Shebeen
Nestled amid Little Italy and Chinatown, this South African watering hole defies expectations.
(877) 240-5351
202 Mott St
New York,
NY
10012
40.7213
-73.9954
Neighborhoods: NoLita, Downtown
What People Are Saying About Shebeen
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
Inspired by the old-fashioned speakeasies of South Africa, this welcoming locale is sparsely decorated and dark--it's dimly lit by a single wall of fluorescent lights and an assortment of candles on tiny tables sprinkled about the bar. In warmer months, the ceiling fans' ineffectiveness can make it mighty hot.
The Draw
An unusual assortment of African tribal music and hip-hop blares loud and proud from the speakers as the barely legal crowd taps its feet to the beat. Bartenders prepare the drinks fresh, even crushing the raspberries right before your very eyes for a raspberry-mint martini--a heavenly mix of muddled mint and raspberry vodka with a splash of raspberry tea and a dash of lime. The drinks are costly, but well worth the expense.
User Reviews
miskafied
March 05, 2008
I'm part of a weekly Wednesday drinking group of 30 or so regulars who love to drink, geek out, talk and eat after work. We check out a different bar each week. We've been kicking around the city for 12 years. In that time we've visited several hundred bars (with repeats of faves). We visited Shebeen recently and were pleasantly surprised. It felt like we were hanging out in someone's living room. We sat by the window facing the sidewalk. We were on display for passersby, but we weren't concerned too much since we knew our Big Brother experience was fleeting. The cocktails were worthwhile, the service was good and the space felt cozy. The place is a good place to hang with friends who are out for a nice time to chat and play catch up.
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corsi75
February 23, 2008
Love this bar. Very relaxed atmosphere and good tunes. Drinks are excellent. But one of the best reasons to go is the quality service. Extremely cute bartender who makes sure you are completely satisfied. I have to have a visit at least once a week.
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dhart52215
January 12, 2008
I first went there at the suggestion of one of my friends. I had a difficult time finding it because the front door was open and there was no name anywhere else (the name is on the front door only). Inside I found a warm, inviting atmosphere. The bartenders are very friendly and make very good drinks. I like strong drinks and the specialty martinis are not strong. But the unusual flavors are worth it. i would definitely recommend this bar to anyone.
read full reviewThe Details on Shebeen
What to Drink:
The brave should try the cucumber-sake martini, a blend of muddled cucumber and Korean vodka with a smidge of sake.
The Extras:
A cozy smoking room in the back makes it seem like you've gone back in time--to the pre-Bloomberg era.
Category:
Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Nightclubs
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, MasterCard
Bar & Club Special Features:
Message from Shebeen
DJs on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
