After working a long day where all you want to do is kick back and relax, the first option is generally to go home and slouch on the couch with your television on. However, there are some pretty great places outside of your humble abode that has the same type of vibe but with an elevated aspect of cool to them, with tasty cocktails and snacks for you to devour and enjoy. One of these places happens to be The Gilroy, a speakeasy late night lounge that boasts all of that and so much more, in the heart of the Upper East Side on 2nd Avenue between 81st and 82nd Street.
The location itself is not large in size, but doesn’t really need to be, quite frankly. It has a very intimate vibe that is good for going on a date with your significant other, or just to catch up with a friend or two on what’s going on in your life. I loved the wood furnishings that adorn throughout, and the dim lighting really enhanced the overall atmosphere of the location itself.
The Gilroy has a fabulous line of cocktails for you to try out, including a vast amount of Negroni’s and Fancy Drinks. Some of the standouts that we found were the White Negroni (pictured above), the Old Oscar, which has Larceny Bourbon,Amaro Montenegro, Ancho Reyes, Campari, Aztec Chocolate Bitters, and the Captain Redbeard’s Punch, which has Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum, Velvet Falernum, EO Grenadine, Lime, Pineapple, Nutmeg. All of them are reasonably priced and are packed with flavor and a good kick of whatever quality alcohol they are using. They are a great way to start off the night or even just to enjoy if you are not eating there.
They also have a fantastic menu, chock full of snacks to enjoy with the people you are with. Some of the standouts for me include their lines of cheese & salumi, in particular the Breasola (Air-Dried Cured Beef), Gorgonzola, and Coppa (Neck). Other standouts were their Angus Beef Sliders with Cheddar, Caramelized Onions, Sriracha Mayo, Mac & Cheese with Irish and Vermont Cheddars, Reggiano and Tuna Tartar with Honey, Dijon, Chives, Toasted Ciabatta. All delicious and shareable options to savor in. Overall, it was a fantastic meal and experience.
Don’t just take my word for it. For more information on The Gilroy, check out their official site.