Little Branch

22 7th Ave South

A speakeasy, hidden in the basement of a nondescript building in the West Village.

Little Branch is one of the early pioneers of the speakeasy scene. This underground space is small, dimly lit, intimate, and often features live jazz.

It’s the place for serious cocktail connoisseurs. After all, Little Branch was one of the bars belonging to the cocktail empire of the legendary bartender and bar owner, Sasha Petraske. He is credited with creating the 21st-century speakeasy culture of intimate hidden bars specializing in the high art of the cocktail.

The bartenders can produce a perfectly crafted and balanced cocktail from the menu or create a customized drink made just for you. Given a base liquor and your current mood they can tailor a drink on the fly. If you don’t really know what you are in the mood for, ask for one of the bartender’s specials.

The neo-speakeasy culture can be rather gimmicky, playing a game of unmarked doors and secret passwords. This tucked away spot plays the ‘hidden’ game but that’s where it stops. No password is required to enjoy a cocktail, music and the atmosphere.