You’ve seen the photos. Dim red lighting, velvet banquettes, and that specific brand of "effortless" cool that usually takes a team of twelve people to manufacture. It’s a basement in NoLita, tucked away at 240 Mulberry Street, and honestly, if you didn't know the exact door to look for, you’d probably walk right past it while searching for a slice of pizza. This is The Mulberry Bar New York, a spot that managed to become a "downtown staple" almost the second it opened in early 2023, and it hasn't really let go of that grip since.
Is it a club? Sorta. Is it a lounge? Kinda. It exists in that blurry middle ground where the music is just a little too loud for a first date but the drinks are way too expensive for a rager.
Most people come here because they heard it’s where the "it" crowd hangs. And yeah, you might see a fashion influencer or a B-list actor hiding in a corner booth, but the real story is how this place—owned by Phil Meynell, Leo Jacob, and Justin Sievers—managed to capture the old-school New York gatekeeping vibe without feeling like a total museum piece.
The Mulberry Bar New York and the Art of the "No"
If you’re planning to show up on a Friday night, the first person you’re going to meet isn't a bartender. It’s the door.
There is a certain brand of New York bar that lives and dies by its door policy. At The Mulberry Bar New York, the door isn't just a physical entrance; it's a filter. I’ve heard stories of people being turned away for wearing "the wrong sneakers" while the bouncer himself is wearing Converse. It feels hypocritical, sure. But in the ecosystem of downtown nightlife, that friction is exactly what creates the demand.
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Inside, it’s a different world. The basement space is intimate—which is a nice way of saying it gets cramped. But the design is genuinely beautiful. Think hand-painted murals, exposed brick that doesn't feel cliché, and a sound system that actually hits. They spent a lot of time making sure it didn't feel "over-designed," aiming for a "dingy dive bar meets Studio 54" aesthetic.
Does it succeed? Mostly. It feels like a living room for people who have much nicer living rooms than you or I do.
What’s actually on the menu?
Let’s talk about the $30 cocktail.
Nobody goes to a subterranean NoLita lounge for a bargain. You’re paying for the real estate and the fact that you got past the velvet rope. The menu features the usual suspects: martinis that are ice-cold and punchy, and signature drinks that often lean into the creative. There’s a heavy emphasis on "vibe" over volume here.
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Interestingly, they’ve also leaned into the caviar and champagne side of things. It’s a bold move for a basement, but it fits the "rebellious sophistication" they’re pitching. If you’re hungry, don’t expect a full meal. You’re here to sip, not to feast. If you want a steak, go to Torrisi nearby. If you want a martini and a vibe shift, stay here.
Navigating the Hype and the Reality
There’s a lot of chatter online about the service. Some people love it; others find it "performative." Honestly, it’s New York. If a bartender scoffs at you for asking for a recommendation, that’s almost part of the entry fee.
But there’s a nuance here that often gets missed in the 1-star Yelp reviews. The owners actually wanted this to be a "friends and family" kind of spot. Phil Meynell, who’s been a fixture in the NYC and London scenes for years, built this with the idea of looking after people. When the "wrong" crowd shows up and gets a cold shoulder, it’s usually because the bar is trying to preserve a specific energy for the regulars.
Is that elitist? Definitely. Is it effective? Well, the place is still packed every weekend, so you tell me.
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Survival Tips for Your Visit
If you actually want to get in and enjoy The Mulberry Bar New York, don't just wing it.
- Dress the part. Leave the gym clothes and the beat-up running shoes at home. You don't need a tuxedo, but you do need to look like you tried.
- Timing is everything. If you show up at 11:30 PM on a Saturday without a reservation or a "hook," your chances are slim. Try an earlier slot on a Tuesday or Wednesday if you actually want to see the murals without someone’s elbow in your face.
- Be cool to the staff. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people try to "alpha" their way past a bouncer. It never works.
Why the Basement Still Matters
In a city where everything is becoming a corporate pop-up or a sterilized "concept" bar, The Mulberry Bar New York feels like it has a soul, even if that soul is a bit moody. It’s a reminder that downtown Manhattan still cares about exclusivity and the "if you know, you know" factor.
Whether you find that charming or annoying depends entirely on whether you’re inside the room or standing on the sidewalk. But that’s the game, isn't it?
Actionable Next Steps
If you're heading to NoLita, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Make a reservation at The Mulberry Bar New York through their official site or a concierge service if you have one. If you can’t get a booking, have a backup plan like Temple Bar or Jac’s on Bond nearby. Check their Instagram for "special events," which usually mean a private party is taking over the space, and you'll save yourself a wasted Uber ride.