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BAR CONTRA

Last Updated: 8 days ago

Phone: (212) 466-4633

Address: 138 ORCHARD STREET 10002

TLDR

Experimental cocktails & cool food, formerly Contra. A must-visit bar with an a la carte menu.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 12 Reddit comments)

50% Positive42% Neutral8% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

new american 5bar 2View All

Neighborhoods

Lower East Side

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

Formerly known as Contra, this establishment has reopened as Bar Contra, shifting its focus from fine dining to a more relaxed bar atmosphere while still offering an a la carte menu. It's praised for its innovative cocktails, with some noting the involvement of Dave Arnold, known for experimental techniques. The ambiance is described as cool, making it a noteworthy spot for both drinks and interesting food.

Food Overview

Bar Contra offers an a la carte menu alongside a strong cocktail program. The food is described as 'cool' and innovative, with a particular emphasis on the drinks. Cocktails are a major draw, with some noting the experimental techniques employed, though one opinion suggested they might be too 'dry and boozy' for some palates.

Highlights / Recommended

"While specific dishes aren't frequently mentioned, the 'Firefly Mule' cocktail received a perfect 10/10 rating, and the overall cocktail program is highly praised."

Customer Sentiment

Customers generally have positive feedback, highlighting the unique cocktails and the cool food offerings. While the shift from fine dining to a bar setting is noted, it's seen as a positive evolution for the establishment.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This post discusses hyped cocktail bars in NYC. Bar Contra is mentioned positively for its great cocktails and cool food, with one user specifically recommending David Arnold's scientific and high-concept drinks.
This thread clarifies that the former restaurant Contra has reopened as Bar Contra. It has transitioned to a bar focus, though it still offers an a la carte menu, and the change is described as a personal shift for the owners.
This post details a traveler's dining experiences in NYC, highlighting Bar Contra's outstanding drinks. The 'Firefly Mule' cocktail was specifically called out and given a perfect 10/10 rating.
In a discussion about restaurant recommendations, one user suggests Contra (now Bar Contra) as a viable alternative.

Recent Mentions

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 →