Only Love Strangers

Plus de Vin Opens in Williamsburg From a Frenchette Alum - Eater NY

"Only Love Strangers, a bi-level jazz bar and restaurant, is already switching things up after debuting this spring. The restaurant, which served Mediterranean food, and was owned by several members of Málà Project, including founder Amelie Kang, is reportedly turning the ground-level into a Mexican restaurant called Comida Corida, LowerEastSide.com reports. The jazz bar downstairs will remain." - Emma Orlow

The NYC Bar Hit List: Great New Bars In NYC

"At Only Love Strangers, a bi-level jazz club on the Lower East Side, you can listen to live music six nights a week, and have a nice midweek date for under $50 a person. You could eat dinner here too (the mezze board is a nice snack), but we’d rather save our money for the cocktails. Our favorite, the Bossa Nova, is a refreshing mix of mezcal, yellow pepper juice, and pineapple. The bar is painted in the rich blue and stark white, there’s a disco ball downstairs, and—gauging from our experience sitting next to a group of people dressed entirely in 1940s clothing—a sense that anything could happen." - bryan kim, will hartman, willa moore, sonal shah, neha talreja, molly fitzpatrick

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

"From the team behind the East Village Sichuan spot Málà Project, Only Love Strangers is a lounge and jazz club with live music six nights a week. There are two floors, and you can snack on colorful crudites, or a $95 seafood tower in the elegant blue and white space, while listening to someone croon into a microphone." - will hartman

Only Love Strangers Review - Lower East Side - New York - The Infatuation

"Painted in the rich blues and stark whites of a Greek island, Only Love Strangers (from the people behind Málà Project) is a jazz club on the Lower East Side that’s great as either a starting point for a night out, or the evening’s main event. They have live music six nights a week, ice-cold martinis, and pretty decent Mediterranean-leaning food, like a crudités platter with two types of hummus. We’d prioritize the cocktails though—they lean fruity and vegetal, with things like yellow pepper, beets, and ouzo. There’s a bar and a dining room upstairs, but the best seating is the lounge downstairs, where you’ll have an equally good view of whoever’s playing that night, and whoever is sitting across from you. Bonus points if you’re also in view of the disco ball. photo credit: Heidi Bridge" - Will Hartman

NYC New Restaurant Openings: April 2024 - Eater NY

"Several team members of the Chinese dry pot restaurants, Málà Project have opened Only Love Strangers, a Yves Klein-blue bi-level jazz bar and restaurant." - Emma Orlow

Veronica Zhang

Google

Great vibe, decoration, and staff, but the food is quite terrible. The squid ink pasta was very fishy (tasted like onion garlic butter pasta), and the mussels were not cleaned properly, filled with sand. The live jazz band was great though. I would recommend coming just for drinks! I hope the kitchen can improve food quality... then I would give this a 5-star review!

Jay Suave

Google

Only Love Strangers is a wonderful restaurant with the potential to really be something special. The interior design and vibe is magnetic - the blue tiling, the mirror placements, thoughtfully placed lighting...everything makes the space feel intimate without being crowded. In a world full of copy and paste "speakeasy" bars and boring restaurants, OLS is a wonderful change of pace offering great jazz music in a genuinely cool space. The service was impeccable from start to finish, every person I spoke to was attentive and kind. Thank you to Anthony and Stephanie and everyone else who assisted with my lunch yesterday. Some of the food fell below my expectations but I think this could be remedied with a quick taste test prior to serving. Squid ink tagliatelle is usually one of my favorite menu items to order but at OLS it was under seasoned and I had to request salt to bring the flavors out. (The salt and pepper shakers are identical so it does require checking the bottoms before using) The roasted chicken was very redeeming - savory, tender, and well portioned for the price. Both dishes were delivered quickly and with care which was appreciated. For drinks I started with the Bebop which is a tequila cocktail with an interesting blend of pomegranate, apple, and beet. I loved it and finished it quickly! I ended the meal with the New Orleans which is a rye forward cocktail made with Disaronno, artichoke liqueur, and rhubarb (bitters?). It was smooth and balanced, but I found some of the flavors a bit muddled. It was difficult to pick up on the liqueur so the Disaronno stole the show. I can definitely recommend OLS as a cool space for drinks, music and vibes. Some of the food is great, it just needs some adjustments especially given the price point. Keep in mind, it's a new space so there's room to grow. I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Rocio Romañach

Google

Went in for some drinks so we sat at the bar. Everyone was very nice. I’m pregnant so I tried a couple zero proof drinks, Matthew our bartender made an extra one for me that wasn’t on the menu. Really appreciate it. Regular drinks my partner tried were amazing. We didn’t try any food. But would come back.

Xingtai Huang

Google

Aesthetic, friendly and unbeatable atmosphere. Mainly for the jazz harp performance myself so didn’t have the chance to try the food. Thanks Amy for arranging the seat for me patiently. Will definitely come back again.

Google

Great drinks & live music! Service was fantastic too. Went on a Friday night around 8:30pm and the place was filled. Facilities were nice as well. Got the Fusion & Groove (my fav) cocktails. Ordered the Mezze to share which was okay. I wouldn’t really recommend the food. Would go back again for drinks & live music.

Karl Whitemarsh

Google

Visited OLS within two weeks of opening and sat in the downstairs disco room area with a fun mirror view of the live jazz performance. It filled up but was never loud. I could hear the people at my table just fine. The service was excellent. So attentive and personable. I tried three drinks. Those pictured: Groove (green) and the cocktail with tequila and beet (red). All drinks super good. We also ordered the two salads and they were HUGE and delicious. One smothered in grated parm. Yum-o! Before we left, we toured the upstairs spaces. So unique and fun. Loved the interior design. Location is across the street from subway. Too convenient.

Brandi

Google

Firstly, I wanted to say the drinks were pretty good, and the live jazz added a special touch. It was nice to have good music playing while we enjoyed our evening. We booked a table for a special occasion. Apparently, when you do that, it comes with a "surprise." We were not aware of that fact. We asked for the check once finished, and the staff brought over a baklava ice cream dessert and no check. It was good, but it took an extended amount of time to get the check. In fact, the service was slow all evening. When the check arrived, they charged us for the "surprise" aka baklava ice cream. We weren't happy about this as we never asked for the dessert. We assumed it was on the house because we never ordered it. There was no communication about this charge beforehand. So, please know that if you book for a special occasion, be sure to tell the staff: "You don't want any additional items brought to the table unless you specifically ask for them." Otherwise, you will be charged. We asked for the charge to be taken off the bill. The manager offered to compensate us with a shot and a mocktail shot because I don't drink. I said I would prefer for the item to be voided. We were there an additional hour as they attempted to void the charge. They ended up voiding another tables bill and charging my friends card for their bill and charged both of us for our bill. So, we ended up paying over $200 for 2 drinks, 2 mocktails, a dessert we never requested, along with another tables bill. They tried to remedy the situation. They emailed a copy of the new receipt to us, took off the dessert, and told us that if we come back, they would give us a round of drinks. It is nice except I don't drink (which the manager knew), so it didn't feel like a geninue gesture. I think its a nice place, but they need to work on communication and customer service.

gwen goo

Google

Had a great time at Only Love Strangers. I stayed upstairs by the bar and could still hear the fantastic jazz music from downstairs. The drinks were spot on, and the vibe was really chill. Definitely a cool spot for a relaxed night out!

Steven Z.

Yelp

Amazing bar with a beautiful ambiance! It's situated really close to the famous money-laundering (alleged) churro shop. The servers are friendly, chill, and fashionable. Immediately upon walking in, you can hear the live jazz band. If you're lucky, you'll be seated downstairs where they're playing. But if not, you can also hear them upstairs (it's quieter). Be warned though, if you come too early the band may not be playing. We only got drinks but I would love to come back for food as well. They have something on the menu for everyone. Ranging from fruity, almost smoothie-like to the classics like martinis and old-fashioned.

Anthony P.

Yelp

This place just opened and is offering New Yorkers something unique - a bilevel live jazz bar with a royal blue aesthetic and I'm glad I got to try it. First, the live jazz band plays nightly, and their schedule is posted on their instagram I believe. It was not hard to get a reservation, I think partly because the space is so huge! But note, if you do make a reservation, you have to select the room where the live band plays - there might not be room if you walk in. The drinks were solid - I like fruity, sweet, drinks so I was happy, but when it comes to the artful craftiness of them, they were just good but nothing to write home about. They were yummy tho, and not sure they're really trying to go for much more than that! Great to sip on while you listen to the live, energetic band. One of the few spaces in NYC where you don't feel crammed up against the table next to you.

Chandni C.

Yelp

Such an amazing new addition to Lower East Side! The whole vibe of the restaurant is beautiful and jazz every night for no cover charge is a no brainer. The staff were super nice, the food was great and the drinks were good. As someone who likes stronger drinks, I'd recommend getting a martini or wine as their cocktails are very fruit forward and just sweeter in general. I order the BOSSA NOVA as someone who loves mezcal and although, it was good - the pineapple ice cube was a bit too sweet for me. Also, the staff was incredible with helping me figure out what food options to get as I have a gluten allergy (celiac). Here are the items you can get if you're gluten-free (gluten free, gf) too: Mezze Platter Seafood Tower Burrata - they can take out the bread Charred Octopus Steams Mussels - remove the fries Cypriot Sausage *Please be sure to mention that you want it GF as they have to make minor adjustments to each dish. Also, their happy hour menu is great. Everyday 5-7. I'll definitely be back!

Joanne H.

Yelp

BEAUTIFUL new bar in LES - the drinks were actually phenomenal! the drinks: tried three, the martini, pineapple cocktail, and another berry cocktail. the pineapple one was THE most memorable, it was bright green in color and so delicious. the martini was okay (little less briny than what i enjoy), but the attentive bartenders gave me an extra cold martini glass as it took me a while to finish it. attention to detail was amazing! the space: so pretty, blue blue blue.

Samantha D.

Yelp

Came here for the live jazz. Didn't realize that the downstairs area was where you could see the live performance, but you can hear it plenty upstairs. The place is beautiful inside. Decorated very elegantly. We were only ordering drinks, but the hostess said we could be seated at any table and just have only drinks. It was a little strange that they didn't section specific areas because we were next to a couple having dinner. At the recommendation of the waiter we tried the Modern and chose the Groove ourselves. Both were good. Light and fruity and sweet. I couldn't quite distinguish each individual component of the drinks, but they were very easy. Didn't really taste anything special, but they were good. This would be a great place to come back to to listen to live music and just relax.

Jenny Z.

Yelp

3.5 overall, 5 star for the jazz. I think the jazz here is really great and so fun to watch. However if you sit in the jazz lounge, it is actually quite loud and hard to have a conversation. Maybe it would be more vibey if the space were rly dark - then it might spark some canoodling. Alas, I found this place to be a slightly awk middle ground - too bright and not cozy enough to just watch jazz but too loud to actually converse. The better move would probably be sitting upstairs where you can still hear the music from below but is quieter. Upstairs could be a good date spot. I also thought the drinks were a bit watery. Note that there is a $50 pp minimum but the staff were very nice and made an exception since we didn't know. Not sure I'd particularly recommend overall but the musicians were very talented.

Harry W.

Yelp

Had dinner Thursday night at this new spot on Allen Street just off of Houston Street, the food was amazing, mussels and french fries about the best ever, and I have been to Amsterdam and Brussels. The bar is really creative as well, had the New Orleans which is a play on the classic Manhattan, Rye, artichoke liqueur, almond liqueur and yellow pepper, I would return just for the cocktail! I was so into the food that I didn't take any pics until the dessert and that was pretty good, black pepper ice cream, baklava and ripe figs! Looking forward to another dinner here!

Jennifer D.

Yelp

We went for happy hour which is awesome. They have great deals on martinis, wine and the seafood platter is such a good deal. The jazz artists they have there are so talented and the service is great. It's a cute location. I highly suggest getting the wild mushroom flatbread, it was delicious.

Amy M.

Yelp

Such a great place for cocktails and live music! Not only do they have great service, but one of the best martinis I've had. The band playing was also amazing, would highly recommend this spot!

Wendy C.

Yelp

Music and ambience were enchanting. Came here because I love jazz music and martinis - and it did not disappoint! Came here after dinner but wanted to try at least some of their food. Ordered the octopus which was so good. The hostesses at the entrance were so inviting and kind, though the service downstairs was lackluster - it was a week after opening so I don't blame them as they were still getting things sorted out. Will be back for more!

Snowdrops C.

Yelp

The food was amazing, though portion is on the smaller side. Their cocktails were good enough, though in appearance they lack the garnish that makes cocktails look and smell complete. Since it's new, the restaurant is probably still in trial mode - their staff was very friendly but hasn't gotten the rhythm down. It took a long time for the server to take our food order, after our drinks. But thankfully the kitchen was fast. We were initially excited about the jazz aspect of the restaurant. So we were a little disappointed that we were seated 'upstairs' instead of where the live music was -- downstairs. Upstairs was way too loud given the acoustics and number of people. I did not enjoy the ambience and wanted to leave at times. Downstairs with the music was much quieter despite the music, and much more comfortable. Upstairs also didn't feel like the main part of the restaurant. We went downstairs after our meal and there was only a person on bass and another on guitar. Music was decent, though I suppose it is a restaurant with live music than a jazz club where the focus is the music. But it's ok -- the food is very good.

Jordan L.

Yelp

Tasty food and cocktails. Love the Jazz Lounge!! Service was spot on. Overall great vibes. Will be back soon.

Barbara R.

Yelp

Amazing new bar!!! Love the cocktails, the bossa nova being my favorite with a pineapple ice cube, mezcal and yellow pepper! Super unique. Also a really great wine list. Great food to top it off. Can't wait to go back

Sophie K.

Yelp

Only Love Strangers is a fantastic new cocktail bar and restaurant in the Lower East Side. The service is great--friendly and fast, and the vibe here is cozy but one of the best parts about Only Love Strangers is the live jazz! It's the perfect backdrop while you enjoy a cocktail or dinner with friends.

Melanie L.

Yelp

This atmosphere is awesome! Live jazz music, delicious food, and a cup of old fashioned was the perfect combination to end my day. Servers were also very attentive and kind.

Alan M.

Yelp

Had dinner here tonight. Sat downstairs and got to hear wonderful jazz, and even dance a little! The food and wine were terrific - we really enjoyed the mezzes and the shrimp! The staff was really friendly and attentive! And the atmosphere was really nice as well! My wife and I are really looking forward to going back!

Nikita M.

Yelp

My friends and I got the seafood tower. It was massive and so so delicious! Service is friendly and jazz music is so fun. I will definitely be coming back!

Ambryn A.

Yelp

Great vibe and an excellent cocktail list! The Bartenders were so friendly and very knowledgeable. The Groove cocktail is my new go-to! Can't wait to come back with friends for a fun night out!

Emily N.

Yelp

Drinks were amazing! Service was so accommodating and Danielle the host was amazing. Friendly staff and great jazz music playing

Grace L.

Yelp

The food! The atmosphere! The live band! The drinks! Our server! I will definitely come back here again and again! 10/10 would recommend this place to anyone! Thank you for an awesome time

Plus de Vin Opens in Williamsburg From a Frenchette Alum - Eater NY

The NYC Bar Hit List: Great New Bars In NYC

NYC’s New Restaurant Openings

Only Love Strangers Review - Lower East Side - New York - The Infatuation

NYC New Restaurant Openings: April 2024 - Eater NY

"Several team members of the Chinese dry pot restaurants, Málà Project have opened Only Love Strangers, a Yves Klein-blue bi-level jazz bar and restaurant." - Emma Orlow