Clemente Bar
ZipPicks Awards
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Gramercy & Flatiron
Best Vegan Restaurants in Gramercy & Flatiron
Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Gramercy & Flatiron
Master Critic Review
Clemente Bar
8.0
An upstairs lounge and tasting counter that treats cocktails like a chef’s table: technical builds, tight pacing, and plant-forward bites that behave like courses. The strongest move is to book the Studio when you want the full counter experience; otherwise, keep it focused in the lounge with a couple of signature drinks and one high-impact snack lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agedashi tofu handroll, Maitake mushroom skewer, Clemente Martini
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A cocktail-and-courses tasting counter above Eleven Madison Park.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers who want a chef-led night
When to visit: Late weeknights for peak energy
What to order: Studio tasting (if booked), agedashi handroll, signature martini
Insider tip: If you’re doing the Studio, keep pre-drinks minimal—pace matters.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; garages available nearby but expect difficulty after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—stylish outfits fit the room; jeans are fine if polished.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the Studio counter, slightly louder in the lounge.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for the lounge.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—operates evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plant-forward bites and cocktails designed to pair well without meat.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—several bites can be adjusted; cocktails are the strongest lane.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some small plates work, but menu is not built around gluten-free dining.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you book the Studio—the pacing and counter setup give the night structure without feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes in the lounge on off-peak nights, but the Studio experience almost always requires booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult-focused cocktail and tasting environment best suited for 21+.
Best For
Better for: A chef’s-table-style cocktail experience with intentional pacing and visually striking drinks.
Skip if: You want a full dinner or a low-key neighborhood bar—this is about curated drinks, not casual hanging out.