometimes worse than the radio, sometimes better than a compact disc, but whatever the theme of the evening, it’s always unrelenting, and for me, when I’m looking for a break, it’s not ideal.
Other than the music, which prevents the atmosphere from ever being «chic» or «fab,» which may or may not be a bad thing, this is a very comfortable place to lounge, and the drinks are consistently incredible, and the wait-​staff are consistently very friendly.