Thyme Bar — Restaurant in New York

We forgot to make reservations for a Saturday night but figured we would try to walk-in. When we got here the staff told us there was no availability but there would likely be a table open in about an hour. I gave her my phone number and she said she would text us. After about 40 minutes I got the text that our table was ready. When we went back we had our vaccine cards and IDs checked and then were led down a set of stairs to the bar.

So Thyme bar is known for their cocktail presentations which are a bit off the norm. On their menu they even indicate how elaborate a cocktail set-up is. My friend and I were set up at the bar so we were able to see a lot of the preparations. For ourselves, we decided to start with the more elaborate to the less elaborate. The cocktails ranged from about $18 to $30.

For the first round we had the The Chatpata Fizz and the Primrose & Rye. The Chatpata Fizz started off with a lot of smoke and was super impressive looking when they placed it in front of me. The drink was refreshing and came with a piece of crispy salmon skin. The only problem was the metal straw was a little difficult to maneuver in the strange stacked pebble shaped glass. My friend's Primrose & Rye looked more like a table decoration but was also an interesting drink.

For the second round, I had the Bloomist Cloche which was much easier to drink than my last one. The ice cube was turned into a popsicle with chocolate. My friend had the Gynoecium Old Fashioned that was a really unique tasting old fashioned and came with a little dessert.

For the last round, we decided to go for the more "basic" drinks. I really liked the HWYL cocktail but it was too tall. The "glass" it was in was about a foot tall and then you used a straw. I had to keep tilting it downwards to try to drink it. As for the Eucalyptus Watercolor, when reading the description I thought it was too strange but it blended nicely and nothing stuck out as a weird flavor. All in all, we spent way too much here on cocktails but it was a very unique experience. We also order fries which were crisp on the outside but very soft on the inside.

I think there was also a 90 minute time limit as the waiter very courteously informed us as we neared it. So if you decide to come here, keep that in mind. Also, it is a very intimate setting so I would not recommend it for large groups. They would probably have to split...

Magical. Thyme Bar is magical.

During our last visit to NYC, my husband suggested we swing by to grab drinks after dinner. I had not done any research on this place prior to our arrival, so I was blown away by the swanky, underground cocktail speakeasy.

The space is beautiful, chic, and intimate. Perfect for dates and small group gatherings. I felt like I had been taken back in time to the 1920s in this softly lit, historic pre-war cellar. We got a coveted seat right at the bar - ideal for a bar like this where you can watch the bartenders in action.

What Thyme Bar is known for is showing cocktails through art with botanical elements. Many of the cocktails are influenced by art and/or movement, and there's a unique emphasis on the visual component of cocktails.

The menu is split into Le Jardin and Floriography. Drinks range from $16-22 for Le Jardin drinks and $25-30 for Floriography. While all the cocktails are crafted gorgeously, the ones under Floriography focus more intently on the presentation aspect.

I chose the Hana Ni Arashi (Flower in a Storm) after a recommendation from our bartender. This is Iichiko Saiten sochu, ginseng infused Suntori Toki whisky, London Essence ginger beer, kummel, and lime. My husband selected the Chatpata Fizz, which is Ilegal Joven mezcal, chatpata soda (jasmine, wasabi, green tabasco, smoked salt), pandan, and lime.

The Hana Ni Arashi - which comes in a teapot and teacup - is smoky, a bit spicy, and refreshing. It's Thyme Bar's take on a Moscow Mule, and my goodness is it invigorating and complex. The Chatpata Fizz is served in a terrarium, decorated with moss, and houses a glass contraption with three sections inside. You can drink from the bottom and middle sections. This drink is smoky, spicy, and sweet all at once.

All around us, drinks were being carefully presented to customers. Two of the cocktails on the menu, Thé Noir and Coconino Rain, were hung in front of the guests from a decorative ring secured to the ceiling. The creativity of Thyme Bar is unparalleled to anything I've seen. Your senses will awaken here and be taken on this visually and gustatory stunning journey.

Service was also superb. Our bartender was helpful, attentive, and friendly. It made our experience that much more spectacular. I can confidently say that we will be back at Thyme Bar anytime we're...

Now this is truly the definition of a speakeasy as I literally could not find the place initially. The doorway is not marked and there is a curtain that covers the view inside. The location is underground in the cellar level next to a popular restaurant in the Flatiron area.

Once you have traversed the stairway you are transported to a very chill space. It's very dimly lit and the ambience is quite relaxing.

There is of course a full bar with plenty of seating as well as options for table service. The staff was very friendly and knowledgeable about the drinks and and menu items. I had visited after work when I heard about the new place. It was a memorable first visit.

Since it was a speakeasy it was natural to get a drink. The one that caught my attention was called The Bird In The Hand (mezcal, bael fruit, lemongrass, tamarind, birds beak chili and orange shaved ice). It was a refreshing cocktail.

The drink menu as a whole is very extensive and impressive. There is also a menu for food which I did not get a chance to try. Luckily I was able to see and taste their unique dessert. It is called The Cigar and comes in covered in smoke. It looks very much like a real cigar and the smoke makes it smell like one. However it is edible! There is a very tasty filling...like tiramisu when you break open the edible shell.

Thyme Bar certainly is a spot that is both casual and intimate. It is a place to go after work to unwind or for a nice time with friends.

The staff was very polite and attentive. Since I was mostly at the bar area, it was the bartenders that took care of me. Special mentions go to Colin and Kevin.

The food menu is something I would definitely want to go back and try. The prices here can be a deterrent but please remember that you are also paying for the great...