Speakeasy Business: The Garret NYC

Happiest holidays, readers!  As the next post to follow in my “Ladies (& Gents) Wining & Dining Series” dedicated to the best lunch, dinner and drink spots for doing business while enjoying the best cuisine that New York City, Los Angeles and other top cities across the country offer, I’m pleased to introduce a new favorite – The Garret NYC (Garret West- 296 Bleecker Street & Garret East – 206 Avenue A).

I had the opportunity to enjoy the Garret West which sits nestled upstairs from Five Guys (yes, it’s completely hidden and you do have to walk through the Five Guys) for some amazingly creative cocktails in the city that never sleeps and dreams up these unique inventions.

The Garret West NYC (Image credit: CBS Local NY)

A prospective client of mine chose the venue and having never been, I had to double check the email a couple times to ensure I was in the right place and that I wasn’t just being duped into eating a Five Guys burger (which is delicious, don’t get me wrong).  As I arrived first, I was able to snag one of the few booths inside the small space which offered a beautiful view overlooking Bleecker Street and recall the times I had a jonesing for Bleecker Street Pizza which also sits directly across from the building.

Being somewhat of an adventurous cocktail connoisseur and loving the name, I started with The First Lady, a combination of gin, combier, matcha green tea, lemon, egg white and fresh basil.

The First Lady (Image credit: Well+Good)

For the second round, I opted for The Missus Wheeler with bourbon, banana, ginger, drambouie, and lemon. The one definitely packed a punch!

The Missus Wheeler (Image credit: Eater.com)

Summary: The Garret NYC has a strong appeal as it’s off the grid so it’s great for locals as well as those who are out of state and want to feel like they’re getting the “inside track” to NYC. The cocktails are finely crafted (and therefore somewhat pricey), but worth the spend. As it’s small, it’s not a good option for a larger group (3-4 max is ideal). Additionally, as they don’t offer food, you may want to start out the night here and then head to dinner after, either downstairs at Five Guys if you’re looking for something informal, or choose from the many options of finer dining/sit downs with the vast array of restaurants all nearby in the West Village.

Introducing the Ladies (& Gents) Wining & Dining Series: The Best Spots for Business Eats

Hello readers!

I’m excited to share that despite a brief hiatus since earlier this summer, I will be launching a new series here called the “Ladies (& Gents) Wining & Dining Series” dedicated to the best lunch, dinner and drink spots for doing business while enjoying the best cuisine that New York City, Los Angeles and other top cities across the country offer.

I hope this will inspire some great ideas for you as you travel on business, particularly if you’re looking for a unique spot to wow client and colleagues, old friends and new, from the easiest to the hardest to please foodies. The series is designed to provide you with insider insights beyond the contents of that magazine in the seat back pocket and what’s on the menu from a first-hand business and foodie expertise perspective.

I invite you to dialogue on any of my recommendations as well as offer up any of your favorite/can’t miss spots as well (business success stories welcome too!) to inspire fellow business travelers on their culinary and business adventures.

Enjoy! Bon Appetit! Buen Provecho!

[Reviews coming soon: Maysville (NYC), The Garret (NYC), White Oak Tavern (NYC), Javelina (NYC), Pig & Khao (NYC), The Rockefeller (Manhattan/Hermosa Beach, CA) and more].