Paper Planes Introduce
In the heart of the Lower East Side, where historic charm meets modern nightlife, you’ll find Paper Planes, a true hidden gem. This isn’t just another bar; it's a creative and cozy speakeasy-inspired cocktail lounge that invites you on a journey. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance is set—the decor, the lighting, and the subtle, charming details (like the paper planes leading the way) all work together to create an experience that feels both unique and welcoming. As an Asian and women-owned business, Paper Planes also stands out for its commitment to creating an inclusive and safe space for everyone, including the LGBTQ+ community.
Paper Planes offers a refreshing alternative to the typical high-energy, crowded nightclubs. The vibe is more intimate and focused on quality—quality of drinks, quality of service, and quality of the overall experience. While it has a lively atmosphere that can feel great for a night out with friends, it's also perfect for a more laid-back, conversational evening. Its dual identity as a cocktail bar and a lounge allows it to cater to different moods and occasions. The menu is a highlight, featuring an array of travel-inspired cocktails that are as inventive as they are delicious. Patrons often talk about the impeccable service and the staff's genuine passion, which truly elevates a visit from a simple outing to a memorable night. Whether you're a local in search of your new favorite haunt or a visitor looking for a genuine NYC experience, Paper Planes promises an unforgettable night out.
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You can find Paper Planes at 154 Orchard St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10002, USA. This address places it in the epicenter of the Lower East Side, a neighborhood renowned for its vibrant nightlife, cutting-edge art scene, and diverse culinary landscape. The area is a fantastic destination for a night out, with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and shops just a stone's throw away from each other. Its central location makes it a great starting or ending point for an evening of exploration.
Getting to Paper Planes is quite convenient. The neighborhood is well-served by public transportation, with the F, M, J, and Z subway lines all within walking distance. For those exploring on foot, the walk from the subway stations is lively and engaging, giving you a taste of the area's unique character. Once you arrive, the entrance has a speakeasy feel, adding to the allure of the place. The restaurant and bar are located on the ground floor, and while there is no information about wheelchair accessibility, its layout seems to allow for ease of movement. The presence of a gender-neutral restroom also speaks to the establishment’s inclusive and modern approach, making everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
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Paper Planes provides a range of services designed to enhance your experience, whether you're planning a full night out or just stopping by for a drink. The establishment focuses on providing a full-fledged experience rather than just a quick pit stop:
- Dine-in: You can choose to sit inside and soak up the cozy, speakeasy atmosphere. The seating is arranged to be comfortable and not overly crowded, allowing for easy conversation.
- Outdoor Seating: For those who prefer to enjoy the city air, Paper Planes offers outdoor seating. This is a great option on a pleasant evening, allowing you to watch the world go by on Orchard Street while you sip on a cocktail.
- Reservations: The venue accepts reservations, which is a key advantage, especially on a busy weekend night. This helps ensure that you and your party can secure a spot without a long wait.
- Food & Drinks: In addition to an exceptional cocktail menu, Paper Planes serves food at the bar, with a focus on small plates (tapas). This is perfect for those who want to nibble on something delicious while they enjoy their drinks.
- Dancing: The venue offers a lively atmosphere that can encourage dancing, making it a great spot for those who want to turn up the energy later in the evening.
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Paper Planes has several distinguishing features that set it apart from other bars in the city. Its combination of a unique concept and a welcoming environment makes it a must-visit spot:
- Creative, Travel-Inspired Cocktails: The drink menu is a central feature, with a creative list of cocktails inspired by different global destinations. Drinks like the "Tokyo Tour" and the "East India Trading Co." are not only delicious but also showcase an adventurous use of ingredients like ancho-infused Campari and duck-fat-washed rye whiskey.
- Intimate Speakeasy Vibe: The decor, which includes paper planes hanging from the ceiling, gives the bar a cool, secret hideaway feel. It’s cozy and well-decorated, making you feel like you've discovered a truly special place.
- LGBTQ+ Friendly and Transgender Safespace: Paper Planes is a committed safe space for the LGBTQ+ community. This intentional inclusivity makes the bar a comfortable and welcoming place for everyone, fostering a positive and respectful environment.
- Asian and Women-Owned: As a business that identifies as both Asian-owned and women-owned, Paper Planes is a proud part of a growing movement of diverse-owned establishments that contribute to the rich tapestry of New York City's small business scene.
- Exceptional Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff. The service is often described as top-notch, with bartenders and servers who are passionate about their craft and happy to provide recommendations.
- Quality and Attention to Detail: From the perfectly fried fries to the small touches like a paper plane carved into an ice cube, the attention to detail is evident. This commitment to quality ensures that every aspect of your visit is carefully considered and executed.
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To learn more about Paper Planes or to plan your visit, you can use the following information:
- Address: 154 Orchard St Ground Floor, New York, NY 10002, USA
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For those living in or visiting New York, choosing Paper Planes is a decision to prioritize quality, creativity, and a truly welcoming atmosphere. This isn't just a place to grab a drink; it's an experience. The inventive, travel-themed cocktail menu is reason enough to visit. The drinks are not only delicious and well-balanced, but they also showcase a level of creativity and craft that you won't find at every bar. The team behind the bar is passionate about what they do, and it shows in every glass they serve.
Beyond the drinks, the cozy, speakeasy-inspired ambiance makes it an ideal spot for a date night or a relaxed get-together with friends. It’s a place where you can actually have a conversation without shouting over the music, which is a huge plus in a city of loud venues. The unique indoor-outdoor setup adds another layer of charm, allowing you to enjoy the vibe of the Lower East Side while still feeling like you've found a private escape.
The fact that Paper Planes is an Asian and women-owned business that is intentionally LGBTQ+ friendly also makes it a place worth supporting. In a city that celebrates diversity and inclusivity, this establishment stands out as a genuine safe space where everyone can feel comfortable and respected. The rave reviews from real customers, who praise not only the drinks but also the friendly and attentive staff, confirm that this is a place that delivers on its promises. For a memorable night out that combines exceptional cocktails, a cozy atmosphere, and an inclusive vibe, Paper Planes is a top choice in New York City.
Paper Planes Details
From the business
- Identifies as Asian-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Dancing
- Food
- Food at bar
- Hard liquor
- Wine
Dining options
- Seating
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Paper Planes Photos










Paper Planes Location
Paper Planes Reviews
speakeasygematmospheremenupartyhouseattaboydouble chicken pleaserye whiskeyduck fat
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Paper Planes is a super cute speakeasy cocktail bar in the Lower East Side. From the moment you walk inside this speakeasy-inspired bar, you're in for a unique experience. Follow the paper planes up on the ceiling and head towards the cute indoor-outdoor setting. Their variety of cocktails are travel-inspired and suitable for any person’s liking! Their vibes are great & service was top-notch which makes Paper Planes a must-visit cocktail bar!Whether you're a local or a visitor, Paper Planes promises an unforgettable night out.
September 20 · MelindaWe had such an incredible experience here! Our party of 2 arrived around 6:30pm on a Saturday and was seated right away. They do not take reservations. The place is on the smaller side - maybe seats 10 parties of 2-4 people and probably 4 seats at the bar. When we left around 8pm, the place was about 2/3 full.When we got there, it was still light out so we got to see all the decor - it's very nicely decorated. It's cozy but also you don't feel like you're smooshed up against the next table. The staff were also so friendly. They all seemed like they were having a fun time as well.We were thinking of getting 1-2 drinks each but ended up getting 3 each because we were enjoying them so much. The menu is really creative with some very interesting concoctions. We saw ancho infused campari, duck fat washed rye whiskey, house made syrups, just to name a few.We started off with the Tokyo Tour and the East India Trading Co - both were on the sweeter side and absolutely delicious. The East India Trading Co. drink is fascinating with its combination of sweet from guava and spicy from the curry spices.We then had the Cabin in the Woods and Morning Dew - they were both spirit forward drinks (which we were told when ordering). I'm not as great with very spirit forward drinks but my companion loved his Morning Dew. And look at the cute paper plane carved into the ice!! What an amazing touchWe ended our stay with We'll Always Have Paris and, of course, the Paper Plane. We were curious, and a bit wary, about the duck fat washed rye whiskey and the staff super kindly let us try a sip. It was a smooth, delicious, fragrant and spicy drink all in one. The Paper Plane was so delicious and refreshing - a great way to end the series of drinks.We also got to try their fries - it was fried perfectly, spiced perfectly, and paired with an amazing sauce. Such a good companion to our drinks.I won't gatekeep this place even though I want it to be my secret, haha. I would highly recommend this place! I can't wait to go back and try more of their drinks.
August 08 · Anita JHidden Gem!!! Please do go, they have a huge selection of cocktails and the bartenders actually like their craft. So it was a pleasure to speak to them, get their recommendation and watch them make the drink.
September 15 · sanjana agarwalAbsolutely love the place! Great vibe, friendly people, amazing drinks! Got a few craft cocktails that I can easily describe with a word outstanding) We got a round of best Paper Planes I have ever tried! Very cozy atmosphere.
July 01 · MaxisI came here for my birthday. They led our group to a lower room that smelled like a litter box. The white waiter spoke in a condescending manner to my friend, who is Black, and does not drink, telling him he had to order a cocktail or leave, even though we were in a large party that ordered plenty of drinks, and the tables around us were all empty, so it’s not like we were taking away space from cocktail ordering customers. The waiter’s tone made my friend leave. And we left after the round of $20 drinks we ordered arrived. All of the cocktails I tasted were out of balance, far too acidic. The shrubs tasted like window cleaner. It might look cute online but don’t waste your time here. Not cute. Also the cotton balls say something about the plantation mindset of the owners.
July 01 · Jonathan Sharpe
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