Verlaine
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 614-2494
- Cross Street:
- Between Ludlow Street and Essex Street
- Directions:
- F, V at 2nd Ave; J, M, Z at Essex St
- Best of Citysearch:
- Happy Hour 2007, Happy Hour 2006
- Hours:
- Mon-Thu 5pm-2am, Fri 5pm-4am, Sat 6pm-4am, Sun 6pm-1am
Editorial Review for Verlaine – by Lisa Marie Rovito
The Scene
Three writers created this striking, double-height lounge and named it after their favorite drinking, writing and carousing young poet, Paul Verlaine. In addition to the literary crowd, artists, film folks and professional nightlifers flock for the DJ-quality music and peacefully ambient vibe. The golden-washed, minimalist space, with black banquettes and furry pillows, provides a warm and mellow refuge.
The Draw
Clean, bright Vietnamese flavors permeate drinks and a chopstick-friendly small plate menu. Hanoi martinis, mixed with vodka, lychee syrup and pineapple juice, go down sweet and easy; by the time you near the lychee at the bottom, you'll be grabbing for that drink list again. More tempting choices include the sake cosmo, signature Rimbaud in Tetla with coconut rum, passion puree and fresh lime juice and the spicy Vietnamese bloody mary, made with ginger, coriander, horseradish, lime and chili paste.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoTheir first-rate happy hour runs everyday until 10pm, with discounts like specialty martinis for half-price (meaning each is only $4).
User Reviews for Verlaine
02/08/2008 Posted by luvnyc401
Came here for a date on a Thursday one night- I am not one to drink martinis- ever- but I must say their lychee martinis were delicious. I really liked the atmosphere, dim lighting and mood, the appetizers were good too. Beware though, before I knew it I was wasted off those things, I don't quite remember leaving... Will definitely be going back!
Pros: Lychee martinis, chill setting
Cons: You may not remember leaving
01/22/2008 Posted by kkwong
I've been to Verlaine couple times and am not planning to stop doing so any time soon. This is definitely a good place for happy hour, assuming that you get there early enough. Normally I get there at around 6pm when the place is still nice and quiet (and able to sit at one of the tables) and leave just before it starts getting hectic. There are limited choices of discount drinks, but lychee martini and sangria is all I need so that's fine with me. I've tried a number of their food/tapas and they all came out decent and went well with the cocktails. To my surprise, last time I went, they started having bouncer at the door so don't forget your ID!
