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Clemente Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
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.
Clemente Bar
8.3
A loungey, art-forward cocktail bar with a serious plant-based food program—more culinary than bar-snack, with pairing energy baked into the menu. It’s strongest when you treat it like a curated sequence: one standout drink, one or two precise plates, then a dessert finish.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cold soba with tomato, basil, and gochugaru chili oil, Agedashi tofu (hand roll), Lentil-milk sundae (apple crumble)
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-design cocktail lounge where plant-based food is treated like a tasting menu.
Who should go: Cocktail people who also care about the food.
When to visit: Early evening for the best room and service flow.
What to order: Cold soba, agedashi tofu, lentil-milk sundae.
Insider tip: Order one savory plate per person, then share dessert—prices add up fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; limited street parking and garages nearby—plan on a paid garage if arriving after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy; jeans are fine but lean polished—this is a style-forward room.
Noise level: Moderate—lively cocktail energy but still comfortable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for prime tables.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—primarily an evening cocktail and dinner destination.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—fully plant-based menu with vegetable-forward, composed plates.
Vegan options: Yes—entire concept is vegan with fine-dining execution.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; ask the staff for guidance as not all plates are gluten-free by default.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—excellent for a polished first date if you want atmosphere, conversation, and a sense of occasion rather than casual comfort.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes early in the evening or at the bar, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends or if you want a proper table.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adults-focused cocktail lounge with a refined, late-evening vibe.
Best For
Better for: High-end vegan dining with cocktail pairing energy and a luxe, design-driven atmosphere.
Skip if: You want casual vegan comfort food, large portions, or a budget-friendly night out.
Clemente Bar
8.3
A fresco-lined, cocktail-forward room perched above Eleven Madison Park where plant-based food is treated like a curated sequence, not bar filler. It’s strongest when you go in pairing mode: one standout drink, a tight set of precise bites, then a clean dessert finish before the room gets fully charged.
Must-Try Dishes:
Agedashi tofu handroll, Maitake mushroom skewer, Chef's tasting bites in The Studio
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: A high-design cocktail lounge where plant-based bites are built like a tasting progression.
Who should go: Cocktail lovers who still care about food
When to visit: Early evening for the best pacing
What to order: One signature cocktail, two savory bites, one dessert
Insider tip: Treat it like a sequence—don’t over-order up front.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; limited street parking and nearby paid garages—expect to use a garage after 6pm.
Dress code: Upscale smart casual—dressy jeans are fine, but lean polished; cocktail attire fits the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder once the bar fills.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you’re flexible at the bar.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—this is an evening-focused cocktail and dining room.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plant-based dishes are the core of the menu, treated with fine-dining intent.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—several dishes are vegan or can be adjusted; ask your server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—excellent for a polished, impression-setting first date, especially early evening when the room feels composed rather than crowded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but the bar is the smarter move—arrive early, be flexible, and you’ll likely be accommodated.
Is it kid-friendly? No—this is an adult, cocktail-driven environment best suited for date nights and grown-up gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Design-forward atmosphere, elevated cocktails, and plant-based plates that feel intentional and sequence-driven rather than filler.
Skip if: You want a full, traditional dinner or a quieter, more relaxed vegetarian restaurant—this shines as a curated bar-to-bites experience.