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BAR CONTRA

Last Updated: 26 days ago

Phone: (212) 466-4633

Address: 138 ORCHARD STREET 10002

TLDR

Cocktails by a cocktail scientist and small plates from a former fine-dining spot.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 13 Reddit comments)

54% Positive38% Neutral8% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

new american 5bar 2View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This establishment, formerly a fine-dining spot, has reinvented itself as Bar Contra, a vibrant bar focused on expertly crafted cocktails and innovative small plates. The new iteration maintains a commitment to high-quality ingredients and creative culinary approaches, offering a more accessible yet sophisticated experience for patrons.

Food Overview

Bar Contra offers a New American-inspired menu with a strong emphasis on innovative cocktails, often featuring experimental techniques. Customers highlight the 'cool food' and great drinks, with specific mention of the Firefly Mule as an outstanding cocktail. While some find the cocktail style too dry, the overall sentiment is positive towards the creative and well-executed offerings.

Highlights / Recommended

"The 'Firefly Mule' cocktail has been specifically highlighted as an outstanding drink with a perfect rating. Generally, the innovative cocktails and creative small plates are recommended."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have a positive view of Bar Contra, particularly praising its creative cocktails and unique food offerings. Some feedback suggests the cocktail style might be too dry or boozy for some, but overall, the innovation is appreciated.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post highlights Bar Contra, specifically mentioning the 'Firefly Mule' cocktail as an outstanding drink, rating it a perfect 10/10. The user's positive experience underscores the quality of their beverage program.
Several users discuss Bar Contra in the context of hyped cocktail bars. While one user notes the cocktails might be too dry, others highly recommend it, praising the scientific and high-concept drinks by Dave Arnold, and suggesting it for expertly crafted cocktails.
This thread clarifies that the former fine-dining restaurant Contra has reopened as Bar Contra. The shift is described as moving from fine dining to a bar focus, while still offering an a la carte menu, indicating a transformation in its concept.
Bar Contra is suggested as a place that likely employs advanced techniques like using iSi canisters for infusions or foams, aligning with user interest in unique beverage preparations.

Recent Mentions

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 →

From post: Looking For Nycs Hyped Cocktail Bars Insider Tips

"Bar Contra is amazing and everyone should try David Arnold's scientific and high-concept drinks."

Positive
May 4, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nycs Hyped Cocktail Bars Insider Tips

"Recommends adding Bar Contra to the list."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nycs Hyped Cocktail Bars Insider Tips

"Bar Contra has cocktails by Dave Arnold, known for experimental techniques, but their style is too dry and boozy."

Negative
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Nycs Hyped Cocktail Bars Insider Tips

"Bar Contra has great cocktails and cool food."

Positive
May 3, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Michelin Star Sister Restaurant

"Corrects a previous statement about why Contra closed, mentioning it was more about a personal shift for the owners and that it is now happily open as Bar Contra."

Neutral
Apr 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Favorite Michelin Star Sister Restaurant

"Clarifies that the former restaurant Contra has reopened as Bar Contra, shifting focus from fine dining to being a bar, though it still serves an a la carte menu."

Neutral
Apr 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Foxface Natural Aquavit 63 Clinton Musket Room Or

"In a reply, a user notes that Contra seems to have closed."

Neutral
Apr 9, 2025View Comment →

From post: Foxface Natural Aquavit 63 Clinton Musket Room Or

"User suggests Contra as an alternative restaurant recommendation to the ones initially listed."

Positive
Apr 8, 2025View Comment →