Named after Thomas Handy, reputedly the first expert barman in the United States, this new subterranean SoHo cocktail lounge celebrates his handiwork with Dry martinis, Gimlets and Sazeracs, which he invented in the 1800s.

Underneath Chalk Point restaurant, the bar is wood panelled, with leather booths and couches, a baby grand piano, hefty books, a working fire and a chessboard, which is often is use.

It’s already a popular spot with the local fashion and film crowds, with several big-name fans hosting parties here. Live jazz is played every night from 6-8pm, on Fridays, there’s a piano player, on Saturdays a four-piece band and on Sundays, you can give it your best power ballad at karaoke. They like to keep entry a little bit underground – a password is required to get in after 11pm.

Ideal For

After-work drinks, romantic dates, late night end-of-week drinking (the bar is open until 4am on Thursdays and Fridays)

Signature Drinks

Oaxaca old-fashioned - Herradura tequila, agave nectar, firewater bitters and orange peel