07 Jan 2026
Room 207, a New Speakeasy-Inspired Cocktail Bar, Launches in Manhattan's East Village in Winter 2025
NEW YORK — Room 207, a new speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in Manhattan's East Village, launches in Winter 2025. The hidden bar presents a modern twist on its Prohibition-era forebears and is the brainchild of hospitality visionary Rajesh Bhardwaj together with Chief Mixologist Hemant Pathak, best known for their work at the world-renowned Junoon and more casual Jazba. Located at 207 Second Avenue, Room 207 has a discreet street entrance on 13th Street. The intimate drinkery, which is the group's first standalone bar, seats 26 guests.
At Room 207, Pathak's cocktail program focuses on classic cocktails, updated with advanced mixological techniques and seasonal ingredients. They are complemented by dishes popular during the Prohibition era created by Chef Akshay Bhardwaj, Executive Chef of Room 207, Junoon and Jazba.
“We are very excited to launch Room 207,” says Rajesh Bhardwaj. “While Junoon and Jazba have acclaimed bars and cocktail programs, Room 207 is our first standalone bar. I'm delighted to give our Chief Mixologist, Hemant Pathak, total creative freedom to create the bar of his dreams. We invite New Yorkers and visitors to the city to experience this unique offering.”
A Classics-Focused Launch Cocktail Menu & New York City-Grown Honey
Room 207's highly focused tripartite cocktail menu includes revivals of Forgotten Cocktails and Reimagined Classics. It also features a secret preset menu, “Enigma,” whose cocktails challenge guests' perceptions and expectations, resulting in flavors and aromas that are experienced with greater intensity. The drinks incorporate housemate amari, bitters, tinctures and shrubs. Sahil Essani, an award-winning barman, serves as Room 207's Head Bartender. In addition, the team is working with urban beekeeper Andrew Coté, who is supplying honey from his rooftop apiaries in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens, each bearing a different flavor profile reflecting its borough's flora.
“New York City is a place known around the world for its enthusiastic embrace of classic cocktails,” says Pathak. “We want to salute that preference yet update these legendary drinks with advanced mixological techniques and seasonal ingredients, as well as play with our guests' expectations and perceptions.”
Forgotten Cocktails
- Adonis, Lustau Fino Sherry, Graham's Tawny Port, sweet vermouth, orange essence, $20
- El Diablo, Los Siete Misterios Doba Yej Mezcal, crème de cassis, lime, ginger beer, $22
- Bijou, Tanqueray Gin, Cocchi Vermouth, Green Chartreuse, orange bitters, $22
- Between the Sheets, D'Ussé Cognac, Rhum J.M Agricole, Cointreau, lemon, $21
- Queens Park Swizzle, Uruapan Charanda Rum, Worthy Park Estate Silver Pot Still Jamaica Rum, St. Benevolence Clairin, lime, sugar, fresh mint, Angostura Bitters, $21
Reimagined Classics
- Highball, Cardenxe Sotol de Desierto, guava, hibiscus, cilantro, lime, $22
- Old Fashioned, Burnt Butter-Washed Michter's Bourbon, muscovado syrup, Angostura Bitters, $22
- Bee's Knees, Barr Hill Gin, Andrew's Home-Grown Honey, lemon, saline
- Choice of honey provenance: Manhattan, Brooklyn or Queens
- Espresso Martini, Altamura Vodka, coffee liqueur, espresso, $20
- Flip, Bacardí Ocho Rum, Amaro Nonino, Punt e Mes, hot egg flip foam, $21
Boozeless Cocktails
- Garibaldi, fresh orange juice, Campari reduction, $16
- Caffe Shakerato, Amaro Lucano, espresso, lemon twist, $15
- Kir Royale, black currant, sparkling wine, $16
Enigma ($69)
- A preset offering of three cocktails served in an interactive omakase style, with guests choosing base spirits like malt, grain, juniper, cane and agave
- Each cocktail has little hints layered in to help guests make mindful decisions, but still leaves room to invite a conversation with the bartender to shape the experience
A Luxurious Food Menu Blends the Sultry Roaring '20s with a Modern Interpretation
Room 207 features a menu by Chef Bhardwaj blending the sultry, underground glamour of the Prohibition-era Big Apple with the elegance and precision of the city's contemporary fine dining scene. Locally sourced ingredients and produce from the Union Square Greenmarket energize the offering. For dessert, Chef Bhardwaj is collaborating with Chef Gustavo Tzoc.
“To develop the menu, we researched what dishes guests actually enjoyed in bars during the 1920s,” says Chef Akshay Bhardwaj. “At the same time, we embraced present-day dishes and culinary creations that are resonating in New York City. Our menu is an engaging combination of the two, reinterpreting the past through a modern lens.”
- Small Bites
- Oysters on the Half Shell, served with pickled onions, lemon foam and cilantro dust, 6 for $12, 12 for $18
- Dips of the Week, warm pillowy Parker House rolls with three dips: smoky roast eggplant, green chickpea hummus and velvety garlic cream, $18
- The Humble Potato, crispy potato poppers with two dips: yuzu cream and tomato-basil, $12
- Pulled Chicken, slow-braised chicken tossed with aromatic spices & spicy aioli, piled onto a rich, crispy brioche & finished with garlic chips, $18
- Lamb Skewers, char-grilled lamb marinated in warm spices, served with bright pickled peppers, $18
- Rarebit Truffle Cheese Toast, sourdough layered with melty cheddar, umami mushrooms & shaved truffles, $24
- Don't Forget About Dessert
- Brownie Sundae, dark chocolate sauce, vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce, $12
A Cozy Speakeasy Vibe Redefined
Room 207 was designed by Wid Chapman, whose projects include Beekman Lounge, Serendipity 3, Semma and Bourbon & Branch. He envisioned a hidden bar with a library feel. The dimly lit room is adorned with wood paneling, antique mirrors, leather chairs, velvet drapes and shelves stacked with antique books and cocktail paraphernalia. Overall, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, with soft jazz playing in the background. The uniquely low bar counter is near a communal table, inviting interactions with the presiding bartender.
About Room 207
Room 207 is a new speakeasy-inspired cocktail bar in the East Village by hospitality visionary Rajesh Bhardwaj and award-winning Chief Mixologist Hemant Pathak. The two are best known for their exceptional work at Junoon and Jazba. Pathak's mixological creations celebrate classic cocktails and play with guests' perceptions. They are accompanied by bar fare by Executive Chef Akshay Bhardwaj of Junoon and Jazba that channels the 1920s with a contemporary twist. Room 207 is located at 207 Second Avenue and is open seven days a week, Sunday to Thursday, 5pm to midnight, and Friday to Saturday, 5:30pm to 1:30am. For more information, please visit www.room207.com and for reservations, please visit Resy.
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