Bar Contra

Bar Contra is like stepping into a parallel universe where every flavor combination is a revelation. The star of my evening? The Concord grape and roasted potato sundae. Yes, you heard that right. This isn't your average dessert--it's an edible think piece. The sweetness of the grape balances the creamy, almost savory complexity of roasted potato, leaving you with a spoonful of surprise and satisfaction every time. It looked otherworldly and the potato crispies stayed nice and crunchy. The sabayon on top was picture perfect. Pair that with some of their stellar cocktails--crafted to perfection and as innovative as their food--and you're in for a treat. The intimate vibe, paired with the passionate staff and creative menu, makes Contra a standout for adventurous palates. You won't leave disappointed, just wondering what other flavors you've been missing all your life.

Still a nicely appointed bar in LES, but lacking in both service and capabilities at the bar. Excessively heavy use of simple syrup in both of our cocktails left them feeling thick in the mouth and far too sweet (both an old fashioned and the Sly Stallone house cocktail). Not a fantastic discovery after waiting nearly 30 minutes for drinks after ordering. The food is very small plates, but it does look and smell great.Like a lot of the bars that have launched or relaunched in the LES, Bar Contra is heavy on presentation and light on substance.

I LOVE when I can write a really positive review. I have missed Dave Arnold's Booker and Dax tremendously and when I heard he was opening Bar Contra with Jeremiah Stone and Fabian Von Hauske I was giddy. Of course, this COULD mean I was setting myself up for massive dissapointment...because this in NOT Booker and Dax part two...it's its own bar. Not too worry, everything I love obout Booker and Dax is here with brand new insanely innovative, delicious cocktails and excellent food. Terrific bartenders and support staff make certain you have a great evening. We sampled...most of the cocktail menu... and were thrilled with everything. In particular, we loved the Piscola, the Saltair, the spicey Xipe Totec, the Dropoff and the Sly Stone. All the food was spectacular as well. I can't wait to share this place with friends. Come with questions for your well educated bartenders and settle in for a few cocktails that will have you talking for days after.

The return of (bar) Contra!Enjoyed the new concept and the bar bites menu.- Red Prawn: smelled fishy but tasty. Maybe it's frozen?- Maine Scallop: tempura concept, pretty good but would think there should be 2 shiso leaf so each bite of scallop gets the flavor?- Tuna Mayo: though it's like tuna tartare but the tuna is cooked. Nothing wrong with it just didn't expect it. Crunchies are good.- Chicken Wing: pork sausage flavor was a bit overpowering the chicken.Will come back and try their drink next time!

TLDR: I was a huge fan of Contra so naturally, I loved all the bites I had at Bar Contra. Need to come back to try more of the drink menu, but I liked what I had. I see myself coming here regularly.Walked in on a Friday and was able to grab a couple seats at the bar. Space was cozy and dimly lit. Not sure what changed since it was Contra, the layout looked pretty similar from what I remember. I was excited to see familiar items on the menu like the mushroom tartlet, chicken wing, tofu with caviar, and potato dessert. Ordered a mix of new and old. My favorite bites were the celeriac crumpet, Maine scallop, and both the potato & strawberry sundae and the Bar Contra Bar desserts.For drink, I didn't get to try as much as I wanted, so I'll update later when I try the rest of the menu. For now, I enjoyed the Banana Justino which was a banana-y, caramel-y rum old fashioned type drink and the No Words, a mamey gin and grapefruit cocktail that was refreshing and fruity.Overall, loved the friendly service and casual vibe. Loved every bite I had, and can't wait to try more drinks.

solid cocktails, would come back to try more and the food. was able to walk in and grab the last seats at the bar before dinner nearby. friendly bartenders

Had 3 drinks, all perfectly balanced and unique. Great service and recommendations, and elegant, calming atmosphere. Can't recommend enough and can't wait to go back

Cool spot in the Lower East Side. Happy hour is great. A bit noisy, you'll have to stand up or find a coveted high chair. But definitely great place for casual drinks.

Great food. Great wine. Great service. All around amazing experience. The ambience was also great. Definitely going back.

Contra I've missed you! Glad to see it back albeit in new lounge form. Cocktails are excellent. Space is cosy so expect tight tables.