Yawning Cobra

- 356 Bowery Lower level, New York, NY 10012

Tucked away in a lower-level space on the bustling Bowery, Yawning Cobra is a destination that feels like a well-kept secret. This cocktail bar is a true speakeasy, a hidden gem that rewards those who seek it out with a truly unique and immersive experience. It's a place where mixology is elevated to an art form, and the atmosphere is carefully crafted to be both intimate and trendy. The name itself, "Yawning Cobra," hints at the bar's intriguing and slightly mysterious vibe. For New Yorkers looking to escape the ordinary and dive into a world of complex flavors and creative concepts, Yawning Cobra is a must-visit.

The moment you step inside, you are transported to a different world. The design is thoughtful and well-executed, with a low-light ambiance and a unique, pixelated cobra logo on the napkins that adds a touch of whimsical, retro charm. The music is kept at a comfortable volume, allowing for easy conversation—a rare and treasured feature in a city full of loud bars. This makes it a perfect spot for a date or a serious catch-up with friends, as noted in a customer review. The bar has a cozy feel, creating an intimate space where you can fully appreciate the craftsmanship of the drinks. The bartenders are often described as "mesmerizing" to watch, turning drink preparation into a performance art.

The cocktail menu is a key part of the experience, designed like a cool, old-style video game with sections such as "Quest for Sour" and "Spark Buster." Each cocktail has a playful name and an intricate list of ingredients, often featuring unique Asian-inspired twists and flavors from Japan. A customer noted that the menu "felt like diving into a cool old style pixel game with how it’s structured, almost like a story arc." The staff is incredibly knowledgeable about the ingredients and their origins, even using surprising elements like scallops in a cocktail. This dedication to creativity and quality is what makes the drinks so memorable and keeps patrons coming back to try more.

Yawning Cobra is located at 356 Bowery Lower level, New York, NY 10012, placing it in a prime spot on the border of the East Village and NoHo. This area is a central hub for nightlife, art, and dining, with a vibrant energy that makes it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The "lower level" aspect adds to its hidden, speakeasy feel, making the journey to find it part of the adventure.

The location is highly accessible via New York City's public transportation system. The Bleecker Street (6 train) and Broadway-Lafayette Street (B, D, F, M trains) subway stations are both just a short walk away. Given the dense urban setting, public transit is the most practical way to arrive, as street parking is limited and difficult to find. The bar’s a popular spot that attracts a crowd of locals who are in the know, further cementing its status as a neighborhood gem.

While specific accessibility details are not widely publicized, the discreet entrance adds to its allure. The bar's focus on an intimate and trendy atmosphere makes it a go-to spot for those looking for a sophisticated and unique night out.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: The bar offers full service for drinks and a small menu of food to enjoy on-site.

Features and Highlights

• Great cocktails: Yawning Cobra is renowned for its inventive, complex, and beautifully presented cocktails.
• Cozy & trendy atmosphere: The intimate, low-lit ambiance and stylish design make it a perfect spot for a date or a relaxed night out.
• Speakeasy concept: The hidden, lower-level location adds to the feeling of exclusivity and discovery.
• Knowledgeable staff: Bartenders and waitstaff are highly skilled and can provide detailed information about the drinks.
• Unique menu: The cocktail menu is a creative, whimsical journey that feels like a video game.
• Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available for patrons.
• Accepts credit/debit cards: A variety of modern payment methods are accepted for convenience.
• Fast service: The bar is known for its efficient service.

Contact Information

Address: 356 Bowery Lower level, New York, NY 10012, USA

Phone: (646) 370-3094

For general inquiries or to ask about availability, calling the provided number is the best option.

What is worth choosing

When you choose Yawning Cobra, you are choosing an experience centered on exceptional cocktails. The drinks are the undeniable star of the show. A customer review highlighted the Super Saiyajin, a vodka-based cocktail with a "whole garden vibe" and a fresh baby radish garnish, and the Green Grass of Home, which features a bitter matcha flavor. These descriptions illustrate the bar’s commitment to bold, unusual, and memorable flavor combinations. The Mystic Island was also noted for its powerful yet subtle flavor profile.

The bar’s menu is designed to be explored, with sections like "Quest for Sour" and "Fairy Tale" guiding you through different styles and flavor profiles. This playful approach encourages you to be adventurous. While the food menu is available and reviewed as "good," it's clear that the cocktails are the main attraction, and the food is a welcome, but secondary, addition. The wagyu ramen and karaage were mentioned as enjoyable, but the focus remains on the drinks.

The atmosphere is another major reason to choose Yawning Cobra. It is a fantastic spot for a quiet, intimate evening, away from the loud, crowded bars of the neighborhood. The attentive and knowledgeable staff, like the bartender named Anthony who was described as "kind, attentive, and really knew the menu," truly enhance the experience. The bar's ability to combine high-quality mixology with a comfortable, unique ambiance makes it a worthwhile destination. It is a place to be seen but also a place to relax, sip on an incredible drink, and enjoy the company you’re with. For a New Yorker who appreciates a well-crafted cocktail and a cool, hidden spot, Yawning Cobra is a top choice.

Yawning Cobra

356 Bowery Lower level, New York, NY 10012, USA