Chill Vibes at Mr. Melo
Williamsburg's evening scene welcomed Mr. Melo at 61 Withers St., a new listening bar that seeks to make vinyl music more accessible and approachable to all. New Yorkers flocked to enjoy the space earlier this week, with a lively press preview featuring some of the city’s greatest foodies and influencers. The space, once Bar Beau, now stands as a distinctive listening bar with a sonically mindful design, adorned with wood paneling and premium speakers, setting the stage for immersive sound. The chic and inviting atmosphere of Mr. Melo provided the backdrop for an exploration of exceptional New Greek cuisine, complemented by innovative cocktails and a DJ-driven experience on the raised platform turned stage.The bar's commitment to sustainability and creativity extended to its cocktail offerings, introducing the concept of "compost" cocktails that swiftly became a crowd favorite. The inventive concoctions repurposed fresh ingredients into unique and flavorful drinks.
Among the standout compost cocktails being ordered was the imaginative "Baba Rita," a mesmerizing blend of smoked eggplant-infused tequila, agave, and lime. The infusion of smoky flavors and the citrusy notes create a refreshing and sophisticated cocktail that quickly won the hearts of the crowd. Other notable choices included the "Imperfect Manhattan," a well-balanced mix of rye, bourbon, dry and sweet vermouth, orange, Angostura bitters, and Luxardo cherry and the "Feta Brine Martini", crafted with Greek feta, olives, white vermouth, and Misguided vodka, this compost cocktail offered a savory and briny profile, challenging traditional notions of what a martini can be. The fusion of flavors add to the allure of Mr. Melo's beverage menu, which recently gained attention for their Tamarind Mate Cooler, a non-alcoholic masterpiece made with housemade chai-tamarind syrup and brewed yerba mate tea, inspired by co-owner Nik Vagenas's enchanting experiences in India, and available on tap with the option to add an alcohol of choice.
In addition to the crowd-favorite cocktails, Mr.Melo showcased an adventurous selection of dishes. The array of freshly made bites include House Made Zahatar potato chips accompanied by miso baba, spicy whipped feta, and curry hummus – a savory indulgence for the palate. The Pickle Plate offered a refreshing combination of seasonal pickled veggies served with a side of spicy tahini, providing a burst of tangy and savory flavor. The menu also showcased Smoked Mussel Toast, featuring smoked mussels, chili oil, labne, fresh herbs, and lemon zest, their Crispy Eggplant Sando, a vegetarian delight, featured crispy eggplant, whipped feta, arugula, fresh herbs, pickled onion, and house-made lacto schoug – a showcase layered flavors and contrasting textures and the Vegan Caesar, a plant-based masterpiece, consisted of chicory, greens, breadcrumbs, nooch yeast, capers, and toum, offering a satisfying and flavorful alternative. The culinary journey of the evening concluded with filling Drunk Greek Fries!
The evening was a success, with guests dancing to the curated music in the sleek back room, creating a lively and immersive atmosphere. As a listening bar, Mr. Melo seeks to serve as an ideal destination for friends and couples alike, offering a perfect blend of immersive music, delicious food, and unique drinks. It joins Williamsburg’s dynamic social scene as a must-visit spot, open from 5 pm to 1 am from Sunday to Thursday, and extends its hours until 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays! More information and reservations can be found by visiting, https://www.mrmelobar.com/#BITE
Images courtesy of Brandyn Liu
