Perch — Restaurant in New York

Can lightning strike in the same place twice?

In the case of East Harlem restaurateurs Leo Lauer and Darcie Siciliano, the answer may be yes… Or at the very least, just a few steps away.

The duo, who successfully launched craft beer bar East Harlem Bottling Co. four years ago, are sending thunderclaps across El Barrio with their new team and latest concept one block down Lexington Avenue, Perch— an intimate, by-design, full-liquor cocktail bar with specialty drinks, satisfyingly-sized small plates, and an unmatched, welcoming ambiance in our ever-changing neighborhood.

As the kids say, this beautifully designed space “is a vibe”— seating 25 comfortably at its solid oak bar, classically reminiscent of old New York with its arched wooden ceilings and backlit mirrors. Illuminating swoon-worthy wallpaper filled with evergreens and mauves, the lighting sets the mood, along with the well-curated accents of industrial, earthy, and modern art deco details in just the right places. The atmosphere is upscale without being uptight, with much of the credit due to the warm and friendly team behind the bar.

With more than 120 bottles at his disposal, Brooklyn native and beverage brainchild, Rob Giles, has brought his talents to Manhattan and created a cocktail jungle where dreams are made of— there’s nothing he can’t do. Imagination meets sophistication on the craft list with shaken blends like the Nutty Belle and City Sunsets, and the rotating Farmer’s Market sparks a curiosity and desire for what he might dream up next. Inspired by the history of cocktails and determined to storytell through his drinks, Rob’s love and spirit for spirits is crystal clear— even through his take on the standard classics. The hints of lemongrass in the Moscow Mule give it a flair that is anything but basic, and Rob’s ability to weave complex, refined flavors into universal formulas that appeal to every palette makes him the ideal mixologist... and one to watch.

This delicious assortment of cocktails can only be matched by Chef Raj Abat’s diverse and delectable menu, where culinary classics are met with unexpected twists and joined by adventurous, yet brilliantly balanced plates. Chef Raj, whose resume boasts the first vegan Filipino restaurant in NYC, brings a commitment and passion for fresh ingredients that shines through his dishes. Chef’s take on the traditional Cacio e Pepe pleasantly surprises using mochi, a Japanese rice cake dough, for its pecorino-covered noodles, and the squid ink gnocco served with honey butter and country ham is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. The oysters are fresh and well-priced, the porgy is filling, perfectly fried, and topped with a flavorful sauce where chimichurri meets salsa verde. My personal favorites: The hamachi crudo is the star of the seafood show— a beautifully plated fusion of ceviche and sunomono flavors complete with added greens, as well as the short rib, served with fresh bread, marmalade, and marrow. It’s bone-sucking, finger-licking good, but luckily comes with a mini spoon to scoop up every last bite. Make sure to save room for dessert— the lemon curd paired with cherries and butter cookie crumbs strikes the perfect chord of sweet, sour, and salty notes.

Perch is a win for East Harlem residents craving unique cocktails and eats in a beautiful place where everybody knows your name— so if it’s possible for lightning to strike twice, it...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Perch, and I can confidently say it’s one of the best cocktail experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment I walked in, the ambiance set the stage for an evening of expertly crafted drinks and impeccable service.

What truly sets this bar apart is its commitment to quality ingredients and presentation. Each cocktail is a work of art, thoughtfully balanced and beautifully served. The bartenders here are true craftsmen, taking the time to explain their creations and ensuring every sip is an experience in itself.

I usually stick to my go-to drinks, but I decided to step out of my comfort zone—and I’m so glad I did. Every cocktail I tried was exceptional, surprising me with flavors and combinations I never would have chosen myself. Whether it was a bold and smoky mezcal creation, a delicate floral-infused gin cocktail, or a rich and complex whiskey blend, each drink was perfectly executed.

If you appreciate top-tier mixology and a place that takes cocktails seriously, this is the spot. I can’t wait to come back and see what else the talented team behind the bar comes up with next....

Perch is a cocktail bar that I've had on my list to visit for a while and I'm so glad I finally got the opportunity to try it. Coming in the bar is fairly small. There's only bar seating available so not the best place to bring a group. I came with my partner on a random weekday night around 7pm and there were only two seats left so def plan accordingly. Perch does not take reservations so visiting during off hours will give you the best opportunity to find a seat :)

My partner and I ended up ordering the Mambo Siciliano and the Luna de Miel cocktails, respectively. Both were delicious but if I had to choose a favorite it would be the Luna de Miel. It was smooth, not too sweet, and well balanced. For food we ended up ordering the longaniza croquettes, smashed fingerling potatoes, and the lamb meatballs. All 10/10 with a slight edge to the croquettes for my fave. We also ordered the NY strip which was flavorful and tender but ended up coming out a lot more rare than what we asked for.

All in all a really strong cocktail bar choice that I can't wait to add more into...