Vintage Vibes at the Holiday Cocktail Lounge

Photo Credit: Gabi Porter

If you live in NYC, chances are you’ve been to the Holiday Cocktail Lounge on a night out on St. Marks, but what you probably don’t know, is that as of last month they’ve started coffee service, which you can grab as early as 8am!

The bar, which has served everyone from Al Capone to Madonna over the almost 100 year history of the space, has maintained its vintage cozy living room aesthetic over the years. They’re pioneering “dive elegance,” but I personally felt just the latter. I dare you to name a more comfortable place to work in the area.

One of the best things about co-working here is that the coffee is very good, to the point that I actually inquired where they get it from. Turns out Superlost Coffee is local to Brooklyn and really makes a difference. I tried the Red Velvet Latte, which is off menu, but with the combination of beetroot and cocoa is the best savory sweet combo for first thing in the morning. I also had the vanilla latte, which in any other scenario would not be noteworthy, but was actually one of the better ones I’ve had in the city. Lastly, I had the (not pictured) mocha, which was chocolatey goodness. Safe to say you can get your caffeine fix here, and if you can’t stay, you can also get your java to go.

With an unexpectedly amazing menu from Chef Drew McVety, you’re going to want to stay though. The breakfast to lunch items will keep you satiated through your work day and coming back for more. The BEC is a solid morning sandwich option. The deviled eggs paired with the ambiance make you feel like you’re at someone’s dinner party and you should have a coup of champagne. That can be arranged, as you have to remind yourself, you are still in a bar. Two items I have to beg you not to sleep on are the chocolate focaccia (not pictured) and chicken soup if available. The soup takes two days to prepare and the care that is taken in this dish is felt with every spoonful, perfect for this time of year.

What’s crazy is that all of this was experienced before noon and that’s only half of what this space has to offer! There are also plans With Holiday All Day, to introduce dating games, entertainment and music, coffee status stickers as conversation starters, and a walking club around East Village. I cannot wait to pop in again soon.

For more information, visit holidaycocktaillounge.bar and follow on IG @holidaycocktaillounge.