【夜莺】Ye’s Apothecary in Manhattan
Ye's Apothecary, located in Manhattan's Lower East Side, is a Sichuan-inspired Asian tapas speakeasy that combines intimate vintage apothecary decor with bold, mouthwatering Asian tapa flavors and innovative cocktails.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this spot three times, and I’m excited to share my experiences with you, along with some helpful tips to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I did! 🍸
about Ye’s Apothecary
Ye's Apothecary, with the Chinese character 夜莺 (yèyīng) meaning nightingale, has an interesting background.
Founded in June 2022, Miss Ye created this cozy speakeasy that draws inspiration from her favorite cities and towns while she was traveling across Asia.
The Asian tapas on Ye’s Apothecary’s menu reflect diverse Asian street food stalls, featuring a variety of Szechuan spices and flavors.
Meanwhile, the cocktails showcase an artistic fusion of traditional mixology and Chinese herbal botanicals, promising a truly unique tasting experience for your drinks.
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stepping inside
Ye’s Apothecary has a unique entrance experience where people go down the stairs and make a sharp right turn to enter the restaurant.
Inside, the ambiance is characterized by dim lighting and vintage decor, creating an intimate and nostalgic atmosphere, transporting you back in time.
The bar area features vintage apothecary-style medicinal cabinets where bartenders expertly craft your drinks.
Even though the restaurant is small in size, the space itself is cozy, with small round tables arranged closely together.
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food highlights
For those who love spice, prepare yourself!
At Ye's Apothecary, the menu features tapa-style traditional Szechuan-inspired flavors, renowned for their bold and spicy profiles.
Morning Glory
I absolutely loveeeee stir-fried vegetables — and this dish really hits all the right spots!
It features sautéed water spinach, crispy shallots, and a delicious shrimp paste that enhances the flavor of the veggies. You can't help but want to take one bite after another!
Just looking at this picture makes your mouth water, doesn't it? 🤤
📝 NOTE
As this is a tapas-style Szechuan cuisine, the portions are smaller than in regular Chinese restaurants
We tried a variety of tapas on our visits, including the Truffle Mushroom Salad, Thirteen Spices Soft Shelled Crab, Cucumber Salad (be careful of the fiery green peppers! They’re super spicy!), and Mala Calamari (I can’t find the original dish name!).
Each dish boasted robust flavors and a kick of spice that left a lasting impression.
On my second visit, my friend and I tried some of my favorites like the Truffle Mushroom Salad, Mala Calamari, and Cucumber Salad along with some new dishes like the Yuzu Shrimp.
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cocktail highlights
HK Milk Punch
This drink is a classic twist on Hong Kong-style milk tea, infused with Filipino rum, black tea, and condensed milk, among other ingredients.
It has a unique flavor and tastes so good!
If you love sweet beverages and want to try something different — especially if you're a fan of boba — I highly recommend giving this one a try!
During my visits, we tried a range of cocktails, including the Red Sorghum, Bird's Nest, and the Monkey King (the rum was super strong!).
On my next visit, I tried the Moon Goddess, which was served hot in a traditional Chinese tea cup for a nostalgic touch, and the Desert Flower.
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final thoughts
At Ye's Apothecary, the dining experience combines cozy intimacy with vibrant energy, creating an inviting atmosphere from the moment you enter.
During dining hours, the space buzzes with charm, as conversations fill the air and the aroma of spices wafts from the kitchen.
Although the ambiance is lively, the intimate size of the restaurant means that conversations can often be quite audible.
The staff at Ye's Apothecary are attentive and courteous, ensuring that guests feel welcomed and well cared for throughout their visit.
It's important to note that there is a 90-minute dining limit per reservation, which can feel somewhat restrictive, especially during peak hours. However, this time restriction is understandable given the restaurant's popularity and the need to accommodate all guests.
If you're planning to dine at Ye's Apothecary, making a reservation is highly recommended, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly, even on weekdays.
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
For the best intimate experience, plan your visit from Tuesday through Thursday to avoid the weekend rush.
Fridays through Sundays are when the restaurant gets particularly busy.
DINING TIME
90 minutes (1 hour, 30 minutes) per reservation
DRESS CODE
Keep it casual
PAYMENT
Accepts mobile payments, cash, and major credit cards including VISA, American Express, Mastercard, and Discover.
PERFECT FOR
Date night. Grabbing drinks with friends. Reunions.
PRICING
$$$
RECOMMENDED DISHES
Truffle Mushroom Salad. Mala Calamari. Desert Flower.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
Reservations are required! Reserve your spot with Resy
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VISIT
HOURS
Sunday - Monday
CLOSED
Tuesday - Thursday
5:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Friday - Saturday
5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
LOCATION
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check out my recent vlog!
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08172023 18:26 | 08242023 18:42 | 08302024 18:47
Last Updated: 11.05.2024
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