Bonnie Vee — Restaurant in New York

I needed a spot to meet a friend of mine where we could talk politics. He said he would be in the Lower East Side so I scoured the map and found this place. I was hoping to grab a seat at a table in their rear area but they had it reserved for a large group. Further dampening my hopes was the fact that the area was covered following some rain. When uncovered and open to the air, I can see the area as being safer than an indoor table.

It's all good though because I was granted permission to grab any table inside. I was surprised they were basically all available. Then again, it seemed like it was a really popular spot to meet and actually drink (standing) at the bar. There was a whole crowd amassed around the entire bar. I stood there patiently thinking I had to grab drinks myself but the hostess saw me and told me she'd help me out at the table (I was so glad!).

I ordered the "Flawless Victory" (Bourbon, Benedictine, Malbec, Lemon, Pineapple, Ginger, Honey, Absinthe) hoping it would give me luck in the ensuing debate. I followed that up with the "Flight to Capri" (Bourbon, Campari, Cinnamon Syrup, Lemon, Pineapple). Both cocktails were great! Meanwhile, my opponent arrived so late that we really didn't get deep into it. It didn't help that the bar got louder as the night progressed.

We ended up leaving after my opponent's companion fell to the floor (Drunk? High? Both? I don't know). Slip up notwithstanding, I told myself I'd be back to the Bonnie Vee for more drinks, food and the outdoor/backyard experience. Hopefully the hostess Stephanie will still be there. She was stellar, calm and well...

Visited some friends in Brooklyn and we went on a short excursion. On the way we had some time to kill and our Hosts mentioned Bonnie Vee was a good place to stop in at. They mentioned the good food and good atmosphere. We were sat immediately in the 'back rm' which was quaint & had enough seating for about 20 people. We were the 16th through 20th patrons in the space and although it was a little tight getting past us, no one complained or asked us to move. The food & drink menu was listed in a cool QR coded laminated paper on the table that I was not able to scan with my iPhone(no QR reader) but my Hosts had no problem. American comfort food is how they described the menu. We didn't do anything special for drinks, vodka soda & gin and tonics around the table. The vibe was good and even though you have to prove vaccination, the place was...

The older I get the more I appreciate a fine bar that serves quality drinks and has a chill vibe and ambiance - which is why I was ecstatic to come across Bonnie Vee in the LES. I came with a friend during happy hour on a Monday afternoon - they have quite a sizable outdoor patio in the back of the bar with various comfy couches perfect for small groups, which in Manhattan, can be a rarity. I had one of their frozen slushies; a spicy tequila concoction called 'The Jessica Rabbit' ($10 during happy hour) which was absolutely delicious! They also appear to have happy hour specials on food as we saw delectable grilled cheeses and other small bites being brought to nearby tables. I'll definitely be coming back to this gem in the future! It would be perfect for a low-key hang or even...