Top Cat Tips to The Hottest New York Alley Joints

The city that never sleeps has more nightlife and hidden treasures than you could discover in a lifetime. But where do locals go to unwind and be inspired? From bars and restaurants to temples and karaoke, LBB’s Rachael Delahunty hit up New York’s advertising Top Cats, and their teams, to find out their favourite and lesser known ‘back-alley finds’. 

Off the beaten track, behind an unmarked door, or just that little bit farther than you might venture – here are their hidden gems…

Tony Granger – Global Chief Creative Officer, Y&R 

The Beekman Hotel, Augustine, and Fowler & Wells – FiDi

I’ve been living in the financial district for four years. A few square miles at the tip of the island, FiDi is the original site of Manhattan with its wooden stockade built by the Dutch, running along Wall Street to shield the Dutch inhabitants from English and American Indian attack.

On one of my strolls with my dog Lucky, I came across a newly renovated landmark building called the Beekman. It’s off Theater Alley on Nassau Street. Constructed in 1883 it has been restored and transformed into a (to my surprise, dog friendly) boutique hotel, complete with stunning bar and two fantastic restaurants from celebrity chefs. 

One of those is Augustine, by French-leaning restaurateur Keith McNally, who debuted the restaurant last week. 

The other is called Fowler & Wells by Tom Colicchio; it serves classic dishes that nod to the cuisine of turn-of-the-century New York City. Exposed brick, stained-glass windows and plush banquettes give it a luxurious feel. 

Sit at the bar and sip on a Rusty Nail, and marvel this architectural gem, with its nine-story atrium and pyramidal skylight. Oh and don’t forget your dog. 

Priti Kapur – Executive Creative Director, m:united//McCann 

Ganesh Temple Canteen – Flushing, 45-47 Bowne Street, Queens, NY

Built on land acquired from the Russian Orthodox Church, the Ganesh Indian Temple in Flushing is the oldest temple of its kind in the US. 

Also known as ‘Lucky Mandir’ among my cousins who visit usually right before their bonuses come in. The real draw however is the temple canteen underneath, with simple South Indian cuisine and chefs who sing loudly to Bollywood songs popular in the ‘80s when they left India. 

In the tradition of great Indian temples that don’t like making access easy, it’s a little bit of a trek to get there (the 7 train to Queens).

Adrian Flores - Executive Creative Director, Publicis New York

Russian Vodka Room Piano Bar – 265 West 52nd Street

I’m a writer, here from Australia via London, so obviously I enjoy the odd drink or twenty. And my favourite spot near the Publicis offices is the Russian Vodka Room Piano Bar.

We’re in the heart of the theatre district, which is great for easy access to Cats, Colbert and Fiddler on the Roof. But for a misanthrope like me, that unfortunately also means crowds. 

Thankfully, nearby we have the dark cavernous delight known as ‘the Russian bar on the right’. (There’s another across the road). Hidden behind a door that’s dingy enough to scare off most tourists, it’s a windowless set of rooms that have never seen the light of day.

A rotating roster of Russian guys pound away on the baby grand nestled in the corner, and a limited selection of sketchy Russian lagers, flavoured vodkas and cheap wines are served up by gloriously surly Russian barwomen. As an avowed hater of IPA quaffing, it’s bliss.

I once told a senior account guy I was taking my team there. His response was an incredulous ‘The mob place that gets you hookers?’. 

I love it there.  

Hannah Fishman – Executive Creative Director, DDB New York and Trinh Pham – Senior Art Director. M:united//McCann

Both recommend Black Mountain Wine House – Brooklyn 

Hannah Fishman

There is a little log cabin on the corner of Union and Hoyt Streets in the Gowanus area of Brooklyn called the Black Mountain Wine House. There is no sign, just Adirondack chairs set out on an unfinished porch. Years ago, I had passed by this place dozens of times wondering what it was until finally one day, I walked in and was amazed by what I found. Every time I have come since, there has always been a table waiting for me. There are plenty of people inside, but it is just quiet enough to have a good conversation. It’s dark, warm and intimate, with a wood-burning fireplace and small groups of tables. The menu has an amazing selection of cheese sliced into beautiful flowers and delicious warm mulled red wine. It’s really one of my all-time favourite spots. 

Trinh Pham 

You can find the Black Mountain Wine House on a nondescript corner in residential Carroll Gardens. It has all of my favourite things on a cold winter night: a fireplace, a nice glass of wine and cheese plates. There’s a comfort in sharing this fine living room space with the rest of the neighbourhood. Yet it’s intimate enough to rekindle relationships and catch up with lifelong friends. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, I wouldn’t overthink it. Off the Carroll Street stop on the F train, you’ll find this (discreet) gem on the corner of Union Street and Hoyt Street.  

James Phillips – VP, Creative Director, Geometry Global North America

On The Rocks, whiskey bar – Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan

I stumbled upon On The Rocks one night when I first moved to the Hell's Kitchen neighbourhood. The outside of the bar is barely marked and you might easily walk by it if you weren't looking for it. Inside, it's a dark cosy space with a long bar and limited seating. The music is normally Sinatra-esque and just loud enough so you can have a conversation without having to yell. They don't sport a menu here, but will give you all the information you would ever need to know about every whiskey they have. Ask for Josh the bartender when you go. He makes a mean Old Fashioned and remembers every face that comes into the bar. It's a great place to have a drink and catch up with friends. I highly recommend it!

Julia Neumann – VP, Creative Director (Copy), MullenLowe New York 

Foot Heaven – Chinatown

I love my feet. Especially in New York City, where walking is the way to go, you start to appreciate the work they do even more so. In return I take them to foot heaven. Religiously. Quietly hidden in the middle of bustling Chinatown is where you find the gateway to this heaven. On a normal day I treat them for an hour which takes $40 out of my bank account. Not including tip. Then I hand my feet over to one of the reflexologists and let them do their magic. I usually cringe when they hit the pressure point for my lower back and add another 45-minute back massage right after, resulting in the best combo off the menu for my taste.

I highly recommend some time in heaven on earth to anyone who’s not overly ticklish. Best thing is that the heavenly gates are open until midnight.

I’ve never seen St. Peter at the entrance but if you’re ok being greeted by a really nice Chinese man or woman, you’re all set.

Love thy feet. 

Cara Johnson - Art Director, DDB New York

Dollar Store - Greenpoint, Brooklyn

I have a problem. What some might call an affliction. When I see a dollar store, I must go inside. And I have found the Holy Grail of dollar stores. It’s in Greenpoint, on Manhattan Ave, and it is heaven. Upon entering, an intoxicating aroma of what can best be described as 1980's Chinese factory dust fills your nostrils. Inside there’s an endless array of cheap, plentiful dishware, candles, closet accoutrements, and really anything else you could ever need. But it gets better. They stock a complete line of non-cancer-causing European deodorants. Complete. My armpits have never smelled better or been less cancery. Then, just when you thought there was no possible way this place could get any more magical—boom. The Polish aisle. It’s full of impossible-to-read-or-pronounce jams, snacks, and pickled things, and my personal favorite—remedy teas. The one I’m currently drinking has a medical illustration of a liver on the box. It tastes like earth. I believe it is cleansing my liver. This place is the real deal.

Nicole Aragi – Associate Creative Director, Geometry Global North America

LeFanfare, Italian restaurant – Greenpoint, Brooklyn

I don't find myself out in Greenpoint very often, but this place was worth the trek. Casual but upscale enough for a date night. Buzzing, but you aren't screaming over people and the food is fantastic. The vibe is just great and people seem to be truly enjoying themselves. Just as you're ordering your second glass of wine, a band shows up and a Rosemary Clooney-like voice starts crooning over an accordion.

Ivonne Azurdia – Associate Creative Director (Copy), MullenLowe Profero

Baby Grand – SoHo /Chinatown

After living in NYC for six years I’ve been fortunate to discover a few hidden spots – each time feeling like the city has embraced me and entrusted upon me one of its little secrets.

But if I had to choose one it would be a place that truly sings to me. Baby Grand is a teeny-tiny karaoke bar tucked away in the outskirts of SoHo/Chinatown. 

Perched in the middle of Lafayette between Grand and Howard, this nook welcomes any and all to come drink, sing, and be merry. The place is basically a long bar with a small risen stage at the end. No pretences, no attitude, just a place to make instant friends and belt out your favourite go-to karaoke jams. Whether they are sing-a-long crowd pleasers or B-sides, everyone is a good sport there so the high-fives will be flowing as easily as the moderately priced drinks. 

As a former KJ + current karaoke connoisseur, I highly recommend this little gem. The songbook is extensive, the crowd is inclusive, and the location is somewhat elusive – making for the perfect trifecta of a NYC hidden treasure. 

What’s my go-to karaoke jam? Like a Stone by Audioslave. Just FYI. 

Yangzi Liu – Presentation Designer, New Business, Geometry Global North America

Apotheke - Chinatown 

If you like the Manderley Bar at The McKittrick Hotel but want to keep away from the tourism, turn to Apotheke. Located at 9 Doyers St in Chinatown, right beside the fake-authentic-dim-sum spots, Apotheke is fairly hidden with only a small pharmacy sign hanging outside the door. Inside, the alchemists serve over 250 specialty drinks, which are divided into categories like Health, Stress Relievers and Pain Killers. Try the tasty ‘deal closer’ and ‘paid vacation’ cocktails. NYC ranked this the #2 cocktail place on Foursquare. Call ahead for the secret password to get in.