Even though I love cocktails, I don’t really go to bars for drink. I occasionally have a cocktail or two at dinner, but that’s about it. But, a place I do enjoy visiting is a speakeasy. Thankfully, New York City has many speakeasy bars that you can visit. Recently, I found another one called Apothéke. There is no sign outside, as it is a speakeasy. Instead, it has a “Chemist” sign right above the door. It is located on a street that is narrow, off-the-beaten path, back-alley type area in Chinatown.

Since the inside is pretty dark, I got these photos off their website. You can’t really appreciate the beautiful interior in the dark, I didn’t realize how gorgeous it looks in the light! But if this place was this bright, it wouldn’t have the romantic, secret, speakeasy atmosphere…

Anyways, we got there after we had dinner at a restaurant. It was still early in the evening, but it was already crowded in the inside. There was no doorman when we got there, as it was before 9pm (the doorman came at/around 9pm). When you open the door, there is a velvet-y curtain there. Through the curtain, you are transported into this mystical speakeasy.

It was not easy to get to the bar, with so many people around it, we decided to take a seat at ottomans. Shortly after, a waitress came by and greeted us with a smile. She told us that there is a coat check (which is helpful, especially during the cold months). This speakeasy is inspired by “the history and rise of the apothecary in Europe as well as the artistic influence of absinthe dens in 19th century Paris.” It did feel like I was in another country, in another era.

Inspired by the history and rise of the apothecary in Europe as well as the artistic influence of absinthe dens in 19th century Paris, Apothéke is the first of its kind. The entire experience from wandering down a hidden street to find the entrance, to tasting the first sip of a specialty cocktail made with exotic herbs and fruits – is a privilege.

Since they have the sign “Chemist” up outside, that certainly sets the tone. The bar is not just a bar, and bartender are not just bartenders here. It is a chemists’ lab, with lab technicians, whipping up some fancy cocktail “prescriptions”. The bartenders all have the white lab coat, which makes them extra cool.

They call themselves a “cocktail apothecary” and they are more than serious about the theme.  They do make beautiful drinks, also called “Prescriptions” and they have beautiful, dramatic look, just as the rest of the interior decorations. If you pay attention (and if you can see well in the dark), look at their lighting fixtures. They are made with lab flask looking things, and are super cool.

 

The drink menu, a.k.a Prescription List is really fun to look at. The drinks are separated into some interesting categories like “Stress Relievers,” “Aphrodisiacs,” “Pain Killers” and “Stimulants.” The names of each drink is really fun too. I wish if I could’ve ordered all the drinks, they all sounded so interesting and so yummy.

We ordered Devil’s Playground ($18) from Euphoric Enhancers and Siren’s Call ($18) From Stress Relievers. Beautiful colors, and well crafted. I saw another patron nearby who had a drink with a large flower in (or on top of) the drink, which was really pretty too. I don’t know what that drink was, but it looked good…

 

Back to our drinks. The Devil’s Playground is made with Gin, Pernod Absinthe, Local Dragonfruit, Prickly Pear, Lime and Agave Nectar. It was nice and fruity, just the way I like it. And it came in a nice large glass, which was great, not one of those tiny little martini glass type. I was so happy! It had a really nice flavor of the dragon fruit and pear, and I loved the dragon fruit wedge that came with it. I hear dragon fruits has a great amount of nutrients, so it makes sense that it made its way onto the prescription list. I assume dragon fruit is easy to get from Chinatown, which also makes it “local.”

 

Siren’s Call is made with Gin, Roasted Seaweed, Cucumber, Squid Ink, Fresh Ginger, Black Smoked Sea Salt Rim. Now, I had no idea what this one would taste like, but it was awesome! I didn’t really get the seaweed flavor, but I know that is loaded with minerals and nutrients. It had a nice, subtle ginger flavor that we loved, and the oyster shell kind of completed the look of “ocean” themed drink with seaweed, squid ink and sea salt. The cucumber added refreshing flavor, really nice, smooth drink. This came in a shorter glass, but a bit wider.

Their bathroom is located all the way back, around the corner. They have two bathrooms with red doors, uni-sex, and is roomy enough in there. The best part is the sink, which is located right next to these red doors. It has such unique design, looks like something you will find in an old scientist’s lab. So cool!!!

We had such a nice time here, relaxing and rewinding from the busy week with fantastic drinks. If we were not so full, we would have ordered more drinks. Our server, Julia was really nice, sweet, and helpful. She made us feel welcome and took a nice care of us even thought it was really packed. I would love to go back again to try more of their prescriptions in a near future!!!

Apothéke – 9 Doyers St #1, New York, NY 10013