Brandy Library
“We had an extraordinary night with Flavien Desoblin, Brandy Library's owner and a limitless encyclopedia of all things brown liquor-related.”
“Brandy, the spirit distilled from wine, is the star attraction here and the library welcomes novices and experts alike.”
“Brandy Library is such a beautiful space with it's floor to ceiling shelves of brandy bottles.”
Brandy Library
Takes Reservations: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Coat Check: Yes
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$$$ Price range $31-60
8 reviews
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Good selection of whiskies from American to Scottish to Japanese. Reasonable price for the tasting menu, which lets you sample their selections by region and age – good introductory choice for first timer. We ordered two different tastings: Scottish and Japanese, each has 6 different varieties with one mystery 'tasting'. Unfortunately, it detracted from the experience that the staff seemingly had little knowledge of the whiskies. Also, the host when we arrived refused to seat us in the main area even though we made reservation ahead of time. I'll make sure to put on a suit and tie so I can get the full experience next time.
I may very well be the last person in Manhattan to try Brandy Library. So basically, you all know everything there is to know about it already. You can probably stop reading.
If you have hung on this long, here goes:
It was pretty good! The drinks really were tasty, although expensive, which we knew going in. We walked in right when it opened on a Friday night, just two of us, with a one more friend meeting a bit later. Not one single person was seated at any of the many tables and lounge furniture, but the bar was almost full. We grabbed two seats next to two more empty seats, hoping our friend would get there before someone else took them. She didn't. Two nice guys were seated next to us as our friend walked in. The hostess was right there and so I asked her if we could switch to some of the lounge furniture instead, since no one was using it anyway.
Of course she said she wasn't sure what was available and gave us the whole song and dance. Not for nothing, but this isn't opening day. This place has been here a good long time, it's not the newest hot ticket. I always get annoyed when people act like they might not be able to accommodate you when so clearly they can.
Anyway.
We were eventually seated in the lounge in the tiniest spot possible, but it worked. We ordered and waited what seemed like a long time for the drinks, but you know how mixologists roll. Takes a year and a day to make that perfectly crafted cocktail.
I ordered the Seer Sucker (Highland Malt Whisky, Oranges, sugar, bitters) and loved it. Really a smooth drink which was perfectly balanced by the citrus. I had two. But, you know, $15 per cocktail has a limit, so after 2 we left.
Other than the slightly irritating issue with the table, I liked it! I think I might go back if I was in the neighborhood, but not sure I would seek it out again as a destination. It sure is pretty inside, so worth a look. Very masculine and interesting to see all the many bottles of whiskey and brandy lining the walls. Of note, the cocktail menu is a mile long, so there really is something for everyone. The bartender was very knowledgeable and helped my friend choose the perfect scotch. She also offered to make us something off-menu if we preferred to list our favorite drink qualities.
When we left, the place had definitely filled up. I think it's less of a scene and more of a drinker's bar, what with the many choices and wealth of knowledge offered by the staff. They even have a fireplace, so you know it's legit.
What I had: Russian Caravan
Would I go back?: Meh maybe – I was indifferent about it
Story: Nice place with atmosphere. Came here with friend while we were waiting for a table to open up at Nobu for dinner. Hostess was pleasant enough and directed us to check our coats. When we sat down we were given a ridiculously large menu – needless to say when these situations arise I simply as the bartender or waiter for a suggestion based on what I am looking for. I ended up with the Russian Caravan Cocktail – it was a delicious drink and an interesting combination of flavors but a little to sweet for my palette. The only reason I think I might come back here would be for atmosphere or to try a flight of whiskeys otherwise I wasn't overly impressed this place seems to be a scene more than a quality cocktail bar.
I dropped into the brandy library for a quick drink at the bar before a dinner reservation nearby. I didn't realize that was the kind of place you needed to make a reservation. Though to be fair, you can still get in without one (for 2 people, at the bar), but if you had a group of 4 that wanted comfy couches and to drink a while, you should make one.
I've been to a few other bars that offer crazy lists of scotch, whiskey and other spirits, but the number of cocktails adds to the greatness of the list. There are about 15 seasonal cocktails and then another 15 classics, which really any bar worth anything should be able to make, but here you know it's going to be good.
There are also scotch and whiskey flights and other things you can try. There appeared to be some food, but I'm not sure if it's anything more than bites.
The atmosphere here is that of a upscale bar at a very fancy hotel, or a fancy university club, like the Yale club — minus the old people in smoking jacket or people talking about their polo team from 1964. The clientele is mostly men in their 30's or couples of about the same age. It's a great place to go for a drink, but it would be even better for a night of drinking.
Drinks don't come cheap here but there definitely is plenty of it. Their menu was literally a book of all the available liquor in the world basically. The Brandy Bar itself is fancy but not stuffy fancy. It gave an aura of sophistication but with none of that stick up the butt vibe. A great place for a good simple glass of liquor. The staff was super nice and knowledgeable about the drinks and what would fit a person's preference. There were plenty of seating throughout the area. They also serve food which is great if anyone is looking for a snack.
Overall, a great place to sit, relax and drink like actual mature adults.
Brandy Library has pissed off the wrong yelper. We had a group reservation here at the BL, while we asked to sit our party of 6 and 2 next to each other they insisted on sitting us separate from each other.
We were told by the hostess that we were watched on camera and asked not to patronize between tables. Stay at your table only! Are you effing kidding me! Are we kids?!
I understand the concept must be to drink in silence, but how dare they rudely tell us we were not allowed to walk from table to table when we just arrived. After deciding not to give the BL a minimum of $500 for the night, we left the establishment and allowed our dollars to be spent elsewhere in TriBeCa.
I gave them 2 stars because the bar is beautiful and inviting in decor, however service sucks.
Seriously the best craft cocktail experience we've had in NYC! Thank you Marcus and the entire staff for making our daughter's 21st birthday unforgettable! Yeah, we were the first ones through the front door (4 pm) but we sat at a primo table and received VIP treatment! Unbelievable cocktails with attention to detail…ambiance bar none, the most unique place in NYC! 1600 choices!
This place needs to be on everyone's bucket list!
Thank you!
Decent place to grab a drink, great ambiance and decor. Obviously very deep menu of brown beverages, as well as other alcoholic items. We've actually tried it many times and since this isn't really a restaurant where food outweighs poor service, the latter gets more focus. Speaking of service – it's ok…on a good day. You would think they'd be more attentive, but our last trip there, it took 20 minutes to place the order. The guy who brought it (wasn't our waiter) had no clue what was what. Fetching the waiter for another round took 20 minutes after we finished our first drinks…by that time, half our party was ready to move on. It's a bit disappointing since they control the crowd and so should be able to handle the traffic.