BEA

403 West 43rd Street

(between Ninth and Tenth Avenue)

Stopped by after our oyster night at Adella’s for dessert.

Really interesting speakeasy, Prohibition-era feeling kind of bar. Menu and walls are covered with 1920s-style photos.

On the walls, they were screening at least three different black-and-white films. (In a back room where a private function was being held, they were screening The Wizard of the Oz—yes, the one with Judy Garland!)

We had come for dessert, but being in the environment we were in, we decided to have a cocktail. We both ordered their Tottenville Tea—tea-infused rye whiskey, lime juice, spicy honey syrup, orange bitters, and lemon twist. Delicious! Tastes like a yummy iced tea, but with a kick.

 

Since we came for dessert, we ordered their flourless chocolate cake ($7). It was rich, as advertised, but way too dense. We couldn’t even finish it, but we both did finish our drink!

 

Pros:

Great place to meet for drinks.

Comfortable atmosphere.

Friendly service: although we didn’t have a reservation and the restaurant was crowded and hosting a private party in the back room, the host found us a seat right away and our server was super-knowledgeable about the menu and very helpful with suggestions.

Cons:

Very crowded bar scene filled with after-work, men-in-suits clientele on the night I went.

Final Thoughts

Great bar! Must return to try their pear and ice cream dessert. It’s a peeled, poached and chilled golden pear with a scoop of ice cream (on the night we came the options were fig and hazelnut). Also would return for dinner.