Milk and Honey

(212) 625-3397

134 Eldridge St (Between Broome St & Delancey St)
New York, NY 10002 40.71895 -73.99156

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Lower East Side, Downtown, Bowery

mlkhny.com/newyork/newyork.ph…

Hours:

Daily 9pm-4am

Last updated 9.13.10

Category:

Bars & Pubs, Bars & Clubs

Payment Methods:

Cash

Bar & Pub Special Features:

Martinis

Bar & Club Special Features:

Specialty Cocktails

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Milk and Honey

Featured Review

Erin Behan

Contributor

Once buzzed through the unmarked door of this "tailor shop," the lucky few enter a sanctum of hushed reverence. The dimly lit space, which feels trapped in time, has several deep, cozy banquettes and a small bar. A single waiter gently whisks drinks on a candle-lit platter to and from the bar. The only sounds are the murmur of voices and the shaking of cocktails. It's not about being famous, and patrons range wildly in age, dress and social status. The drinks, guided by owner and cocktail celebrity Sasha Petraske's impeccable taste, are renowned for their inventiveness and nuance. There's no…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
The list of rules is posted in the bathroom and includes a ban on men wearing hats indoors, and a request that gentlemen not approach ladies with whom they didn't arrive. Ladies can request an introduction from the bartender if they so desire.
Fun Fact:
In years past, would-be guests had to work their connections to find the bar's unlisted (and constantly changing) phone number and address, then call no more than a day in advance for a reservation. In 2009, after a temporary shuttering, the number was made available (though reservations are still required).
The Extras:
If you like Milk and Honey, try Sasha Petraske's more recent foray into the art absinthe-based cocktails at Chinatown spot White Star.
ambiance
75.0% positive
  1. “Bar is not particularly romantic except that there's a lot of couples there.”
  2. “Waitress was really sweet and brought us great drinks from the bar, but for me, drinks don't make a place - it's the ambiance and interior aesthetic.”
  3. “have been a devotee since it opened and am constantly impressed by the service, excellent drinks and insular atmosphere.”
  4. “Be warned though the drinks are pretty pricey ($15) but you're also paying for the attention to detail, private ambiance, and exclusivity.”
  5. “The drinks are amazing, the atmosphere is mellow without being jaded, and the service makes you feel as though they are truly pleased to have you there!”
  6. “came to Milk and Honey with a group of 3 clients looking for a place to shoot a 20's themed fashion ad I figured that Milk and Honey would be the perfect location with the speak easy reputation it has.”
  7. “If fun was a disease, Milk & Honey would definitely be the antidote.”
  8. “love the fact that milk and honey has been around for a number of years, and that their drink quality, friendly service and atmosphere have not changed.”
dessert
100.0% positive
  1. “Every aspect of the bar -- lighting, music, impeccable service, beautiful bar, fresh ingredients, glassware, cloth napkins and strawberries/honey/cream -- contributes to an experience allowing you to pause, breathe, and focus on the people you're with.”
drinks
95.53000450134277% positive
  1. “If I were to imagine my perfect bar it would surely resemble Milk & Honey.”
  2. “Waitress was really sweet and brought us great drinks from the bar, but for me, drinks don't make a place - it's the ambiance and interior aesthetic.”
  3. “The waitress comes and asks us what kinds of drinks we like - sweet?”
  4. “Second, the cocktails are great.”
  5. “He seemed sincerely humbled when my companions and I gave the bar great praise.”
  6. “Great drinks and Atmosphere”
  7. “The only redeeming part of the entire experience was the cocktails, which were great.”
  8. “The drinks are not that expensive they are affordable and they get you going all night.”
  9. “Every aspect of the bar -- lighting, music, impeccable service, beautiful bar, fresh ingredients, glassware, cloth napkins and strawberries/honey/cream -- contributes to an experience allowing you to pause, breathe, and focus on the people you're with.”
  10. “clearly remember not being too fascinated with the cocktails there, esp the 'signature' drink that the waitress recommended but I wanted to give it another try.”
  11. “The best cocktails I've had.”
  12. “You get a great drink for the price, but truthfully, not that great.”
  13. “have been a devotee since it opened and am constantly impressed by the service, excellent drinks and insular atmosphere.”
  14. “what about corp cards where they can make a lot of money or a table with a huge bar tab, and at the same time shuts out a lot of the artist-types this part of town tries to attract and retain.”
  15. “The drink are fabulous but when the person that serves you is uncouth it always leave a bad taste in your mouth.”
  16. “The next adventure is that of ordering the drinks which all are amazing.”
  17. “The drinks typically are better, and the service is superbly attentive, but they still don't add up to the bar's reputation.”
  18. “The drinks are amazing, the atmosphere is mellow without being jaded, and the service makes you feel as though they are truly pleased to have you there!”
  19. “This has got to be by far the best bar in the city!”
  20. “At the booths, a waiter offers suggestions of tasteful drinks, while at the bar enjoy watching Sasha or one of the others put together fresh and premium ingredients and concoct the best drinks in Manhattan.”
  21. “great drinks + great service = perfection”
  22. “Although it is small the place is great and the drinks are amazing!”
  23. “Milk & Honey will provide you with the best drinks in New York City.”
  24. “Sitting in one of the booths or at the bar is a pleasant experience.”
  25. “Depending on your taste the drinks might be what you like or something you are not too fond of.”
  26. “love the fact that milk and honey has been around for a number of years, and that their drink quality, friendly service and atmosphere have not changed.”
  27. “Be warned though the drinks are pretty pricey ($15) but you're also paying for the attention to detail, private ambiance, and exclusivity.”
  28. “Express your favorite drink and fruit taste to the barwoman and you'll definately get a coctail that suits you!”
  29. “Overall an almost perfect bar experience.”
  30. “att created the best drinks ever!”
  31. “The drinks are the most delicious I have ever had.”
  32. “It is by far the best bar I've been to in New York.”
  33. “No question, Milk & Honey serves the absolute best drinks in NYC.”
  34. “Pretty good bar, very bad value”
  35. “highly recommend the experience if you are looking for a nice, different and special place to talk and have amazing drink.”
  36. “The bar would be more interesting if the inside décor was more formal and fresh-looking so that it would make a much greater constrast with the decadence outside.”
  37. “This place is uber small and quiet, but the drinks are totally amazing.”
  38. “The drinks are inventive and fresh, the bartenders are interesting and debonair.”
  39. “With so many other great bar stops in the neighborhood, I'm in no rush to return.”
  40. “they can do mostly any drink you ask for, but they are most famous for their muddled fresh fruit cocktails and their changing menu.”
  41. “friend ordered the waiter's recommendation to the letter--the special fresh cherries, with honey, etc.--and received a drink so bland (hardly even a hint of cherry) that he sent it back.”
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. “The drinks are inventive and fresh, the bartenders are interesting and debonair.”
  2. “All the previous reviews are accurate in that they use fresh squeezed juices, fresh fruit and alot of other goodies that Sasha can get his hands on.”
  3. “The bar would be more interesting if the inside décor was more formal and fresh-looking so that it would make a much greater constrast with the decadence outside.”
  4. “they can do mostly any drink you ask for, but they are most famous for their muddled fresh fruit cocktails and their changing menu.”
  5. “No blenders, no flavored vodkas, just fresh fruit, spices and top shelf liquors- most imported.”
  6. “Every aspect of the bar -- lighting, music, impeccable service, beautiful bar, fresh ingredients, glassware, cloth napkins and strawberries/honey/cream -- contributes to an experience allowing you to pause, breathe, and focus on the people you're with.”
  7. “The drinks are the most delicious I have ever had.”
  8. “friend ordered the waiter's recommendation to the letter--the special fresh cherries, with honey, etc.--and received a drink so bland (hardly even a hint of cherry) that he sent it back.”
  9. “At the booths, a waiter offers suggestions of tasteful drinks, while at the bar enjoy watching Sasha or one of the others put together fresh and premium ingredients and concoct the best drinks in Manhattan.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “they can do mostly any drink you ask for, but they are most famous for their muddled fresh fruit cocktails and their changing menu.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “highly recommend the experience if you are looking for a nice, different and special place to talk and have amazing drink.”
  2. “Waitress was really sweet and brought us great drinks from the bar, but for me, drinks don't make a place - it's the ambiance and interior aesthetic.”
return potential
100.0% positive
  1. “With so many other great bar stops in the neighborhood, I'm in no rush to return.”
service
84.20999526977539% positive
  1. “Every aspect of the bar -- lighting, music, impeccable service, beautiful bar, fresh ingredients, glassware, cloth napkins and strawberries/honey/cream -- contributes to an experience allowing you to pause, breathe, and focus on the people you're with.”
  2. “The Short Haired (brown bob with bangs) waitress was so rude to our entire table, by rolling eyes and glaring.”
  3. “great drinks + great service = perfection”
  4. “love the fact that milk and honey has been around for a number of years, and that their drink quality, friendly service and atmosphere have not changed.”
  5. “The bartender in particular was amazing, coming to our table to thank us personally for coming.”
  6. “It's creative, intimate, and no-one bugs people here.”
  7. “The drinks are inventive and fresh, the bartenders are interesting and debonair.”
  8. “The bartender and host were very friendly and the overall vibe was very relaxing.”
  9. “clearly remember not being too fascinated with the cocktails there, esp the 'signature' drink that the waitress recommended but I wanted to give it another try.”
  10. “The staff are all very friendly and accommodating as long as the patrons abide by the rules ;-)”
  11. “The drinks typically are better, and the service is superbly attentive, but they still don't add up to the bar's reputation.”
  12. “friend ordered the waiter's recommendation to the letter--the special fresh cherries, with honey, etc.--and received a drink so bland (hardly even a hint of cherry) that he sent it back.”
  13. “She answered me with a rude tone the returned to her blackberry.”
  14. “The waitress comes and asks us what kinds of drinks we like - sweet?”
  15. “The precise service and coziness make this one of the best places around.”
  16. “But...... when the first impression you have of the place is a rude hostess it changes the evening for everyone.”
  17. “At the booths, a waiter offers suggestions of tasteful drinks, while at the bar enjoy watching Sasha or one of the others put together fresh and premium ingredients and concoct the best drinks in Manhattan.”
  18. “The drinks are amazing, the atmosphere is mellow without being jaded, and the service makes you feel as though they are truly pleased to have you there!”
  19. “have been a devotee since it opened and am constantly impressed by the service, excellent drinks and insular atmosphere.”
value
73.33000183105469% positive
  1. “what about corp cards where they can make a lot of money or a table with a huge bar tab, and at the same time shuts out a lot of the artist-types this part of town tries to attract and retain.”
  2. “You get a great drink for the price, but truthfully, not that great.”
  3. “Be warned though the drinks are pretty pricey ($15) but you're also paying for the attention to detail, private ambiance, and exclusivity.”
  4. “Pretty good bar, very bad value”
  5. “The drinks are not that expensive they are affordable and they get you going all night.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “The staff are all very friendly and accommodating as long as the patrons abide by the rules ;-)”
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

01/07/12

Set aside the evening for an exceptional cocktail experience

by CocktailHostess

I am so in love with this place that I want to marry it. I found the bartenders and other staff extremely gracious, and the cocktails are unparalleled. The reservations-only policy might be a little inconvenient, but how else would they ensure that all the patrons have a seat in the beautiful (and small) space and that everyone gets such a finely crafted cocktail? It would be an entirely different experience if you had to stand three deep at the bar or the bartenders didn't have several minutes to lovingly craft the drinks. So set aside an evening, make a reservation, and enjoy it to the fullest.

I wrote a post about my experience at my blog, hostessdiary.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

09/15/10

As Rachel Zoe would say... I die!

by JessicaGoldman47

All the glamor of the roaring 20's but without the looming thought that you could get arrested for sipping on a cocktail at any moment. I thought I died and went to heaven when I stepped into milk and honey.

Ironically milk and honey is the only thing served in heaven according to a professor of mine during my undergraduate years.

Anyway, back to the experience. A discrete door with M&H is all you see from the street as you walk into, yes into, a black velvet curtain you think "this cannot be right". Then...BAM it is like you just walked into a dream. The staff plays right into the part and next thing you know you are having a custom made drink in a sleek bar and you never want to leave this speakeasy.

Read the rules in the bathroom they are hysterical. Still do not know if they were real or not...

Go for the experience! Make a reservation no membership required and enjoy!

1 Star Rating: Poor

09/13/10

Disappointing

by BillMelcher

We take our craft cocktails seriously so I don't mind a bartender surprising me with something. But if you don't have a menu I would expect to be surprised with something besides a whiskey sour. And if you bring me a whiskey sour it better be the best one I ever had. Or it better cost less than $16. Unfortunately that was my first and last experience at Milk & Honey. The service was good though. Not having food at all was another surprise, not even bar food.

3 Star Rating: Average

05/18/10

Classy and Mysterious but Mixologist Could Do Better

by silverblue , Citysearch Contributor

I came to this speakeasy (which is located on a very ghetto alleyway and sits behind a locked dingy old door that says "134. M&H") about 2 years ago when M+H didn’t require a membership to get in yet. I clearly remember not being too fascinated with the cocktails there, esp the ‘signature’ drink that the waitress recommended but I wanted to give it another try.

The bar itself is dimly lit, and has a few booths on a long and narrow hallway. It does have that prohibition era (1920–1933) ambiance to it for sure. The waitress comes and asks us what kinds of drinks we like - sweet? creamy? what kind of liquor do you like?

At least $16 a pop, I must admit that I’ve unfortunately had better cocktails at Raines Law Room, Angel’s Share, Pegu or Death & Co. We ordered 7 different drinks in total and while they were good, they weren’t all that unique (for example, the waitress made me a Penicillin, which was the exact drink I had at Raines but better) or memorable and there was always something a little off (too much lime, too creamy, can’t taste the blackberries, etc).

I am not sure who pays for membership to M+H these days but I surely will not! I can email the hostess and get a table at a certain time almost guaranteed; so in a way, getting into M+H for me is easier than getting into Raines, which doesn’t take ressies. Nonetheless, if you do plan to go, bring a stack of cash. This speakeasy don’t do plastic!

  • Pros: Takes reservations, classy place to chat or impress a date
  • Cons: Expected better and more unique cocktails
1 Star Rating: Poor

12/23/09

Slimy bartender

by bnmbnm

It started out nice, but after serving us several stiff drinks the bartender lured my friend to what he claimed was a "back room" (there was no back room) and tried to make out with her. Each time she pushed him away and told him she had a boyfriend. He told her that he had recently had sex in the bathroom. She got back to the bar and he made several lewd comments. We didn't realize it was a cash only bar so when we got the bill had to go to an ATM. He whisked her outside to an ATM. This time he was more aggressive, putting his hand where it didn't belong and pushing her hand on him. We paid and left. This occurred Sunday, 12/20.

  • Pros: Individualized drinks
  • Cons: Bartender pushing himself on customers

The Details on Milk and Honey

Place Categories:

  • best drinks
  • best good bar
  • great place
  • great service
  • great fruit cocktails
  • amazing bartender
  • fresh fruit
  • love total experience
  • rude waitress
  • simply amazing milk
  • boring scene
  • simply amazing honey
  • fresh ingredients
  • best the
  • bad taste
  • love manhattan
  • creative bugs people
  • fresh cherries
  • amazing strawberries
  • very bad value
  • not order ie
  • perfect quiet evening
  • all very friendly staff
  • great bar stops
  • perfect spot

As Seen In…

Best of Citysearch

New York

Advertisement

Featured In

Recent Reviews In Manhattan

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

The Carriage House

219 East 59th Street,, New York,, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

La Zarza Lounge

166 First Ave, New York, NY

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

Broadway Comedy Club

318 W 53rd St, New York, NY

4 Star Rating: Recommended

Katra

217 Bowery, New York, NY

Advertisement