Laowai

Hidden behind a dumpling shop in Chinatown, this cocktail bar feels intimate without turning gimmicky. The room draws on old Shanghai references, but the real reason to come is the drinks, which are known for using Chinese spirits, flavors, and ideas in a way that feels precise rather than theatrical. There is a sense of occasion from the moment you arrive, yet the bar never loses its composure. If you want a place with a strong point of view, polished service, and cocktails that stand apart from the usual speakeasy formula, this is an easy choice.