Bar Contra

- 138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

In the vibrant and ever-evolving landscape of New York City's bar scene, Bar Contra stands out not just as a place to get a drink, but as a destination for a truly unique and thoughtful experience. Located in the heart of the Lower East Side, this bar is the brainchild of the acclaimed team behind the former Michelin-starred restaurant, Contra. It's a place where sophisticated mixology meets high-quality, inventive food, all within a cozy and stylish setting.

Bar Contra takes the art of the cocktail to a new level, with a menu that is both creative and complex. This is not your average neighborhood bar; it's a place where drinks are crafted with precision and scientific technique, using tools like liquid nitrogen for chilling glassware and a special rig for fresh carbonation. The result is a selection of beverages that are not only delicious but also wonderfully balanced and intriguing. From "stirred" classics to "carbonated" delights, there's a drink for every palate and preference.

The culinary offerings at Bar Contra are just as impressive as the drinks. The menu features a selection of "thoughtful bites" that are designed to complement the cocktails. These are not your typical bar snacks; they are small, intricate dishes that showcase high-quality ingredients and inventive techniques. One reviewer noted that the food was "really high quality with lots of layers," highlighting favorites like the "Celeriac Crumpet" and the "American Wagyu Beef Tartare." The overall atmosphere is both cozy and trendy, making it a perfect spot for a date night or a relaxed evening with friends.

The combination of exceptional drinks, elevated food, and a welcoming ambiance makes Bar Contra a truly special place. As one customer aptly put it, it's "probably one of my favorite bars I've been to." The service is also consistently praised, with the staff being described as "awesome," "friendly," and "willing to talk," which adds to the overall pleasant and educational experience.

Situated at 138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA, Bar Contra is perfectly positioned in the trendy and lively Lower East Side. This neighborhood is a hub for nightlife, dining, and art, making it an ideal location for a bar of this caliber. The unassuming storefront adds to its allure, giving it a cool, hidden-gem feel that is so characteristic of New York's best spots.

The location is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway lines, including the F, J, M, and Z, and numerous bus routes serving the area. Whether you're coming from another part of Manhattan or one of the outer boroughs, getting to Bar Contra is simple. Its central position makes it a convenient meeting point for a night out or a pre-dinner drink at one of the neighborhood's many acclaimed restaurants.

Bar Contra is a destination for a sit-down dining and drinking experience. It's designed for guests who want to take their time and savor the offerings in a comfortable and engaging environment. The services reflect this focus on a high-quality, table-service experience.

• Dine-in: The primary service option is dine-in, with both a bar area and a narrow dining room for seating.
• Table Service: Guests can enjoy full table service, where attentive staff guide them through the menu and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Reservations: While Bar Contra saves the majority of its space for walk-ins, it does accept reservations for those who want to ensure they have a table, which is highly recommended for planning ahead.

Bar Contra distinguishes itself through a number of unique features that elevate the traditional bar experience. From the drinks to the food, every detail is carefully considered to provide a memorable visit.

• Great Cocktails: The cocktails are the main event, known for their creativity and technical precision. The menu features categories like "Carbonated" and "Stirred" and includes standout creations like the Firefly Mule, Passion Fruit Lowball, and the R&D cocktail, which one reviewer called "excellent."
• Fast Service: Despite the intricate nature of the drinks and food, the service is remarkably fast and smooth. With a small but efficient team, the bar runs seamlessly, ensuring guests are served promptly.
• Elevated Food: The food menu is far from typical bar fare. It features "thoughtful bites" and "small plates" like the Celeriac Crumpet with wakame butter, American Wagyu Beef Tartare, and Smoked Pacific Oyster "Tartare", which are all designed to complement the cocktails.
• Cozy and Trendy Atmosphere: The bar has a comfortable and inviting feel. The decor is minimalist yet stylish, creating a perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening.
• Dessert to Remember: The dessert menu, though small, is impactful. The Potato & Blueberry Sundae is a must-try, with one reviewer likening a frozen dessert from the bar to a "frozen Snickers bar but better."
• High-Quality Ingredients: The bar prides itself on using great, high-quality ingredients, which is evident in the depth of flavor in both the food and the drinks.
• Expert Mixology: The drinks are a testament to technical expertise and innovation, with bartenders using advanced techniques to create truly unique and balanced cocktails.

For more information or to inquire about reservations, you can reach Bar Contra at the following address and phone number.

Address: 138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Phone: (212) 466-4633

For anyone in New York seeking more than just a place to grab a drink, Bar Contra is an essential destination. The most compelling reason to visit is the sheer quality and creativity of the cocktails. These aren't just drinks; they are intricate liquid creations that offer a new perspective on mixology. The use of unique ingredients and advanced techniques, such as the house carbonation rig and liquid nitrogen for chilling glasses, makes for a truly memorable sensory experience. For cocktail aficionados, this is a place to be inspired and delighted.

Equally compelling is the food menu. The "thoughtful bites" are a perfect match for the drinks, transforming a simple evening out into a curated culinary journey. Items like the Celeriac Crumpet and the Fluke Crudo are small masterpieces that demonstrate the same level of care and expertise as the cocktails. This seamless integration of food and drink is what sets Bar Contra apart from other bars in the city.

Finally, the atmosphere and service are what tie the entire experience together. The cozy and trendy setting is ideal for intimate conversations, and the staff's passion for their craft is palpable. They are not only knowledgeable but also friendly and approachable, making guests feel welcome and valued. Whether you’re coming with an open mind to learn about new techniques or simply want to enjoy some of the best cocktails and small plates in the city, Bar Contra provides a unique and unforgettable evening that is well worth choosing.

Bar Contra

138 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002, USA