Apothéke

Top choice in SoHo & Chinatown


It takes a little effort to track down this former opium-den-turned-apothecary bar on Doyers St (look for the 'chemist' sign with a beaker illustration hanging above the doorway). Inside, skilled barkeeps work like careful chemists, using local, seasonal produce from greenmarkets to concoct intense, flavorful 'prescriptions.' The pineapple-cilantro spiced Sitting Buddha is one of the best drinks on the menu.

The menu is just as much fun as sipping the drinks, divided into sections including 'aphrodisiacs', 'pain killers' and 'stress relievers.' Special nightly entertainment features the likes of a Prohibition-based theme on Wednesdays and 'Absinthe Minded' Sundays.