A classic cocktail made of whiskey (traditionally rye), sweet vermouth, bitters (usually Angostura), and a maraschino cherry, the Manhattan has its origins, of course, in the borough of Manhattan, at the Manhattan Club or a joint on Broadway, depending on whom you ask—neither is still around—sometime in the late 19th century. It may seem simple and perhaps a bit old-fashioned in light of the fancy mixology available today, but this is a real cocktail—hefty yet handsome, strong but smooth.
Where: We believe that in NYC, where you sip a Manhattan has as much to do with the surroundings as the drink itself. To that end, the pictured drink is from the heart of the Theater District, at the legendary 1927-established Sardi’s (234 W. 44th St., betw. Seventh & Eighth Aves., map), a time capsule of a restaurant famous for the celebrity caricatures blanketing its walls and for being the birthplace of the Tony Award.
Sure, it’s touristy, but we’re not the only jaded New Yorkers who can appreciate this spot. If you are coming for drinks, head straight for the low-key upstairs bar, and make it after the pre-theater dinner rush … you’re still liable to meet a few theater-biz people quaffing martinis up there. (Sadly, the days of complimentary crackers and tubs of cheese are long gone.) Keep in mind that the atmosphere and the history, not so much the food, are Sardi’s strong suits.
When: Tues-Sat, 12pm-10:45/11pm. We advise hitting the upstairs bar after 8pm on a weeknight.
Order: A Manhattan, which they served in a stemless martini glass the last time we visited. Rye whiskey is used, but purists beware: During our visit, you had to request the bitters if you want them. For whatever reason, bitters-optional is the preference of the longtime Sardi’s bartender who was making the bar’s rules then!
Alternatively: Another fittingly atmospheric, old-New York, Manhattan-appropriate bar in the Theater District is Joe Allen (326 W. 46th St., map), established in 1965 and popular with Broadway-industry types. A trendier downtown option is West Village hot spot Employees Only (510 Hudson St., nr Christopher St., map), where you will find an expertly crafted Manhattan (and a host of other delicious cocktails).
Last updated: Nov. 14, 2024
