Bar Valentina

New York’s Famed Delmonico’s Steakhouse Is Opening an Italian Restaurant - Eater NY

"Dave Arnold, a cocktail veteran behind the acclaimed bar Booker and Dax, has signed on at Bar Contra. The cocktail bar in the former Contra space, at 138 Orchard Street, between Delancey and Rivington streets, will be run by Fabían von Hauske and Jeremiah Stone, who closed their tasting menu restaurant last fall after a decade on the Lower East Side." - Luke Fortney

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"Bar Valentina is from the people behind Kind Regards and Ding-a-ling, two places where you go to meet people when it’s 2am and you realize you’re lonely. But this LES spot is more mellow than its siblings. It has a European cafe setup, with a handful of little tables and a sidewalk patio that turns into an outdoor mixer. Stop by in the early evening, eat a burger, drink an espresso martini, and hang out for a few hours while people filter in and out. If you don’t make any new connections by midnight, we give you permission to visit Kind Regards." - bryan kim, matt tervooren, neha talreja

The Best New Restaurant Openings in NYC, June 2023 - Eater NY

"Formerly Bongos, this bar now offers lamb meatballs, ‘nduja toast, and booze available all day." - Emma Orlow

Bar Valentina - Review - Lower East Side - New York - The Infatuation

"Like its sister establishments, Kind Regards and Ding-a-ling, Bar Valentina is the sort of place where you’ll probably wind up talking to someone who’s passionate about “curating vibes.” Although this Lower East Side bar isn’t quite as rowdy as its siblings. It feels like a semi-divey European cafe where you can loiter with a crowd, drink an espresso martini, and get some people-watching done on a sidewalk patio. The indoor space has a bunch of tables hidden in various nooks and, while this is mostly a wine-and-cocktails kind of spot, you can eat a full meal if you want. Dinner options include a burger and linguine with clams, as well as a few snacks like ‘nduja toast and lamb meatballs." - Bryan Kim

Tony D'Antonio

Google

Hopping on a warm Thursday evening (after gallery openings). Grateful to squeeze into an outside table. Cocktails were good. Burger was good. We asked if we could swap the fries for something healthier (like a salad), but could tell right away it was going to be a problem for our very new/sweet/fun server still learning the system (handheld device), so we stuck with the fries and they were great (thin and crispy)!

Mimi

Google

A cute local martini bar in LES (Lower East Side). Fun place for a quick cocktail. Place was packed but our server was kind enough to find us a table. They have regular size and teeny tinis, depending on your mood.

martin across

Google

So foods is great and “vibes” are too. But I’m sorry I have to be honest. Can you get a grip and let people enjoy a meal / drinks when your paying 90+ USD / person for an experience? The waiters made us feel uncomfortable with their looks and gestures. It felt like they where trying to get us to get out ASAP. I get it: there a lot of people and demand and shifts are hectic but still. When your paying a reasonably high price for 4 dishes and 2 drinks, I think let your customers enjoy their experience in peace without making them feel like they have to rush out of the restaurant. I felt like me and my partner were being treated like a swarm of cows which needed feeding and a quick turn. Not cool and I won’t be coming back because of that specifically. Xx

Joost Rovers

Google

This is my go to place in New York. Great staff, amazing atmosphere, good food and a wide variety of cocktails. Definitely worth a visit.

Lili Turner

Google

Came by for a martini on Friday evening. It was delicious - highly recommend the house salad martini. Service and atmosphere were both excellent! Will be returning soon to try the food, which also looked scrumptious.

Justin Goldman

Google

Drinks, food, service unmatched. The outdoor patio is a vibe, easily best in the area. Angele and Anna were awesome, fun, and kept the orders coming for a big group

Marie Isabelle

Google

I love the drinks and atmosphere of this bar. The drinks are superb. I recommend the Cooked Cup and Like a Cosmo. The crudité with labneh is delightful, the fried olives that come with it were bomb. Great service. Highly recommend

Steve Wong

Google

I’m a local neighbor to this bar, and Tai, the lady bartender, is the best. She has the best vibes all around. She’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy. Go for her. She’ll take care of you. Your pal, Steve.

Mimi P.

Yelp

Katie B.

Yelp

I had an amazing experience at Bar Valentina after a work event. I wandered in and Naija took great care of me. She had great recommendations (&nails). I sat on the patio but went inside as well, it's a cute vibe wherever you sit. All my drinks were 10/10 and the burger and fries were as well. I will definitely be back!

Joseph T.

Yelp

New cocktail bar on Orchard Street. Large windows in the front creating a very open atmosphere. They have lots of tables outside and very intimate nook inside. Three beer options including two drafts and a can. All sessionable options. Handful of wine options too but the focus is certainly on cocktails. Staff was very nice, understanding, and equitable. We had a mix up and they went above and beyond to do right by me. I didn't try any food during my visit but I would return to try. The menu seemed to be mostly influenced by Mediterranean cuisine plus the quintessential cheeseburger. Lots of competition on the block, but their kitchen smelt great. Handful of vegetarian options too. One gender neutral restroom which was spacious and handicap accessible. There is a large bike rack in front making this stretch on Orchard very bicycle friendly.

Dina C.

Yelp

The ambiance was very nice, it's a very small spot but that's typical for New York City. We sat outside and enjoyed their shrimp crudo and a burger. The shrimp crudo was absolutely divine. The fries needed a little more seasoning. The service was very sub par and it was hard to get the attention of the waitress - that was the only reason it's not getting 5 stars. Other than that it was a cute little after work spot that was a great end to the evening.

Sai S.

Yelp

Nice drinks and good apps. Cute spot for a happy hour or drinks with friends. Would definitely go back.

Lauren M.

Yelp

Love this little bar! I tried several cocktails (espresso martini, like a cosmo, and the cooked cup). All so good and the bartenders are great. They have a ton of outdoor seating and the interior is cute as well. They had a fun DJ there on Friday night too.

Trinity M.

Yelp

phenomenal service, piper was a great DJ and the staff was so attentive. will be back.

Roxy R.

Yelp

Quiet for a sat night but awesome space for a big group if with one. Big wine list. Had a couple glasses and was on my way.

Tanisha S.

Yelp

The drinks were below average and the bartender was extremely rude to my friends and me. We had two cocktails and a water and he started calling us names and saying we were rude to not wait at the bar while he made it, when we were being polite by letting others order their drink. I hated the experience and felt a little bit of racism. He stood there looking while I paid the tip (which I definitely did not want to pay). I would never go there again.

Olivia J.

Yelp

Sooooo cute i love this place will definitely be coming again!! I love the atmosphere and the staff are super friendly. Loved being able to sit outside but the inside is also very well decorated.

New York’s Famed Delmonico’s Steakhouse Is Opening an Italian Restaurant - Eater NY

15 NYC Bars Where You Can Meet New People

The Best New Restaurant Openings in NYC, June 2023 - Eater NY

"Formerly Bongos, this bar now offers lamb meatballs, ‘nduja toast, and booze available all day." - Emma Orlow

Bar Valentina - Review - Lower East Side - New York - The Infatuation