Seed Library NYC
Bar · Midtown East ·
Experimental cocktails from the team behind the original London bar
Experimental cocktails from the team behind the original London bar
"Opened in early November, this Nomad outpost of the London original from Ryan Chetiyawardana (Mr. Lyan) showcases cutting-edge, lablike techniques and classic cocktails turned on their head in a glowing, cozy basement room. Tucked a bit awkwardly in the basement of the Hotel Park Ave — cue an “is this the right door?” moment — the space wins me over with table lamps at just the right level, lounge-style seats, and nooks and corners that make each table feel private. I’m here for the drinks: the Coriander Seed Gimlet, a classic at the London location, feels like a magic trick — there’s no lime, just coriander seeds hacked and amplified with acid powders to unleash their citrusy flavor — and the clarified C.R.E.A.M. Margarita, garnished with a pickled chile, drinks more peppery than spicy, with an infusion of passionfruit that gives it a lush, layered, tropical undercurrent. The food menu sticks to standard bar fare (a burger, tater tots, oysters), but a plate of crunchy crudité with za’atar-topped babaganoush pairs best with the clarified and creamy cocktails. For a dessert drink, I go for the Koji Hardshake, a lightly savory mix of whiskey, miso, koji, and cream, garnished with a toasty jumbo marshmallow. It’s not a bar for everyone, but even without deep cocktail nerdery, I appreciate the creative drinks, the accessible menu, and thoughtful New York nods like D.S. & Durga soap in the bathrooms." - Mary Anne Porto
"The first U.S. outpost of Ryan Chetiyawardana’s (Mr Lyan) bar, mixing ambitious cocktails — like the C.R.E.A.M. Margarita with Lalo tequila, mezcal, passionfruit, pickled chilli, lime, and the group’s “cream ATOM” — plus a simple slate of snacks, including baked-to-order chocolate chip cookies." - Tierney Plumb
"The originalSeed Libraryis in London, and according to our team over there, it’s “one of those bars that makes you feel sexy.” On the ground floor of the Hotel Park Ave, the place is a collaboration between bartender Mr. Lyan and the group behindART Rooftop, serving convoluted cocktails such as a coriander seed gimlet, and an old fashioned with miso and koji." - Bryan Kim
"Landing at Hotel Park Ave as Mr. Lyan’s first New York City bar (and second in the U.S.), expect reimagined classics at this riff on his East London bar that’s more organic and looser than his other spots. Drawing from the London original, the vibe leans lo‑fi in both aesthetics and drink philosophy, with drinks that change frequently, a walk‑in‑friendly approach, and playful uses of heritage ingredients in unusual ways." - Melissa McCart
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