【夜莺】Ye’s Apothecary in Manhattan
Ye's Apothecary, located in Lower East Side, Manhattan, is a hidden gem that combines the atmosphere of a speakeasy bar with the rich flavors of traditional Szechuan cuisine.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting this unique spot three times, and I'm eager to share my experiences with you!
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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 food is similar to Asian tapas reflecting the diverse Asian street food stalls, with an array 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-styled traditional Szechuan-inspired flavors, renowned for their bold and spicy profiles.
Also, please note that since this is a tapas-style inspired Szechuan cuisine, the food portions are not as big as those 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
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 is a blend of cozy intimacy and vibrant energy, creating an atmosphere that pulls you in from the moment you walk through the door.
During dining hours, the space has a busy charm, with conversations filling the air and the scent of spices wafting from the kitchen. While the ambiance is undeniably lively, the intimate size means that conversations can sometimes become quite audible.
In terms of service, the staff at Ye's Apothecary are attentive and courteous, making sure that guests feel welcomed and cared for throughout their visit.
It's worth noting that there is a 90-minute dining time per reservation, which can feel somewhat restrictive, particularly during peak hours. However, this time limit is understandable given the popularity of the establishment and the need to accommodate all guests.
For those planning to dine at Ye's Apothecary, making a reservation is highly recommended, as the restaurant tends to fill up quickly — even during weekdays.
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know before you go!
BEST TIME TO GO
Definitely make a reservation before going! For the best intimate experience, plan your visit from Tuesday through Thursday to avoid the weekend rush. Fridays through Sundays 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
A cute date. Outing with your friends.
PRICING
$$$
RECOMMENDED DISHES
Truffle Mushroom Salad. Mala Calamari. Desert Flower.
RESERVE YOUR SPOT
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: 10.09.2024
Imagine escaping the crowds and relaxing in a charmingly vintage cafe filled with mouthwatering desserts and exquisite coffee. ☕️