Basement Introduce
Tucked away beneath the bustling streets of Chinatown, New York City, is Basement, a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that offers a truly unique escape. Far more than just a place to grab a drink, Basement is a destination. It’s a cozy, trendy spot that blends a great atmosphere with an impressive selection of cocktails, beer, wine, and delicious food. For anyone looking to find a new favorite hangout or simply explore one of the city’s hidden gems, Basement promises a memorable experience that feels both exclusive and welcoming.
The moment you arrive, you’ll notice the bar's distinctive entrance—an old-school Coca-Cola vending machine that serves as a cleverly disguised door. This touch of novelty immediately sets the tone for an adventurous and fun evening. Once inside, the atmosphere is electric yet comfortable, making it a perfect spot for everything from a casual night out with friends to a special date. The bar's commitment to creating a cool, casual, and cozy environment has made it a favorite among locals and groups alike, solidifying its place as a standout spot in the vibrant New York bar scene.
Basement's appeal extends beyond its unique entry and trendy ambiance. The bar prides itself on its fast service and an impressive array of offerings that cater to a wide range of tastes. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine spirits, a lover of craft beer, or someone who appreciates a well-made classic cocktail, there is something here for you. Their menu is thoughtfully curated, ensuring that the quality of the drinks is just as exceptional as the experience itself. This focus on detail, from the decor to the drinks, is what truly sets Basement apart and makes it a must-visit location for anyone exploring Chinatown's nightlife.
---
Basement is strategically located at 45 Mott Street, New York, NY 10013, USA, right in the heart of Chinatown. This prime location makes it incredibly easy to find and access, whether you're a lifelong New Yorker or visiting the city for the first time. The bar’s address places it within a short walking distance of several major subway lines, making public transportation the most convenient way to get there. The proximity to various subway stations means you can easily travel to and from different parts of the city without any hassle.
For those who prefer to drive, the area offers free street parking, which can be a significant bonus in a city where parking is often a challenge. While street parking can sometimes be limited, the option provides added flexibility for patrons. The bar’s location on Mott Street is a major part of its charm. It allows visitors to soak in the lively, cultural energy of Chinatown before stepping into the secluded, cozy environment of the bar. This seamless transition from the vibrant street life to the intimate bar atmosphere is a key part of what makes Basement so special. Its central location also makes it an ideal meeting point for groups coming from different boroughs, ensuring that it’s a convenient and accessible spot for everyone.
---
Basement provides a full-service bar experience with a diverse menu of food and drinks to satisfy any craving. They are a dine-in establishment that accepts reservations, making it a great choice for planning ahead for a night out. Their service is known for being fast and attentive, ensuring that you can enjoy your time without long waits. The menu is organized into several distinct categories, offering something for every palate.
Beverages: The drink menu is expansive and impressive, with a focus on high-quality selections. It includes a curated list of White & Rosé wines, Red wines, and a fantastic selection of Bubbly and Champagne, including premium options like Dom Perignon and Cristal. For beer lovers, there are both Drafts and bottled/canned beers available, from local favorites like Blue Point Toasted Lager to international options like Asahi and Hoegaarden. A highlight is their extensive cocktail list, which features both a selection of Signature Cocktails and Seasonal Concoction Cocktails. They even offer unique Barrel-Aged Cocktails, such as the Manhattan Chinatown and Behind The Negroni, which are aged in-house for four to six weeks to create a rich, complex flavor profile.
Food: The food menu is just as exciting as the drinks. For those who enjoy fresh seafood, the Raw Bar offers Blue Points Oysters, Sigoku Oysters, and Little Neck Clams. The menu also features a variety of shared plates and appetizers perfect for a group. Options include classic starters like Burrata and Shishito Peppers, as well as more unique offerings like Buffalo Cauliflower and Crispy Brussel Sprouts. The Tapa Entrees are a great way to enjoy a substantial meal, with choices like Petite Steak Frites, Lamb Banh Mi, and a Seafood Bowl. The food is designed to complement the drink menu, creating a perfect pairing for your night out.
Happy Hour: For those looking to save a few dollars, Basement offers happy hour drinks, providing a great opportunity to sample their menu at a more affordable price. This makes it an excellent option for an after-work get-together or a pre-dinner drink.
---
What truly makes Basement a standout spot in New York City's bar scene is its unique combination of features and atmosphere. It’s not just a place to drink; it's a place to have fun and connect with others. The bar is known for its impressive highlights that create a vibrant and engaging experience for everyone who visits.
Bar Games: A major highlight of Basement is the availability of bar games. Guests can enjoy classics like darts and beer pong, which adds an element of friendly competition and entertainment to the night. This feature is particularly popular with groups, making it a lively spot for celebrating with friends or just having a good time. It’s a great way to break the ice and create lasting memories.
Great Beer and Cocktail Selection: As mentioned, the bar has a reputation for its wide array of beverages. Whether you are in the mood for a simple beer or a complex, barrel-aged cocktail, you will find a quality option that satisfies your taste. The variety ensures that every visit can be a new experience as you explore different drinks on the menu.
Trendy and Cozy Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Basement is often described as a perfect mix of casual, cozy, and trendy. The dim lighting, interesting decor, and intimate setting make it a perfect spot for both small and large groups. The space is inviting and comfortable, encouraging guests to relax and enjoy their time without feeling rushed. It's a vibe that's hard to find in a city that can often feel fast-paced and impersonal.
Speakeasy Entrance: The hidden entrance through a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine is a talking point for many visitors. This unique feature not only adds an element of mystery and fun but also makes finding the bar a mini adventure in itself. It’s a creative and memorable touch that sets Basement apart from other bars in the city.
---
To learn more about Basement or to make a reservation, you can reach them using the following contact details. They accept reservations, so it's a good idea to call ahead, especially for larger groups or on busy nights.
Address: 45 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Phone: (929) 777-1388
---
Basement is more than just another bar in New York City; it's a unique social destination that stands out for several compelling reasons. The primary appeal lies in its combination of a speakeasy-like, hidden location and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The entrance alone is a conversation starter, setting the stage for a night that feels special and exclusive without being pretentious. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to bring out-of-town friends to show them a truly "New York" experience that goes beyond the typical tourist traps.
The bar's greatest strength is its ability to cater to a diverse crowd. Whether you're a local resident looking for a new spot to unwind or a group of friends planning a night of fun, Basement has something to offer. The combination of a top-tier cocktail program with fun activities like bar games means you can customize your experience. You can choose to sit back and sip on a complex, barrel-aged cocktail, or you can get competitive with a round of darts. This versatility is a major selling point and a key reason why many customers return again and again.
Ultimately, choosing Basement is about choosing a full experience. It's about enjoying expertly crafted drinks and delicious food in a trendy yet comfortable setting. It’s about the joy of discovering a hidden gem and the thrill of a good game with friends. With its welcoming atmosphere, great service, and fantastic menu, Basement offers a memorable and worthwhile night out for anyone in the New York City area.
Basement Food & drink
Raw Bar
- Blue Points Oysters $2.00
- Sigoku Oysters $3.00
- Little Neck Clams $1.00
Starters
- Baby Kale & Quinoa $8.00
Avocado shaved red onions red radishes parmesan lemon vinaigrette
- Burrata $13.00
Cherry tomatoes croutons almond gremolata basil balsamic glaze
- Shishito Peppers $6.00
Wok blistered, citrus pepper salt
Appetizers
- Caprese Flatbread $10.00
Rainbow tomatoes buffalo mozzarella shaved parmesan
- Calamari $8.00
Marinated fried golden crispy sweet & spicy aioli
- Tuna Tart $9.00
Cilantro jalapeno tobiko shaved red onion creamy ponzu truffle oil
- Buffalo Cauliflower $8.00
Battered fried tossed with sriracha butter sauce parsley
- Crispy Brussel Sprouts $8.00
Dijon mustard bacon, honey parsley
Tapa Entrees
- Petite Steak Frites $18.00
Filet garlic herb lemon butter parmigiano truffle fries
- Lamb Banh Mi $11.00
Pickled vegetables cilantro scallions unagi acioli flaky flatbread
- Seafood Bowl $18.00
Mussels clams calamari shrimp herb garlic butter white wine sauce bread points
- Brick Chicken $12.00
Fresh herb marinade chicken breast over piperade sauce, spicy tomato onion pepper sauce
White & Rose
- Rose, Charles & Charles 2017
(Columbia valley, wa)
- Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Riley 2017
(Marlborough, new zealand)
- Chardonnay, Bedell 2016
(North fork long, island, ny)
- Riesling, Kruger-Rumpt
"Munsterer rheinberg" kabinett
Bubbly
- Prosecco, Canella Brut Doc Nv
(Veneto, italy)
- Brut Champagne, Duc De Romet "Prestige Nv
(Champagne, france)
Champagne Brut
- Brut Champagne, Veue Clicquot "Yellow Label Nv $200.00
(Champagne, france)
- Grand Brut Champagne, Perrier-Jouet Nv $200.00
(Champagne, france)
- Brut Champagne, Moet & Chandon, "Imperial Nv $200.00
(Champagne, france)
- Champagne, Moet & Chandon "Nectar Imperial" Nv $200.00
(Champagne, france)
- Brut, Rose, Ruinart Champagne Nv $250.00
(Champagne, france)
- Champagne, Dom Perignon "Cuvee Vintage 2009 $380.00
(Champagne, france)
- Brut Champagne, Cristal "Louis Roederer 2009 $580.00
(Champagne, france)
Red
- Malbec, Altos Las Hormigas 2016
(Mendoza, argentina)
- Pinot Nior, Planet Oregon 2016
Willamette valley, or)
- "Bonny Doon Vineyard, A Proper Claret 2015
(North coast and livermore valley, ca)
Drafts
- Bud Ligh American Larger, U.s.a $7.00
- Blue Point Toasted Lager, Ny $7.00
- Ommegang Nirvana Ipa, Ny $7.00
- Sierra Nevada, S Pale Ale, Ca $7.00
Beer
By the bottle / can
- Tsingtao Lager, China $8.00
- Heineken Pale Lager, Netherlands $8.00
- Budweiser American Lager, U.s.a $8.00
- Samuel Adams Boston Lager, U.s.a $7.00
- Guinness Extra Stout Ale, Ireland $7.00
- Corona Light Lager, Mexico $8.00
- Peroni Lager, Italy $8.00
- Sapporo Premium American Pale Lager, Japan $8.00
- Asahi Super Dry Lager, Japan $8.00
- Hoegaarden Wit Blanche $8.00
- Stella Artois Lager, Belgium $8.00
- Amstel Light Lager, Germany $8.00
- Blue Moon White, Belgium $8.00
Signature Cocktails
- Hk Milk Punch $14.00
Black well rum, oleo saccharum, smoked cloves, star anise, milk wash, lemon
- Made In Brooklyn $14.00
Brooklyn gin, italicus bergamotto, cucumber, shiso, lemon, agave
- 5 Spiced Life $14.00
Gran centenario plata, jalapeño, cucumber, mint, lime, agave, five-spice smoked salt
- Shanghai Mule $14.00
Smirnoff vodka, goji berry, house ginger, lime, sparkling water
- Monkey King $14.00
Monkey shoulder scotch, artichoke cynar,blueberry shrub, shiso, yuzu, ginger
- Chinatown Old-Fashion $18.00
Santory toki japanese whiskey, caramel popcorn, cola ginger, angostura bitters
Seasonal Concoction Cocktails
- Mojito De Cana $14.00
Naked turtle white rum, mints, lime, sugarcane water
- Kung Fu Kicks $14.00
Mezcal joven, aperol, siracha bitters, thai chili, pineapple juice, lime
- Pandan Express $14.00
Pandon leaf infused-vodka, chambery blanc, benedictine d.o.m. Noilly, prat vermouth, e.v.o.o
- Red Empress $14.00
Hennessy vsop, lilet rouge, peychaud bitters, procescco, strawberry, honey, lime
- Gone With The Wind $14.00
Naked turtle white rum, chipotle syrup, coconut water, lime
Barrel-Aged Cocktails
(Aged in house 4 to 6 weeks)
- Manhattan Chinatown $16.00
Bulleit bourbon, carpano antica vermouth, madeira spray, brandy cherries
- Behind The Negroni $16.00
Boodles gin, gran classico bitter, alessio chinato vermouth, cocchi americano rosa
Basement Details
Service options
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Takeout
Highlights
- Bar games
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Locals
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Parking
- Free street parking
Basement Photos










Basement Location
Basement Reviews
beer pongspeakeasypopcorntablesdartsdoorcoca colaplaycrowdchinatown
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Great potential for a fun bar, service non existing, it was slow and staff did not show any interest in service. Space is super interesting, drinks fairly decent. Little pricey for the location
September 11 · Marcin GlowackiWent here for a drink at 5pm on a Friday. Loved the old school CocaCola vending machine entrance. Inside there was plenty of seating available and it had a nice atmosphere. My friend and I ordered two gin based drinks and they were both delicious. They've got some darts, beer pong, and some games in the back. We didn't play any, but it would definitely be fun with a few friends. I enjoyed it, would def go back
June 26 · Shalen TejwaniAre the drinks a little overpriced? Probably ($34 for a small pitcher of beer). But I guess it comes with the territory and atmosphere. This place can get super popping on the weekends. They have 2 good sized beer pong tables and 4 electronic darts in the back. Music is super chill and loud.
August 07 · abcdanfor my last night back home, my cousin and I decided to walk the Manhattan Bridge. When we got to Chinatown, we decided we wanted to get drinks and just sit down and catch up. my cousin quickly looked up a place and we stumbled on the basement. From the minute we saw the entrance I was intrigued; it’s literally downstairs in the basement and the front door is like a vintage cola machine. So cool! Even with that I wasn’t prepared for what I would see on the other side of the door. this place is so vibe. It’s like every detail was perfectly curated for the perfect experience. The bartender was super kind and the vibe was on point. This is definitely a cool place to check out if you’re looking for something aesthetically pleasing with good drinks and great vibes. I definitely can’t wait to return over the summer!
March 25 · Denequa SmithThis is a very cool speakeasy in NYC. I got a mojito and it was easily the best and most expensive one I have ever had in my life. The vibes were very relaxing and chill. I would recommend but expect to pay a lot per drink.
June 24 · Grace Pelletier
More restaurants near me

43 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

45 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

43 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

41 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

41 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

49 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

51 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

42 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

60 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, USA

77 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA

42 C Mott St, New York, NY 10013, USA

83 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





