Inspired by the bars of New Orleans and Paris, Williamburg’s absinthe and oyster bar is a must for fans of seafood and old-school cocktails.

The glittering U-shaped bar surrounds a central absinthe fountain, which the fashionably moustachioed bartenders will be happy to explain the construction of, as they mix and muddle exceptional drinks.

There’s a wildly popular daily dollar-an-oyster happy hour, featuring over 20 different varieties, and an absinthe list of more than a dozen varieties, plus delicious but deceptively lethal cocktails, and a compact but solid list of wines and beers.

There is often a bit of a waiting list to get in at weekends, but you can put your name down and pop to any of the many other nearby bars to while away the time. Do return though - it's very much worth the wait. 

Ideal For

Romantic dates, oyster happy hour and people-watching.

Favourite Table

Sit at the bar (no reservations) to watch the expert mixologists at work, or ask for a table in the secluded, enchanted garden in the back for a spot of privacy and to see the oyster shuckers at work.

Signature Drinks

A long list of absinthe. It you can't face drinking it straight from the 'drip', have it in one of the many delicious (and deceptively strong) cocktails on offer, such as the Maison Absinthe Colada (Mansinthe, Rhum JM, Crème de Menthe, Pineapple and Coconut Syrup).