Cellar 36

- 36 Market St, New York, NY 10002

Tucked away on a sleepy corner in the Two Bridges neighborhood, Cellar 36 is an absolute gem that every New Yorker should know about. This charming, cozy wine bar offers a slice of intimate, European-style ambiance right in the heart of Manhattan. It's the kind of place you stumble upon and immediately feel at home, with its warm, dimly lit interior and exposed brick walls. But don't let the unassuming exterior fool you; inside, you'll find what has been called one of the city's finest and most expertly curated wine lists, with a strong focus on natural wines. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, making it equally perfect for a quiet solo drink, a catch-up with friends, or a memorable date night. Beyond the impressive drinks, Cellar 36 excels with its thoughtfully crafted small plates and bar snacks that are designed to complement the wine selection. The place hums with great staff, great music, and a wonderfully warm and inviting energy that makes it feel like the kind of exceptional neighborhood bar everyone dreams of having.

Cellar 36 is located at 36 Market St, New York, NY 10002. This prime address places it in the vibrant and historic Two Bridges area, a neighborhood known for its blend of old-school charm and new-wave cool. Situated between the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges, it is a bustling part of Lower Manhattan that is both walkable and easily accessible by public transportation. The bar is just a short walk from several major subway stations, including East Broadway (F line) and Grand Street (B and D lines). This makes it a convenient spot to get to from almost anywhere in the city, whether you're coming from Midtown or one of the outer boroughs. The location also makes it a great stop before or after exploring the nearby Chinatown and Lower East Side neighborhoods. Cellar 36's setting on a wide sidewalk in a quieter part of the neighborhood offers a chance to enjoy a drink and some conversation away from the more chaotic parts of the city.

Cellar 36 provides a focused and high-quality dining and drinking experience with a range of services designed for a relaxing and enjoyable visit.

• Dine-in and Table Service: The venue offers comfortable indoor seating with full table service, ensuring a relaxing and attentive experience for all guests.
• Food at the Bar: In addition to table service, customers can enjoy food and drinks directly at the bar, which is a great option for solo diners or those who prefer a more interactive experience.
• Happy Hour: A major draw is the exceptional happy hour. It features fantastic deals on both food and drinks, including a dollar oyster happy hour and well-priced carafes of wine, making it a great way to start the evening.
• Expert Recommendations: The staff, including the knowledgeable manager Fernando, are incredibly helpful and provide expert recommendations on the extensive wine list, making the experience accessible even for those new to natural wines.

These services ensure that guests are well taken care of from the moment they arrive, whether they're seasoned wine connoisseurs or just looking for a good time.

What makes Cellar 36 a standout in New York City's bar scene are its unique and celebrated features that create a memorable experience.

• An Expertly Curated Wine List: The bar's "impressive selection of wines" is a primary highlight. It's particularly lauded for its focus on natural wines, with a list that is described as "one of the city's finest." The staff's encyclopedic knowledge brings this list to life, making it a truly educational and enjoyable experience.
• Exceptional Food Offerings: The small plates are a significant draw. The dollar oyster happy hour with "perfectly balanced St. Simon oysters" is a legendary deal. Other standout dishes include the "remarkable" sourdough bread and the "standout mortadella." The Catalan sandwich, with bread "flown in from Spain," is a must-try for many.
• Cozy and Intimate Atmosphere: Customers consistently praise the bar for its "charming, cozy" and "intimate atmosphere." The "dim natural" lighting and use of candles create a warm and romantic vibe that is perfect for a date night.
• Fast and Friendly Service: The service is described as "excellent" and "fast," with the staff being "incredibly helpful" and providing "thoughtful recommendations." This high level of service enhances the overall experience and makes guests feel welcome.
• Ideal for Solo Dining: The inviting atmosphere and bar service make it a great spot for solo diners who want to enjoy a drink and a bite without feeling out of place.

These features, from the high-quality food and drink to the welcoming ambiance and expert staff, solidify Cellar 36's reputation as a top-tier neighborhood bar.

To plan your visit to this neighborhood gem, you can find Cellar 36 at the following address:

Address: 36 Market St, New York, NY 10002, USA

Choosing Cellar 36 is about more than just grabbing a drink; it's about indulging in a curated, high-quality, and deeply satisfying experience. What makes it truly worth choosing is its incredible balance of expertise and approachability. The bar's focus on natural wines is a huge draw for aficionados, but the staff's ability to explain the list in an understandable way makes it accessible to beginners, as noted by one customer who was a "beginner of natural wine" but had a great experience. The food menu, while concise, is outstanding, with standout dishes that receive glowing reviews, from the "bonkers" Catalan sandwich to the delicious oysters. The atmosphere is a perfect blend of trendy and cozy, providing a relaxing escape from the city's frenetic pace. One review wished for wine flights, which is a valid point for those who want to taste more varieties, but the staff's recommendations by the glass or bottle seem to be more than enough to satisfy most customers. The dollar oyster happy hour alone is a fantastic deal that makes it a must-visit. Ultimately, Cellar 36 is the rare neighborhood bar that manages to be both an unpretentious local haunt and a world-class wine destination, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion, whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just looking for a wonderfully warm and inviting spot.

Cellar 36

36 Market St, New York, NY 10002, USA