http://www.jameshotels.com/New-York-Hotel.aspx?name=The-James-New-York&page=Jimmy
27 Grand St. – SoHo

This is a stunning bar. It’s relatively small with panoramic views of the city. What’s nice about that is its at the West edge of Soho where there are no high rises. It’s a classic hotel bar with sophisticated cocktails, which, by the way, are $18 a pop. The staff was incredibly nice. We talked with Chad the bartender the whole time we were there and he made us special cocktails off the menu. The manager, Natalie, also was very friendly. This is not the usual chi chi hotel experience! I would recommend this spot over any other ‘rooftop’ hotel we’ve checked out. Most of them are pretentious bullshit. We asked when the best mellow times are and Chad suggested early Friday, early Saturday and any week night after work. It’s for sure more of a late night spot for the clubbers, so if you are just regular evening drinkers like us, that works just fine.

Also of note, the Ladies room has a wall of glass next to the commode. I’m sure it will wind up on a best bathroom list at some point. They’ve also only been open for a month, so there is no feedback yet on the pool crowd. I am sure by summer it will draw the nasty bikini crowd and it won’t be cool anymore, so get there for a holiday cocktail.

HARVEST SWIZZLE

Flor de Cana 7yr Rum, Orchard Pear Liquor, pear nectar, spiced poached cranberries & rosemary

LEGAL IN VERMONT
Knob Creek Bourbon and organic Vermont maple syrup served over a cinnamon ice block, red shiso garnish

MULBERRY STREET VESPER

Luksusowa Vodka, Plymouth Gin, Lillet, Liquore Strega & a dash of Cynar served up with a flamed orange twist

BLACK WALNUT WHITE RUSSIAN
Stolichnaya Russian Vodka & Black Walnut Liqueur with a float of orange bitter cream & candied walnuts

MEXICAN HONEY BEE
Milagro Reposado Tequila, organic orange flower honey, a splash of Mezcal, lavender bitters & lemon