Half the fun of visiting a speakeasy is figuring out where the entrance is, and the newest secret spot to hit NYC has one of the coolest ones yet.
In the heart of Chelsea comes Loulou, a cozy French bistro that has a swanky basement speakeasy that is accessed through a vintage Coca Cola refrigerator door. Tucked inside a doorway, you’re greeted on the other side by a glimmering chandelier and a dark staircase which leads you to a lively bar and seating area with music and an extensive craft cocktail menu (plus you can order food down there too!).
Named after the owner’s super cute dog, Loulou offers lunch, brunch and dinner with a menu from top chef Jarett Brodie, who’s worked under Tom Colicchio at Craft and Chef Pierre Schutz at Jean-Georges’ Mercer Kitchen. Food highlights include duck leg confit, ratatouille, steak-frites plus a raw bar and charcuterie and cheese boards. For brunch they’ll have croissant French toast, smoked salmon, and of course, Eggs Benedict.
And let’s not forget about the drinks! Along with thoughtfully selected beer, wine and champagne, the craft cocktail menu is what really shines. Depending on your spirit of choice, there’s the “Loulou’s Maid” with Bombay Sapphire gin, lime, simple sugar, cucumber and mint, and the “Mexican Stiletto” with Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila, grapefruit, lime, agave and Peychaud’s bitters (pictured below).
The interior design vibe is rustic-cozy, with exposed brick, booth seating, and lots of greenery and natural light. Decorations and art were curated by Missy Papageorge.
And, while it’s still chilly out, there’s a fireplace in the back room!
Head to the corner of 19th St. and 8th Ave to check out this fabulous new spot.
Practical information
featured image source: Claire Leaden for Secret NYC