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Located on the second floor of a familiar spot in Manhattan East, an esoteric new cocktail bar is creating a mystical buzz. The Empress Room, which opened on March 6 above Madam Mikette’s, is an intimate lounge that offers a little escape from the action below.
You enter The Empress Room through Madam Mikette’s, then slip upstairs into a candlelit space that instantly transports you to a different world. The room is intimate but lively, with space for around 70 seated guests and a larger standing crowd, all gathered around low tables, plush seating and a central bar. Live jazz sets the mood, and the cocktail menu sets the theme.
This cocktail-focused lounge is all about tarot-inspired drinks, each one named after a card from the deck and built with a level of detail that rewards curiosity.
There's The Devil, a rich mix of brown butter–washed aged rum, black cherry, lemon, cold brew coffee and smoked saline. Or The Empress, a brighter blend of Old Tom gin, Cocchi Americano, yellow Chartreuse, apricot and orgeat. Even the more unexpected combinations, like the Six of Swords with habanero-infused mezcal and yellow bell pepper, are balanced while also being out-of-the-ordinary.
Small plates like tuna tartare crispy tacos, shrimp tempura with bang-bang sauce and lamb sliders with tzatziki are designed to share, while richer options like lobster mac and cheese offer a heartier option.
In a neighborhood that's constantly on the move, The Empress Room is a space to slow down, linger and perhaps find insight into your future while enjoying a well-made cocktail.
The Empress Room is open Wednesday to Thursday, 5pm to 11pm and Friday 7pm to 1am. Reservations can be made via Resy.