0 Followers
Bar Contra
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Bar Contra
7.9
Bar Contra is a sleek cocktail bar from the Contra/Wildair team where ambitious bar snacks meet a tightly edited drink list. The food skews fine-dining-adjacent—think scallops, caviar, and meticulously composed bites—served in a room that feels more like a serious bar than a traditional restaurant.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maine Scallop with Walnut Condiment, Chicken Wing Stuffed with Stilton and Pork Sausage, Mushroom Tartlet with Scallop Mousse and Black Truffle
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Serious cocktails paired with chef-driven small plates in a tight space.
Who should go: Cocktail fans who still care deeply about food.
When to visit: Later evenings for drinks-heavy, high-energy bar service.
What to order: Stuffed chicken wing, Maine scallop, potato and strawberry sundae.
Insider tip: Come here after dinner nearby for a second round of bites.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; availability tight after 6pm on Orchard and Ludlow. Paid garages available within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual with a downtown edge; dark jeans and a polished top are typical, but many guests lean dressy given the cocktail focus.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; you can converse at the bar but expect some raised voices on weekends.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for bar seats; tables are limited and may require longer waits without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; Bar Contra opens later and functions primarily as an evening destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several composed small plates rotate seasonally; expect 2–3 vegetarian dishes, often vegetable-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited; most dishes incorporate dairy or seafood. Check with staff for modifications but options may be minimal.
Gluten-free options: A handful of items are naturally gluten-free, especially seafood-focused plates. Staff can guide you, but dedicated prep areas are not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the dim, minimalist room and strong cocktail program create an intimate vibe without feeling formal. It works especially well for a later-evening, drinks-first date with elevated bites.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but expect to sit at the bar. Walk-ins are common, but the room is small, so prime weekend hours fill quickly. Arrive early or later in the night for the best shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The space is compact, bar-driven, and geared toward adults. It’s better suited for dates, drinks, or small groups rather than families with children.
Best For
Better for: Elevated bar snacks and cocktails that punch above their weight, ideal for post-dinner bites or a stylish nightcap.
Skip if: You want a full, seated fine-dining meal or need extensive vegan/gluten-free options; nearby restaurants offer fuller menus and broader dietary accommodation.
Bar Contra
8.3
Bar Contra reimagines the former Contra space as a cocktail-first bar with serious small plates from the Wildair team and drink guru Dave Arnold. It’s ideal for celebratory nights where inventive cocktails and shareable snacks feel more fun than a formal tasting menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried scallop with walnut sauce, Seasonal crudo, House bread with cultured butter
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cutting-edge cocktails and playful bar snacks from a pedigreed downtown team.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers celebrating with shareable plates.
When to visit: Prime bar hours for pre- or post-dinner drinks.
What to order: Fried scallop, a shaken house cocktail, seasonal crudo.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch the carbonation, clarification, and other cocktail nerdery up close.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Orchard Street; expect to circle during peak hours. Nearby paid garages on Delancey and Ludlow usually have spots after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy; elevated streetwear, dark denim, and stylish tops fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate–high; lively bar energy but still manageable for date-night conversation if seated at the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for bar seating during peak hours; tables turn slowly.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—Bar Contra is dinner and late-night focused.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several vegetarian small plates depending on the season, though not a full menu.
Vegan options: Very limited; most dishes incorporate dairy or seafood components.
Gluten-free options: A handful of GF-friendly plates; servers can guide substitutions where feasible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—Bar Contra’s cocktail-centric vibe, dim lighting, and shareable plates create a fun, low-pressure environment ideal for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—most seating is walk-in friendly, especially at the bar. Arrive early on weekends for the best shot at avoiding a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly—the narrow room, bar-first setup, and late-night crowd make it better suited for adults and celebrations.
Best For
Better for: Inventive cocktails and elevated bar snacks in a celebratory, design-forward space—perfect for nights when you want serious technique without formal tasting-menu structure.
Skip if: You prefer quieter dining rooms, full entrées, or a wide range of vegan or gluten-free options.