The Alinea Group Opens Experiential Cocktail Lounge The Aviary NYC

Fiona Chandra

The Aviary NYC has finally opened, bringing the James Beard award-winning cocktail program from Chicago’s Alinea Group to open what will be one of the hottest bars in New York City. The Aviary in Chicago is considered one of the best bars in Chicago and America, and is a consistent entry in the World’s Best 50 Bars list. The opening of the Office and Aviary in New York marks the first locations of the Alinea Group outside of Chicago. Unlike the Chicago location, Aviary NYC occupies a 90-seat space at the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel complete with panoramic views of Central Park and Manhattan.

The multi-course experience at the Aviary NYC comes from the minds of Chef Grant Achatz and Chicago-based Beverage Director Micah Melton. Much like the Chicago bar program, the drinks at the Aviary NYC will showcase the creative mixology and the interactive and unique presentations of the cocktails such as the Porthole Infuser. Guests will find the Aviary’s famed aroma pillow with the drink Wake and Bake, inspired by a Manhattan breakfast. Single barrel rye whiskey is combined with coffee and orange infused vermouth while the pillow contains the aroma of everything bagel, opened tableside.

The Aviary NYC will also offer an all-day dining menu, which will feature some famous items from the acclaimed Alinea Restaurant along with new dishes unique to this location. Some menu highlights include Black Truffle Explosion, comprised of a ravioli filled with liquefied truffle as well as A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef served with pickled young ginger, tofu misozuke, and yuzu kosho mustard.

All guests wanting to book seats in advance must place a deposit via their online ticketing system, however Aviary NYC will have some seats available for walk-ins. There are three options to experience the Aviary NYC. There is an a la carte option available with a $20 deposit per person. There is a 3-course cocktail progression which includes small bites and three drinks for $90 per person. The most complete experience is the Park View 5-course. This tasting menu includes the Aviary’s best-known cocktails paired with canapes in seats overlooking Central Park. This tasting menu costs $135 per person excluding service and tax. There are two Chef’s Tables available, each seating up to two guests for a panoramic view of the city and a close-up of the drink kitchen.

The Aviary NYC opens Sept. 27. Book tickets here.