The ultimate cocktail destination w/ world-class drinks & chic ambiance. Perfect for dates & lively nights out.
Bryan Kim reviews Dante West Village, a West Village spot that excels in cocktails, especially Negronis. It's a popular local scene perfect for dates or drinks with friends, but be sure to book ahead and order food.
Dante West Village is a sophisticated cocktail bar and restaurant hybrid that draws inspiration from its historic sister establishment. It's celebrated for its extensive cocktail list, particularly its Negronis, and offers a cozy, candlelit atmosphere perfect for dates or intimate gatherings. While walk-ins are welcome at the bar, reservations are highly recommended for the dining room, and a food order is required for table service. The menu features Italian-inspired dishes and is a popular spot for those seeking expertly crafted drinks and a refined ambiance.
While Dante West Village is primarily known for its extensive and highly acclaimed cocktail menu, it also offers a selection of Italian-inspired dishes. Recommended food items include burrata with preserved tomatoes and wood-fired chicken, though some reviews mention a solid but messy burger. The focus remains on the drinks, making it a prime spot for aperitivo and small plates.
"Dante is highly recommended for its cocktails, particularly the $10 Dante martini during happy hour. The burrata with preserved tomatoes and wood-fired chicken are also suggested food options."
Customers generally praise the sophisticated ambiance and exceptional cocktail program, though some note it can be pricey and reservations are often necessary.
Important Note
Outdoor seating may not be comfortable in cold weather. Some find the regular menu expensive compared to happy hour specials. There's a debate about whether martinis are pre-batched or made to order.
"Dante was recommended for its happy hour specials on food and drinks, fitting the criteria for a nice dinner near the Comedy Cellar."
Positive"This user, who passes Dante West Village daily, observed people eating outside in various weather but believes the extreme cold makes it unenjoyable. They noted that food gets cold quickly, staff limit outdoor time, and diners will freeze."
Negative"This user recommended Dante as a quiet restaurant option near NoHo."
Neutral"This user humorously commented on the potential experience of dining outdoors in the cold."
Neutral"This user requested someone to test the outdoor seating at Dante West Village and report back."
Neutral"Having experienced Dante West Village's outdoor seating in single-digit temperatures, the user strongly advises against it, stating that the heat lamps are ineffective in such conditions."
Negative"This user agreed that Dante West Village's outdoor seating is not a viable option in extreme cold, expressing surprise that it's offered."
Negative"The user stated that Dante West Village does not have comfortable outdoor seating for cold weather."
Negative"The author found Dante to be an expensive but adored cocktail bar with a great vibe. While they didn't like their chosen espresso negroni, they appreciated its aesthetic. The Dante Manhattan was delightful, and they would return for the ambiance."
Positive"The original poster heard that Dante has really good espresso martinis."
Positive"Dante in the West Village was mentioned as a possible restaurant choice."
Neutral"Dante was recommended for its cocktails."
Positive"This user recommended Dante for happy hour."
Positive"This user also recommended Dante."
Positive"Dante West Village is included in a list of toddler-friendly establishments in Lower Manhattan, known for good food and drinks, and equipped with high chairs."
Positive"This comment recommends checking out "dantes martini hour"."
Positive"The user listed Dante, Dead Rabbit, and SoHo House as places with good espresso martinis."
Positive"The user recommended Dante or Hotel Delmano for an espresso martini."
Positive"The user suggested Dante is a great choice if you want a very good espresso martini along with very tasty food."
Positive"Dante was recommended as a place for an espresso martini."
Positive