0 Followers
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails
8.3
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails is a neighborhood bar-restaurant focused on updated American comfort food, strong cocktails, and a boozy brunch program. Since 2015 it’s been a go-to for locals who want sliders, nachos, and drinks in a warm, reclaimed-wood space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nachos, Burger Sliders, Truffle Fried Burrata
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Cocktail-focused neighborhood spot modernizing American comfort standards.
Who should go: Brunch crews and friends sharing bar snacks and cocktails.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday evenings from 6–9pm.
What to order: Nachos, Burger Sliders, Truffle Fried Burrata to share.
Insider tip: Look for boozy brunch packages if you’re planning a daytime outing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive after 6pm; paid garages within a few blocks are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but the room leans slightly polished in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at brunch and early dinner, louder during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several apps, salads, and brunch plates work well for vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and a few customizable sides.
Gluten-free options: Some options available with substitutions, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—early evening drinks or brunch work especially well thanks to the cozy vibe, approachable menu, and playful cocktail list without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes during lunch and early evenings, but expect a wait for weekend brunch and peak happy hour unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Best suited for teens and up; it’s more of a grown-up brunch and cocktail crowd than a family dining room.
Best For
Better for: Boozy brunch, shareable bar food, and group-friendly cocktails in a casual but stylish setting.
Skip if: Choose another spot if you want quiet dining, elevated chef-driven plates, or a true fine-dining experience.
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails
8.6
Handcraft Kitchen & Cocktails is a Kips Bay bar-restaurant that pairs serious cocktails with a modern comfort-food menu anchored by a thick, seared burger and late-night kitchen hours. Since the mid-2010s it’s become a neighborhood standby for post-dinner drinks, burgers, and shareable snacks that run past 11pm most nights and later on weekends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Handcraft Burger with cheddar and pickles, Smash Burger with special sauce, Truffle Mac & Cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Craft cocktails and a chef-y burger in a lively, design-forward bar setting.
Who should go: Groups wanting cocktails plus a real burger-centric dinner
When to visit: After 9pm Thursday–Saturday when bar energy peaks
What to order: Handcraft Burger, crispy wings, truffle mac and cheese
Insider tip: Sit toward the back for a slightly quieter vibe while still near the bar action.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited metered street parking on 2nd and 3rd Ave; garages nearby are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but the crowd trends polished-casual at night.
Noise level: Moderate to loud after 9pm — conversation is easy early, tougher near the bar late.
Weekend wait: 20–40 min without a reservation after 8:30pm; bar seating opens faster
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burger, mac & cheese, salads, and shareable sides work well
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable options like salads and sides with modifications
Gluten-free options: Limited — bunless burger, salads, and some apps; no dedicated gluten-free prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s lively without being chaotic early in the night, and the cocktail program plus comfort food keeps things relaxed and approachable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights and earlier evenings. After 9pm on weekends, expect a short wait unless you grab bar seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Early evening works for families, but after 8pm the crowd, volume, and bar focus skew 21+.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-driven late-night burgers with a trendier, more social atmosphere than classic neighborhood pubs.
Skip if: You want a quiet burger dinner, ultra-cheap eats, or a family-focused dining room.
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails
8.3
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails is a Kips Bay gastropub where inventive cocktails and comfort-leaning small plates headline a popular 4–7pm happy hour. The room has a warm, brick-and-wood feel with plenty of bar seating for walk-ins plus tables for groups settling in over dinner. It’s best when you want something more food-focused than a basic bar but still casual enough for co-workers and friends.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smash Burger with Fries, Cast Iron Shrimp, Green Mac and Cheese
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven gastropub where happy hour food is as strong as the drinks.
Who should go: Small groups wanting serious cocktails without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm for discounted drinks and bar bites.
What to order: Cast iron shrimp, smash burger, green mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Treat happy hour as a grazing session—share several small plates instead of one entrée.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; limited street parking on side streets. Metered spots on 3rd Avenue and nearby blocks can be tough to find after 6pm. Rideshare or walking from the 28th St subway is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans, boots, and a nice top work perfectly; no need for full night-out glam unless you're heading elsewhere after.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour, louder at the bar than in the dining room. You can still hold a conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 30–50 min without a reservation after 7pm, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating except during short noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple small plates and sides work well for vegetarians, including mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, salads, and flatbreads.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple vegetable-driven plates and salads can be modified, but it’s not a vegan-focused menu.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free proteins and salads available; kitchen is accommodating but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it hits the sweet spot between casual and polished. The cocktail program creates an easy icebreaker, and the food gives you something to share without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during early happy hour or later in the evening. Prime dinner hours on weekends are tougher for groups, but bar seats turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening only. The menu works for older kids, but the cocktail-driven vibe makes it better suited for adults after 6pm.
Best For
Better for: More cocktail-forward and food-driven than typical Kips Bay sports bars, making it a stronger pick for conversation, birthdays, and group grazing.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, romantic dining room or ultra-cheap drinks — this leans social and upscale for the neighborhood.
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails
8.2
HandCraft Kitchen & Cocktails is a Kips Bay gastropub where serious cocktails share equal billing with comfort-leaning bar food, including popular wings that headline weeknight specials. The brick-and-wood space and long bar make it a natural fit for happy hour wing runs that can stretch into a full dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wings (10) – Buffalo or BBQ, Whiskey barbecue wings, HandCraft Burger
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven bar where house wings and rotating specials anchor happy hour.
Who should go: Small groups prioritizing wings and well-made cocktails.
When to visit: Weekdays 4–7pm, especially during wing-focused specials.
What to order: Buffalo or BBQ wings, HandCraft Burger, mac and cheese.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for faster wing refills and off-menu cocktail suggestions.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 5pm; best bet is a nearby garage on 3rd Avenue if driving.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans, sneakers, and casual dresses all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour—easy enough to talk, but expect raised voices after 6pm.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian-friendly starters, salads, and mac and cheese are regular options.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly salads and modified sides when available.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free accommodations with salads, grilled proteins, and modified sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's relaxed and energetic enough to ease nerves, with quality cocktails and shareable wings to keep things casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during early happy hour or late evening, but peak dinner time usually means a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening works for families, but it shifts to a 21+ nightlife energy later at night.
Best For
Better for: More polished cocktails and better food quality than most nearby sports bars, while still staying casual.
Skip if: If you're looking for a quiet wine bar or a purely sports-driven wing spot with wall-to-wall TVs.