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Introducing Romeo’s, the newest and most vibrant bar in the East Village, radiating electrifying energy that promises to transport you straight into your favorite 90s romcom!
Located at the heart of the iconic St Mark’s Place, Romeo’s aims to carve its niche in the celebrated nightlife legacy of the street.
Helmed by Evan Hawkins, a seasoned hospitality veteran with a track record of 35+ openings, including notable venues like Mother’s Ruin, Goodnight Sonny, Ludlow House, and Broken Shaker, Romeo’s is more than just a bar—it’s a lighthearted yet quality-driven cocktail experience.
Evan’s vision for Romeo’s was years in the making, and as the doors officially swung open at the end of 2023, he brought to the neighborhood a cocktail bar that marries a unique ambiance with a meticulously crafted cocktail menu. Inspired by his mother’s diverse culinary influences, the menu at Romeo’s boasts a delightful array of textures, colors, and ingredient combinations.
Romeo’s has partnered with East Village-based David’s Cafe and Spice Brothers for bites and will offer a selection of light bites that complement the innovative cocktail menu.
“I’ve always admired the unique energy of St Mark’s and the nightlife history that lines the street, so I knew this would be the perfect location for Romeo’s. However, I wanted to provide the community something completely different from what they would typically find on the iconic block,” says Hawkins. “We aim to be a fun, new addition to the neighborhood and hope to leave a legacy worthy of this historic address through our creative riffs on classic cocktails and our bold, unapologetic atmosphere.”
Evan’s goal is not merely to run a bar but to create an immersive experience that reflects Romeo’s taste and style. Rejecting the everyday aesthetics seen in neighboring establishments—exposed red brick, white candles, and remnants of design trends from the early 2000s—Evan created an unapologetically bold atmosphere that makes a lasting impression.
The result? A space that pays homage to the 90s with neon lights, a curated selection of over 1,000 movies that can be seen projected on the walls nightly, mirrors throughout, a 20-foot bar made of cement, and custom-made banquettes that collectively contribute to the bar’s distinctive identity.
As for the atmosphere, Evan’s longtime passion for movies and creating a distinctive and memorable atmosphere led him to draw inspiration from characters in various cult classics, such as the iconic Leonardo DiCaprio in Romeo and Juliet. Images of iconic couples from 90s films, including DiCaprio, can be seen hanging on the peach-colored walls.
The menu is categorized into three sections — Highballs, Shaken, and Stirred. Images of each cocktail are pictured on three large light boxes next to the bar so that patrons know exactly what they are ordering and in what format it will be served.
Each section promises a journey through inventive concoctions that feature fresh and premium ingredients skillfully crafted to cater to the diverse palates of New York’s cocktail enthusiasts. Drawing inspiration from texture, temperature, and color, Evan’s approach to crafting cocktails is meticulous. Starting with the visual and sensory aspects, he considers how a drink looks and feels in the mouth and its optimal serving temperature.
The menu includes creations, such as the Elote Mezcal Old Fashioned, made with Repo mezcal, nixta corn liqueur, elote seasoning, saline, agave, Ango Bitters, Orange Juice, garnished with a mini corn skewer, and the Chocolate Negroni, made with Gin, Campari, sweet vermouth, Tempus fugit creme de cacao, garnished with Terry’s chocolate orange wedge.
📍: Romeo’s – 118 St Marks Place, New York, New York 10009