The Summit Bar & Cafe
Cocktail Bar and Lounge$$$$
Alphabet City, New York
The experts at Serious Eats and The Corcoran Group recommend this place
"Get a John Lee Hooker, it's smoky, it's sweet, you're gonna love it."(18 Tips)
"Try the 'Off to the Races' or 'Say Hello to my Little Friend.'"(5 Tips)
"Charmaine's star is fantastic"(5 Tips)
"One of the best cocktail bar in Alphabet City."(4 Tips)
201 Tips and reviewsFilter:
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Warren is the best bartender in New York City and he works here sometimes. If you’re lucky enough to have him as your bartender you’re going to have an amazing time.
Casual and quiet during the week. I imagine it's packed Thursday, Friday and Saturday, so stop by another day. The happy hour is 5:30 - 7:30 and offers half-price oysters and half-price cocktails.
Ish RaiJuly 25, 2017Amazing bartender that could make anything. Don't know his name but he's in the background of this picture. He made amazing virgin lemonade and great old fashioned for my husband. Great banter too!
Neha KulkarniJanuary 4, 2014One of my favorite cocktail bars in NYC -- you must get the Governess, Charmane's Star or Breaking the Law. Also if you ever want to host a private party just ask the bartenders about the back patio
Archie WaltersJuly 5, 2013Some excellent, creative drinks selections here...a nice little hidden gem in EV! Of course there is nowhere in NYC that makes drinks as tasty as they do at Harding's in Flatiron though! #checkthemout
Hello Gov’ner! In other words, start with Gov’ner. Followed by Charmane’s Star. Followed by the Ground to Glass. Followed by the largest slice of pizza you can get your hands on. 1 of our fav spots!
Im a fan of the music, its a chill spot, and the Charmaine's Star cocktail is amazing if you like cucumber. Solid spot with friends but it definitely gets crowded so get there early!
Chelsea RenaudAugust 30, 2015Oyster happy hour, great drinks, and an outdoor area out back. You can actually hear the people next to you on the early side, but at midnight on a Saturday night, expect to be crammed in.
Masha IovevaMay 6, 2015Charmane's Star (Russian Standard Vodka, Cucumber, Shiso Leaf, Fresh Lime, Vietnamese Cinnamon Infused Agave, Rhubarb Bitters) Gov’nor (yuzu, orange juice and cardamom-infused agave syrup)- Hello Gov’ner! Or in other words, start with the Gov’ner. Followed by Charmane’s Star. Followed by the Ground to Glass. Followed by the largest slice of pizza you can get your hands on.
Paige CMay 25, 2014The staff at this bar went above and beyond to make my birthday special! Everyone had a great time and the drinks are creative and unbelievable! Thank you!
HolidayDecember 15, 2017Came in for cocktails and couldn’t resist the Maine oysters and pork (with beet slaw!) sliders. Cocktail of the night was a gin pear rosemary stunner.
It can get a little rowdy here on weekends but cocktails are all solid. Trivia: Charmaine's Star is named after the mixologist's favorite adult actress.
The Corcoran GroupNovember 17, 2011Satisfy your interest in the art of Mixology at this art deco lounge. End your work day with a perfectly concocted Manhattan or ask the bartender for a suggestion.- We like the spicy margarita which is the perfect way to wash down a pickleback. Cash only and avoid it like the plague on weekends. It is too packed to think.
Literally every drink on the menu is top notch here. If you still need guidance though, the John Lee Hooker and Charmane Star are each unique. Or try a spicy margarita with mezcal
Really chill place. Great bartenders. The Gov'ner is my favorite. This is coming from a straight whiskey loving gal. 😂😂😅
Get the John Lee Hooker. (Peat monster scotch, Summit Orange & Sasparilla Bitters, Fresh Lemon Juice, Topped with Hop Stoopid Beer)
HenaliApril 14, 2014such a cute little place with lots of bar seats! Loved the ambiance and chill vibe here, but dont recommend it for big groups
Cesar RazuriAugust 17, 2013Drinks are hands down amazing, but the staff are top notch (Demetrius and Pete). Try the John Lee Hooker or The Guv'nor, which is really fun to say.
Alexandrea ThomsenFebruary 23, 2012Jane is as smart and refreshing as her creations! Wicked cool and warm. We will be back because of her, the drinks, decor and general welcome we received! Thank you Jane and Summit!
Great cocktail spot on Ave. C. Popular for dates. Just get the John Lee Hooker and prepare to ask yourself why it's so delicious.
Michael Fox-RabinovitzAugust 2, 2015Great drinks, try John hooker for sure. Sliders are excellent, both pulled pork and buffalo chicken, shrimp not so much
ConBonDecember 27, 2011Just tell the bartender/mixologist what you want in a drink. They make fancy, fun, delicious drinks. Chill, lounge vibe. Amazing patio/outdoor space.
Emilie FuttermanOctober 23, 2014Great cocktails, lively atmosphere, customers in late 20s early 30s, which is rare for neighborhood. Gets crowded early.- The Corcoran GroupNovember 17, 2011Put this place on your list of go-to spots for creative, funky and delicious cocktails! Try The Situation, Charmane’s Star or The Guv’nor!
Russell HirschornJanuary 3, 2015A little out of the way, but youll forget the walk after their amazing cocktails, ambiance, and service.
Mike McBryanDecember 11, 2014Worth the trip to Avenue C. Try and grab the table in the back if you are with a group. Drink the John Lee Hooker.
Zoe SchlangerSeptember 11, 2011Say Hello To My Little Friend and the Guv'nor are reliably fantastic, or Shu Jam Fizz if you're clinging to summer, or Ground to Glass if it is blatantly beginning to feel like fall outside.
Bradley KayFebruary 19, 2017Tiny backyard space worth checking on (it's often forgotten). John Lee Hooker drink is excellent. Gets crowded at top times.
Best cocktails Ive had. If your a girl, get the Charmane Star. If your a dude, do the same, but play it cool with a Guvnor and or John Lee Hooker 1st
Red FabbriMarch 12, 2013I'm not into cocktails like WillMcD, but it's still a great bar. Can get crowded, but the right mix of fun and class.
Daniela AsaroNovember 18, 2013Yes the Gov'nor is amazing but if you're looking for something with a little more kick - try the Breaking The Law. Delicious.
Jess LeungAugust 26, 2012Their list of Alchemist cocktails are beyond intriguing, with Charmane’s Star being a personal standout. An interesting mix of cucumber and cinnamon.
Rebecca SpitzerMay 27, 2016Back outdoor covered patio, really good cheap interesting cocktails. HH 5-9 M-F, 4-7:30 S-S.
Alphabet City gem. Good cocktails.Old fashioneds till 4am?! Sold.
Favorite cocktail bar in Alphabet City! Great drinks and check out the backyard!
Jimmy GuptaDecember 10, 2015Happy hour cocktails are amazing & dangerous. We had about 4 each & that was our evening lol
Alex RavenelFebruary 3, 2016Best bet is sticking to the classic cocktails. Rob Roy and Manhattan were both well made.
Cocktails here are delicious but loaded with sugar = one too many and it's a one-way ticket to an epic hangover.
AlyJanuary 8, 2011the best cocktails are the ground to glass & the charmane's star. the bartenders do no wrong, though, so trust them to make you anything and it will be amazing!
Great place to go with friends. Must try drinks: The Situation, Ground to Glass, and The Guv'nor. Jane behind the bar is a doll; treat her well!
Serious EatsFebruary 6, 2013In addition to their classics, check out their rotating list of seasonal cocktails
Uber NYCMarch 28, 2013The Guv'nor! Inventive cocktails at this spot on Avenue C. The back area is also a good spot for a group.
ºDamian White ºAugust 25, 2013Drinks are sick! Love! Sat nights are a little douchey tho. I'd comeback at an earlier time or other day of the week.
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The Summit Bar & Cafe
133 Avenue C (btwn E 8th & E 9th St)
New York, NY 10009
United States
New York, NY 10009
United States
Closed until 4:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Wed
- 5:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Thu–Fri
- 5:00 PM–3:00 AM
- Sat
- 4:00 PM–3:00 AM
- Sun
- 4:00 PM–2:00 AM
(917) 261-7708
Features
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. American Express)
Wi-Fi
No
Outdoor Seating
Yes
TouchTunes Jukebox
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Brunch
Drinks
Beer, Wine, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 7.3
"Beautiful and friendly staff, nice crowd. Visited on a Saturday evening. Beautiful atmosphere and the food was good. Will be back."
Nak Brat - 8.1
"Hard to find, but once you're in it's great. The cocktails are super tasty and the space is awesome."
Saarim Zaman - 8.7
"Salads, grilled cheese, the slushy cocktail, ango shots. One of the best bars in town"
Doctore Aguacate
Places people like to go after The Summit Bar & Cafe
- 8.4
"Great burgers. fries are on the crunchier side. great back garden!"
Hyeji Kim - 8.2
"A party and awesome atmosphere from the minute I walked in to the minute I left. The DJ is great and mixes up the music. The drinks were pricey but delicious. Can't wait to come back here!"
veronica rodriguez - 9.2
"Great local craft beef stop with an always rotating tap"
Jason Brew
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