Botanica
New York, NY 10012-2749
Phone: (212) 343-7251
- Cross Street:
- Between Mulberry Street and Mott Street
- Directions:
- B, D; F, V at Broadway-Lafayette; 6 at Bleecker St
- Hours:
- Daily 5pm-4am
Editorial Review for Botanica – by Citysearch Editors
Neither edgy enough for the Lower East Side nor cheesy enough for Bleecker Street, Botanica offers a happy medium. A DJ blasts a fittingly eclectic mix of rock and hip-hop from a small booth in the front window for a crowd of low-key and low-budget hipsters. Through its overriding darkness, the semi-basement bar's multitude of mismatched furniture is barely illuminated by a couple of candle-bearing Virgin Mary statues and funky sconces. Well-loved, threadbare armchairs line the worn brick walls, and a separate back room offers enough couches and chairs to seat a small army--or a big birthday party.
Hits: Bartenders dole out stiff well drinks and cheap draft beers with speed, efficiency and minimal attitude.
Misses: Despite its considerable size, during prime-time hours crowds tend to slam the bar area, clogging the main room even when the back room is virtually empty.
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Insider Tips
Save MoneyThe drinks are cheap to begin with, but two happy hours--one from 4pm to 8pm and another from 3am to 4am--mean $3 well drinks and $1-$1.50 off drafts.
The ExtrasA low-key, boozy birthday celebration is no sweat at Botanica. If you don't want to bother with bottle service or guest lists, but you do want everyone to get in and have fun without a hassle, call to inquire about throwing a party in the spacious back room.
User Reviews for Botanica
04/10/2008 Posted by cwhitcas
This bar is one of the only bars in the area that I can stand. The music is excellent. The bartenders are cool. The drinks are cheeeeeeeeap. Happy hour is the best around. I don't need this getting ruined by a bunch of yuppie a$$holes, frat boys, and general gangsta types. Stay out if you fit any of the above catagories, if not come by and have a drink at the best bar around.
Pros: happy hour, hot hipster chicks, and cool bartenders
Cons: Starting to see more and more blue blazers and khakis.
02/24/2008 Posted by alicemcg
I have never posted on citysearch, but looking at the small number of reviews for Botanica I thought that I should tell you about this little gem. Botanica is one of those bars that feels like home. The bouncers are friendly. The dj plays what you want and the bartenders are very liberal with the drinks that they make. No matter who I come with to Botanica, it never disappoints. I recommend this bar to anyone who is looking for good times with good people.
Pros: cheap strong drinks, good music, open late, friendly staff
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