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BAR CONTRA

Updated

Phone: (212) 466-4633

Address: 138 ORCHARD STREET 10002

TLDR

Craft cocktails w/ experimental techniques & cool, unique dishes. Reimagined from a fine dining spot to a buzzy bar.

Reddit Sentiment for BAR CONTRA(based on 14 Reddit opinions)

57% Positive36% Neutral

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

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Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Recent Articles

Details

Formerly known as Contra, this establishment has transformed into Bar Contra, a vibrant bar focusing on innovative cocktails and a la carte dishes. It's a space that retains a culinary edge while embracing a more relaxed bar atmosphere, making it a unique spot for both drink aficionados and food lovers seeking creative flavors.

Food Overview

Bar Contra offers a menu of creative, 'cool' dishes alongside expertly crafted cocktails. While specific dishes like the Strawberry/Potato sundae have been highlighted positively, the cocktail style can be polarizing, with some finding it too dry and boozy, while others rave about the experimental techniques.

Highlights / Recommended

"The Strawberry/Potato sundae has been specifically praised as 'stellar'. The 'Firefly Mule' cocktail received a perfect 10/10 rating."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally praise the creative cocktails and "cool food," though some find the style too "dry and boozy." The recent transformation into Bar Contra has been met with positive reception, shifting focus to a more bar-centric experience.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About BAR CONTRA

This post discusses highly-rated cocktail bars in NYC, with several comments mentioning Bar Contra. Users praise its great cocktails and 'cool food,' with one highlighting the outstanding drinks and another recommending it for its scientific and high-concept beverages.
In a discussion about dining options before visiting Attaboy, Bar Contra is frequently recommended as a great alternative. Multiple users vouch for its cocktails, with one stating they are their current favorite in the city.
This thread clarifies the transition of the former restaurant Contra to Bar Contra. It explains that Bar Contra has reopened as a bar, still offering an a la carte menu, and that the shift was due to a personal change for the owners, not a closure due to external factors.
A post detailing a culinary tour of NYC mentions Bar Contra, specifically highlighting the 'Firefly Mule' cocktail with a perfect 10/10 rating, calling the drinks outstanding at this 'lovely little spot'.
Bar Contra is suggested as a place that likely utilizes iSi canisters for infusions or foams, fitting the user's interest in unique beverage preparation methods.
A user specifically recommends the Strawberry/Potato sundae at Bar Contra, calling it 'stellar'.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Swanky Dinner For Moms 70th

"Bar Contra on the Lower East Side was listed as a potential restaurant."

Positive
May 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"This user assures the original poster that they will love Bar Contra."

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"Bar Contra is mentioned as being worth visiting, though the commenter doesn't connect with it as strongly as other establishments from the same owner; they note it usually has space at the bar."

Neutral
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"Bar Contra is noted as being near the user's hotel and on their saved list, so they will definitely check it out."

Neutral
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"This user provides a positive affirmation for Bar Contra."

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Lower East Side Dinner Before Attaboy

"Bar Contra is recommended as an alternative if Attaboy is full, with the commenter stating their cocktails are currently their favorite in the city."

Positive
Apr 1, 2026View Comment →

From post: Best Nyc Desserts

"The user praises the Strawberry/Potato sundae at Bar Contra as stellar."

Positive
Feb 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wait Time For Pdt Or Amor Y Amargo On A Friday

"The commenter was intrigued by Bar Contro and is considering it as an alternative to Amor y Amargo and PDT."

Neutral
Jan 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: Are There Any Places Making Interesting Beverages

"This cocktail bar is suggested as a place that likely uses iSi canisters for infusions or foams, fitting the user's interest in unique beverage preparations."

Positive
Nov 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where Are The Service Industry Peeps Dining

"This is listed as a recommendation."

Neutral
Sep 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: What Would You Dowhere Would You Eat If You Moved

"Bar Contra is mentioned as a potential food-oriented wine bar to visit depending on the mood and menu."

Neutral
Jul 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything We Ate 5 Nights In Nyc From The Uk

"The drinks at this lovely little spot were outstanding."

Positive
May 20, 2025View Comment →