Scene by Laurie

Though I love a gimmicky speakeasy, and NYC has plenty of them, there’s something to be said for simplicity. Add master mixologists and the experience can be blissful. I recently discovered The Summit Bar in the East Village and that’s exactly what they deliver: style and innovative cocktails without the pretense of secret doors and handshakes.

Summit plays mild homage to the Rat Pack (who referred to themselves as “The Summit”) with classic martinis and whiskey sours, a throw back Vegas photo of Sammy, Dean and ol’ Blue Eyes in the back of the bar and an eclectic play list that sneaks in some oldies, but it’s delightfully far from the typical speakeasy in look and feel and they bring cocktail creativity to a new level that blows away the likes of PDT, Death & Co and even Raine’s Law Room.

Greg Seider and Hamid Rashidzada, partners in the venture, bring imagination and stellar credentials from Minetta Tavern and Mercer Kitchen to go beyond the classics. The “alchemist” side of the menu is aptly named and incorporates exotic ingredients and homemade syrups and bitters; inspirations Greg pulls from cooking and introduces to the cocktail world. Sourcing form spice purveyors and his brother’s garden, “savory” ingredients are masterfully blended together in inventive concoctions such as Charmane’s Star, a mix of Russian vodka, cucumber, shiso leaf, rhubarb bitters and Vietnamese cinnamon infused agave.

The alchemist menu is short with only twelve cocktails, although there are seasonal variations and with such an interesting selection and wallet friendly prices it hardly seems to matter — prices range from $8 to $10, half what you’ll pay elsewhere.

The atmosphere is unpretentious and fun, fitting perfectly into the neighborhood. The long granite bar runs the length of the space, which is divided into three sections. A front lounge with scatterings of tables and comfy chairs, the middle area which is narrower and really allows for standing room only (they tap at 60 people to alleviate complete frustration and text you), and a cozy back alcove with blue suede couches and wall paper, perfect for small parties.

Exposed brick walls, lit shelving and a bar covered with the alchemists potions add to its charm. There’s also an enclosed back patio with sofas (smoking allowed), great for both summer and winter thanks to heated lamps. Undisturbed by the bartenders, it’s an awesome area for privacy when the bar’s not crowded. My only gripe is that they don’t pipe the music back there (take that as a suggestion, Summit!).

The bartenders are friendly and create a fun vibe. They’ll shoot the shit with you, throw you free ones and watching them mix cocktails is quite a show. Although it’s a bit of a hike over to Avenue C, it’s definitely worth it. Next time you’re in the mood for an exotic cocktail, skip the speakeasy pretense and head to Summit.

Location: East Village, 133 Avenue C between 8th and 9th streets