J.Bespoke, Sports bar for the sophisticated

NoMad, the neighborhood known for high concentration of trendy bars, lounges and restaurants, has a new speakeasy to add to the list. J.Bespoke is a new sophisticated cocktail lounge, that was created to fill an untapped niche – a refined venue that plays athletic events in an upscale, speakeasy setting.  

Helmed by brothers Jesse and Eric Jacobs, J.Bespoke was conceived with just 50 seats, personalized service, and a lounge that offers a luxe counterpoint to the city’s mainstream sports bars. Guests enter J.Bespoke through an unmarked brass door at the back of Devoción Cascara + Coffee – the well-appointed space, designed by Gregory Okshteyn of Studios GO, boasts high ceilings, wood paneling and a comfortable seating environment. The video and sound system is also top-notch, featuring 4K LED flat-screen TVs and immersive audio.

While major events like the Super Bowl, NBA Finals and World Series are big nights at J.Bespoke, the daily focus is on New York’s beloved sports teams; when games aren’t in session, the TVs recede into the background and cocktails, bites and music take center stage.

The cocktail program features libations like the Bespoke Old Fashioned (Old Forester bourbon, green chartreuse perfume, orange and Angostura bitters, demerara), Call Me Bell (Montelobos mezcal, fresh lemon juice, orange bell pepper, basil) and Nitro Cold Brew Martini

(Belvedere vodka, Montenegro amaro, Devoción cold brew coffee, honey; on tap) complemented by small plates like Karaage Fried Chicken Bites (ginger-soy marinade, yuzu kosho aioli) and Spicy Honey Pizza (soppressata, provolone béchamel, house fior di latte, mozzarella, spicy honey, black pepper).

Next time you find yourself looking for a place to watch the game without giving up the chic, come to J.Bespoke at 121 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016.

Photos by Andrew Bui and Nitzan Rubin