The Winslow is a fantastic cocktail bar and eatery in New York City. It is conveniently sandwiched between the bustling communities of the Bohemian East Village and the historic Victorian Gramercy Neighborhoods. It is also just a quick jaunt from the West Village or Lower East Side—and boy, is it ever worth the trip, you know, even if you are coming from New Jersey. Accessible to all trains that run to Union Square (4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, W), but also is on the same block as the 3rd Ave L Train stop as well which makes it a quick skip and a jump from the other stations that run along 14th Street (A, C, E at 8th Ave or 1, 2, 3, B, D, F, M or Path at 6th Ave).
What separates a pub from a cocktail bar? A lounge from a club? What drives someone to go out and spend their time and money instead of getting a six-pack and staying home? These are all questions The Winslow has strived to answer to make their spot stand out above the rest. NYC has no shortage of any of these places so this gin bar and eatery focuses on making amazing cocktails and food, but also offering friendly service to create a home away from home. So to answer the previous question: you don’t necessarily need to choose. It’s a gin bar, a cocktail bar, a date spot, a restaurant, a great night out, and can even throw on a game should you request it. Above all it focuses on offering quality products that don’t break the bank of their friends and neighbors in the surrounding East Village, Gramercy and Union Square areas.
ing on the selection, usually ranging between 15-20 at any given time) fluctuate from dehydrated citrus, to flowers, to fresh herbs to even bee pollen. You want to impress your boss who drinks gin? Take him or her to The Winslow and get a order a gin and tonic that comes with toasted coconut, a sprig of rosemary , and a piece of dehydrated grapefruit, you’ll be sure to get a raise. These elements offer gorgeous aromatic notes for the gin and tonics as well as several classic cocktails so you can enjoy your drink with more than one of your senses. The Winslow remains a staple as a Gramercy bar because of its assortment of old-school classic cocktails to its ever-growing and popular array of rotating specialty and signature cocktails.
The specialty cocktails, designed by Beverage Director and General Manager Cait Moorhead, are updated seasonally to incorporate fresh and fun ingredients. The Spring and Summer 2019 cocktail menu features such libations as “The Corgi-ly Invited” (Ingredients include: Corgi Earl Grey Gin, Amaro Pellegrino, Edinburgh Rhubarb and Ginger Liqueur, rhubarb puree, lemon juice, and ginger). Another new item is the “Watermelon Under the Bridge” (ingredients include: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Pimms, watermelon puree, balsamic, and sage). Or try something with a little pick-me-up such as the “Nine Lives” (ingredients include: Nine Banded Whiskey, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, coffee ground infused dry vermouth, sriracha honey, and mole bitters. There’s even something for the rum drinker with the “Diplomatico Immunity” (ingredients include: Diplotmatico Reserva, coconut infused Aperol, and an Apricot Eau de Vie).
Yes, The Winslow is a gin bar and has interesting and inventive gin cocktails (top suggestions are the “Gincident Report” or the “Powder to the People”) but it also has something for everyone on its spirit forward and unique specialty cocktail list. That’s right, you read correctly, not only does the boutique cocktail list offer a rotating assortment of original gin cocktails, but also whiskey, rum, vodka and tequila creations. So if you “like, don’t drink gin” don’t worry, The Winslow has you covered with many a specialty cocktail. Not too many that you feel overwhelmed, but just enough to where you feel seen. These crafted cocktails often go through an evolution but there always remain the staples. Having the Union Square farmers market within a stone’s throw away not only helps the bar obtain components from local farmers but the kitchen as well. Executive Chef Nathan Pauley can also attest to this as the menu he’s created and cultivated is so much more than bar food. Moorhead and Pauley often work on special pairing events during the summer months, which consist of three courses paired with three specialty cocktails. It’s one of the best experiences in East Village or Gramercy so you definitely don’t want to miss the next one.
What has proven to be The Winslow’s signature cocktail over the years would have to be their “Jessica Rabbit” (ingredients include: Brockman’s Gin, hibiscus infused Lo-Fi Gentian Amaro, lime juice, simple syrup, grapefruit bitters, and topped with crushed rosebuds and hibiscus). She’s not bad; she’s just shaken that way. (Points if you get the reference) This has become a classic cocktail at The Winslow and was recently featured in “The Black Book of Cocktails” published by Brockman’s Gin. It’s what Moorhead refers to as a “gateway gin cocktail” as even those who say they don’t like gin find themselves converted after sampling this amazing specialty concoction. The “Jessica Rabbit” is fresh, floral and citrus forward, as well as being pretty easy on the eyes. You drink with your eyes first and the crushed rosebud and hibiscus that top it not only add amazing aromatic notes, but also a beautiful bouquet for a garnish.
So what makes a bar a cocktail bar? Most any bar can pour vodka and soda or a whiskey and coke but not a cocktail bar does this make. A cocktail spot generally will be able to offer a bit more. Located near Union Square, The Winslow is one of the best overall East Village cocktail bars, and offers quality drinks at reasonable pricing. It’s not just about The Winslow’s playful ambiance and chill atmosphere, it also comes down to trying to create something delicious for new customers and regulars a like. Any of the staff members can help walk you through the flavor profile of the specialty cocktails or help make one that is just a special signature drink for you. The Winslow is one of East Village’s best date night locales because of its variety, quality, setting, and, of course, its knowledgeable and friendly staff. There are tables for two or seats at the bar or communal high tops should you want to keep things lighter or more casual before either of you catch feelings. The Winslow feels like you took the time and effort to pick a nice place with out overtly trying.
When you think of a cocktail bar in the Gramercy or Gramercy Park neighborhoods, your mind immediately starts adding dollar signs and points of pretention. The Winslow strives to move away from this by offering quality cocktails and food without gouging the patrons. It feels like a neighborhood bar and hangout with food and drink offerings that are absolutely elevated to the next level. The marvelous specialty cocktail menu aside, The Winslow also offers over forty varying styles and brands of gin. They serve all of their gin and tonics with paired botanicals. These numerous botanicals (depending on the selection, usually ranging between 15-20 at any given time) fluctuate from dehydrated citrus, to flowers, to fresh herbs to even bee pollen. You want to impress your boss who drinks gin? Take him or her to The Winslow and get a order a gin and tonic that comes with toasted coconut, a sprig of rosemary , and a piece of dehydrated grapefruit, you’ll be sure to get a raise. These elements offer gorgeous aromatic notes for the gin and tonics as well as several classic cocktails so you can enjoy your drink with more than one of your senses. The Winslow remains a staple as a Gramercy bar because of its assortment of old-school classic cocktails to its ever-growing and popular array of rotating specialty and signature cocktails.
Oh New York, you fickle trickster of a city, why can’t we quit you? You may be tough to take at times but you are the most unique, wonderful, energetic, center of the world. Many of the reasons for this include the fact you are the heart, soul and bloodline that pumps through the cocktail and culinary programs the rest of the world strive to taste or possibly emulate. There are cocktail bars that are world renowned such as the Dead Rabbit, to a bit more underground but equally amazing establishments such as The Holiday Cocktail Lounge on St. Marks-- different vibes, yet both delicious. The Winslow strives to be accessible, yet sophisticated; large party friendly, yet a perfect spot for date night. It’s a hard balance to strike, but The Winslow does so with a tongue-in-cheek finesse as well as awareness for what customers are searching. Everyone who works at The Winslow, it turns out, has also been a customer, so they have worked very hard to develop a system of service and a rich cocktail and food program all existing within an establishment in which they themselves would want to hang out. As aforementioned, a hard balance to strike and yet they’ve managed to pull it off. 14TH Street itself is a odd mix of characters, energies, and places, and amidst all this, The Winslow keeps doing what they are doing, and customers couldn’t be happier to have them nearby.
Next time you find yourself near the East Village, Gramercy or Union Square neighborhoods be sure to stop in and sample some of The Winslow’s finer finger foods or hand-crafted cocktails. You won’t be disappointed.