A sexy new cocktail bar has opened in Chelsea where the martinis are ice cold, the drinks are piled high with popcorn, and “the decadence of ’70’s Italian disco meets New York City.”
When you enter Bar Bonobo you instantly feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the golden era of Italy’s iconic disco era. A symphony of colors, lights, and sounds reminiscent of the 70’s sets the stage for an unforgettable night out, and at the heart of the bar lies the art of mixology, overflowing with an extraordinary array of libations.
The Italian-inspired cocktail menu at Bar Bonobo focuses on martinis and aperitifs.
There are several different riffs on the classic martini on the menu, including the Cold A$$ Martini made with your choice of Malfy Gin or Verita Vodka and Cinzano 1757 Dry Vermouth, the Really Wet Martini made with Malfy Gin, Cinzano 1757 Dry Vermouth, and charred scallions, and the CornStar Martini made with Verita Vodka, Chinola, and vanilla which comes with mouthwatering truffle popcorn.
Beyond the martinis guests will find creative takes on classics, such as the Negroni Sour made with Altos Reposado, Pisco, Aperol, lemon, and Cinzano 1757 Sweet Vermouth, and innovative signature cocktails like The Chelsea made with Malfy Gin, Pisco, orange, lemon, and strawberry rhubarb.
There’s also a selection of small bites to pair with your drink, such as Lemon Arancini Balls, affectionately dubbed “Beat Balls,” and whipped ricotta with orange preserves.
As for the space itself there’s a front room with a bar area and high top tables and a more intimate back room with red accents, both of which capture the essence of luxury and exude sophistication and style.
And nearly everything inside comes straight from Italy!
Elaine Marlow, owner at Bar Bonobo, stated:
We are delighted to introduce Bar Bonobo to Chelsea. Our vision is to provide a sanctuary where guests can immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Italian disco, while indulging in exceptional cocktails and culinary delights.
Bar Bonobo opened its doors on February 21st, 2024. It’s located at 184 Eighth Avenue, near West 19th Street, in Chelsea. You can follow them on Instagram here.