![Amor y Amargo by Mother of Pearl [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62591061/interior_photo3.0.0.jpg "Amor y Amargo by Mother of Pearl [Official Photo]")
Nestled at a corner with wide windows, this intimate Italian-inspired bar serves up unique, expertly crafted cocktails that celebrate the world of bitters, all in a laid-back vibe that's perfect for catching up with friends.
"Our friend once ordered a gin and tonic at Amor y Amargo, and the bartender said, “Sure.” The bartender then delivered what was actually a gin cocktail with club soda and grapefruit bitters and quinine syrup. That’s because this is a “bitters tasting room,” and all the cocktails on offer are made accordingly, with bitters. This is an East Village institution that you should check out at least once. Just enter through the shop in front, and you'll find what looks like a small, old-timey apothecary with shelves full of booze." - bryan kim, kenny yang, neha talreja, will hartman, sonal shah
"This is a “bitters tasting room” and all the cocktails on offer are made accordingly, with bitters. No bottles of Schweppes here. It’s small and standing room only, but it’s a very cool spot to stop for a drink on your way." - katherine lewin, hillary reinsberg
"A cocktail bar specializing in drinks with bitters and Italian amari, featuring cocktails like the Long Game and James Run Free." - Nadia Chaudhury
"These days, there’s an abundance of nerdy cocktail bars in New York City. It seems like every other spot uses fat-washed spirits and crystal-clear, hand-carved ice. Most of these nerdy places are kind of uptight, but Amor Y Amargo feels like a friend’s rec room where you can stand about and sample hard-to-find booze. This place easily has the most impressive selection of bitters and amari in the city, with countless bottles lining the wooden shelves in the small, saloon-like space. Stop by for a casual drink, and try the sazerac made with eight different amari." - bryan kim, neha talreja, sonal shah, willa moore
"This East Village bar is also a bitters tasting room, and all the cocktails on offer are made accordingly, with bitters. No bottles of Schweppes here. It's mostly standing room, with a few stools, but they've expanded since first opening around the corner in 2011—so you should be able to find a spot in the saloon-like space, where you can rest your $18 cocktail on a penny tile counter. Sip slowly while admiring one of the city's most impressive collections of bitters and amari, with countless bottles lining the shelves. Despite the ornamental tiles and multi-ingredient drinks, this is a relaxed bar to start your evening off with a spritz or an 8 Amaro Sazerac. And though it gets packed on weekends, the bartenders are always happy to chat about their latest seasonal creations. " - Sonal Shah
