Outdoor seating
a red drink in a wine glass on a bar
a person pouring a drink into a glass
a close up of a glass of alcohol on a bar
Inside
a potted plant on a table next to a lamp
a person lighting a glass with a lighter
a group of people sitting at a bar
a cup of coffee on a bar counter
a cup of coffee on a wooden table
interior
interior
interior
interior
Menu Dec 2024 cover
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Rain S.
Feb 26, 2025
I had the pleasure of visiting Subject recently, and I was absolutely impressed by their incredible seasonal cocktail menu. Every drink on the list showcased creativity and attention to detail, but the Midgard Vesper truly stole the show. This expertly balanced cocktail, featuring a harmonious blend of St. George Terroir Gin and Brennivin Aquavit, was both smooth and complex, with layers of flavor that lingered beautifully.Beyond the outstanding drinks, the ambiance of Subject is equally captivating. The cozy and inviting atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for any occasion--whether you're planning a romantic date night, catching up with friends, or simply looking for a stylish yet relaxed place to enjoy a well-crafted drink. The space is intimate but never feels cramped, with a warm and welcoming energy that adds to the overall experience.One of the highlights of my visit was the exceptional service. The bartenders and staff members are not only friendly but also deeply passionate about mixology. They take the time to explain the drinks, recommend options based on your preferences, and ensure that every guest has a memorable experience. Their enthusiasm and expertise make all the difference, turning a simple night out into something truly special.Given Subject's popularity, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, especially on weekends when the venue fills up quickly. Whether you're a seasoned cocktail connoisseur or just someone looking for a great bar in the Lower East Side, Subject is a must-visit. I'll definitely be returning soon to explore more of their creative cocktails and soak in the inviting atmosphere once again!
Read MoreLila L.
Jan 13, 2025
Came on a freezing Thursday evening with a resy for two at 7pm and were seated right away. It wasn't crowded and they had a movie playing on the projector which was nice. Noise level isn't too loud so you can have a conversation without shouting at each other. Great for date nights or small groups.I got the Nobody's Lady, it tasted more like pickle juice which I wasn't expecting. I saw cucumber and mango in the ingredients, and I thought it'd be more refreshing but I guess the white vinegar added to the pickily taste. However, that's just personal preference, I didn't get to try the other drinks, but they look promising.
Read MoreColleen M.
Jan 2, 2025
Had a NYE reservation here and got to interact with the friendliest staff in a perfectly mellow and moody cocktail bar. The vibes were immaculate for an incredibly stormy NYE. They were super accommodating to our group and drinks were flowing. Cocktails were creative and strong - my favorites were the extra caffeinated espresso martini or the eye candy.They played some neo-noir movies (like Drive) in the background, which all of us appreciated. Thank you for such a great NYE experience! We will absolutely be back to try everything else on the menu.-Seriously though, this bar is so underrated. I'm pleasantly surprised that there are still gems like this in the LES.
Read MoreAnita J.
Dec 23, 2024
This is such a great bar. I loved the ambiance and vibe of the place - it's a small place but they have done a great job with the seating and interior design so it feels like you have a lot of privacy. Great date night vibes with the dim lighting and snug seating. I loved the drinks - there were so many drinks I wanted to try from the menu and I'm sad I couldn't try more. We got the "Nobodoy's Lady" and "Person of Interest" - we loved them both. The first was salty and well balanced and the latter was refreshing and fruity. We also got their popcorn - they were okay, I probably wouldn't get them againI will definitely come back to try more of their drinks!
Read MoreMaddi B.
Nov 22, 2024
This is the perfect date night bar! They have a solid cocktail selection, the atmosphere is dimly lit and the playlist was perfect (2014 arctic monkeys adjacent). The tables are surrounded by intimate booth seating. And there's a movie playing in the background! There's table service here and our bartender was super attentive. I think the prices for their popcorn ($7) and hot dog ($10) are a little expensive, so we skipped them, but maybe they're worth it. I'll try next time and report back.
Read MoreJess L.
Aug 31, 2024
This spot was recommended by another local restaurant waiter for nighttime cocktails. It delivered!Speakeasy vibe with interesting nooks for large and small groups. The cocktails were particularly innovative (unusual?). Be sure to ask for a recommendation!We were able to walk in on a Friday around 9, but it was definitely getting crowded.
Read MoreEmily K.
Nov 25, 2024
Really solid cocktails. Vibey cocktail bars are a dime a dozen. Finding one that delivers on the drinks is harder. This place does it. I got the Au pear and it was fantastic. Balanced not too sweet but the pear came through. I love the fizz from the sparkling wine. Unfortunately the entire place smelled so strongly of truffle. It really put a damper on enjoying the cocktails. The food menu was non existent except truffle popcorn (hence overwhelming truffle smell) or a hotdog. Kind of a miss considering the rest of the vibe and how good the cocktails were.
Read MoreDavid H.
Nov 21, 2024
really cool vibe, dark and moody, friendly bartender. the drinks were solid. bartender was by himself for the entire bar and did a shot with us bc the wait was a little longer than usual
Read MoreJames S.
Dec 17, 2023
Drinks: 4.5/5Service: 5/5Ambiance: 4.5/5Value: 3.5/5Subject is a nice, well-appointed cocktail bar in the Lower East Side. It's on the corner of Houston and Suffolk streets, which means it's closer to Avenue B than it is to Avenue A, so it's a bit of a walk from the more central, active parts of Manhattan. It's a bit small on the inside but that is to be expected of this area. It is nicely appointed though, as the seating areas and bar area are all nice. Dark interior. Feels classy. Seemed like there were a number of people on dates here. They were showing Bill Murray's "Scrooged" on the back wall with the sound off. I like Tiki drinks so I ordered a "Cabo Crush": Copalli White Rum + Perry's Tot Navy Strength Gin + Blue Curacao + Velvet Falernum + Passionfruit + Pineapple + Lime + Tiki Bitters - $20. It was electric blue and had an umbrella in it. Very nice and refreshing, not too sweet. The mock tail I ordered was the "Rent Party": Fresh Ginger & Lime + Honey + Hibiscus + El Guapo Non Alcoholic Cuban Bitters + Seltzer - $14. It was much spicier than I thought it would be. Fresh ginger packs a kick, I guess. Still not bad though.Service was prompt and helpful. Prices are high. Five years ago, numbers like these would have included gratuity, but not anymore. But I don't think the prices are far off from the going rate of most craft cocktail places in NYC these days. Quality, well-made drinks.
Read MoreRonak P.
Jun 10, 2023
Great cocktails and concept.They have a bit of everything for any type of drinker. Service was pretty on point in terms of attentive and helpful on answering questions. Only knock is food options. Not really much there and I feel like a few more options would allow some patrons to stay there a bit longer. I do recommend the popcorn, was much tastier than expected.
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