Eel Bar

- 252 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

For New Yorkers in search of a destination that flawlessly blends a trendy, convivial atmosphere with an exciting, flavor-forward menu, Eel Bar in the Lower East Side (LES) is a must-visit spot. Operating as a Basque-inspired restaurant, Eel Bar offers a sophisticated take on the region's famous pintxos and small plates, providing a perfect setting for both an intimate dinner and a lively night out centered around drinks and shared food. It is quickly becoming a favorite among locals for its great cocktails, impressive wine selection, and consistently delicious, well-balanced dishes.

Eel Bar’s concept is rooted in the culinary traditions of Spain’s Basque Country, which is renowned for its elevated small-plate culture. This approach allows guests to sample a wide array of offerings in one sitting. The menu features creative adaptations of classics, utilizing fresh, high-quality ingredients. Popular customer mentions frequently highlight the outstanding raw shrimp, the perfectly prepared steak and fries, and the general precision with which every dish achieves "just the right balance of flavors." The establishment successfully maintains an atmosphere that is both casual and cozy, while still feeling decidedly trendy, making it an ideal gathering place.

As a local establishment highly regarded by its patrons, the dining experience is enhanced by friendly and attentive staff. The team’s commitment to excellent service, combined with the quality of the food and drink program, solidifies Eel Bar's reputation as a standout Spanish restaurant experience in downtown Manhattan.

Eel Bar is strategically located in the heart of the Lower East Side, a neighborhood famous for its dynamic dining and nightlife scene. The specific address is 252 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA. This placement makes it incredibly accessible for residents across Manhattan, particularly those in the downtown area, as well as visitors exploring the city's trendiest corridors.

The restaurant’s setting on Broome Street is surrounded by other popular spots, enhancing the area’s walkability and appeal. For those using public transportation, the restaurant is conveniently situated near several subway lines.

While the available public information does not detail physical accessibility (such as ramps or restroom accommodations), the restaurant’s official online resources prioritize digital accessibility. New York City diners are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly regarding specific physical accessibility needs before their visit to ensure a comfortable experience.

Eel Bar is primarily focused on creating an exceptional in-house dining and drinking experience, encouraging social engagement and savoring its unique small-plate offerings.

• Dine-in Only: The primary service is dine-in, focusing on table service in the back room or enjoying shared plates and cocktails at the bar area.
• Reservations Accepted: Dinner reservations are highly recommended and accepted, a necessary feature due to the restaurant’s popularity and cozy size.
• Comprehensive Bar Service: A bar is onsite offering a sophisticated range of beverages, including Alcohol, Beer, Hard liquor, and an acclaimed selection of Cocktails and Wine.
• Dining Opportunities: Available for Dinner and Dessert, with its small-plate format making it ideal for both a full meal and late-night drinks and snacks.
• Fast Service: Known for providing fast service, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining flow, especially when sharing multiple plates.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major payment methods, including Credit cards and Debit cards.
• Comfortable Amenities: Includes a dedicated Bar onsite and Restroom facilities for guests.

Eel Bar distinguishes itself in the highly competitive NYC dining scene through several key highlights focused on quality and ambiance.

• Great Cocktails: The bar program is a significant draw, noted for its high-quality, inventive cocktails, with some options featuring vermouth-forward profiles characteristic of Spanish drinking culture.
• Great Wine List: The selection of Wine is thoughtfully curated, complementing the Basque and Mediterranean-inspired menu perfectly, catering to enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
• Basque-Inspired Small Plates (Pintxos): The menu is built around Small plates, or pintxos, which are ideal for sharing. Featured items include Stuffed Piquillo Peppers With Shrimp, Fried Squid Pintxo, and Croquetas With Chorizo, all designed to be flavorful bites.
• Trendy and Cozy Atmosphere: The interior design is celebrated for being cool and trendy, while still maintaining a cozy feel. The back dining room is specifically noted as a great, comfortable space for dinner.
• Excellent Signature Dishes: Customer reviews highlight the freshness and preparation of dishes like the raw shrimp, and the precise flavor balance in every plate, from steak to shared rice dishes.
• Popularity with Locals: The restaurant has garnered a loyal following, indicating its success in meeting the high standards of the local New York crowd.
• Ideal for Socializing: Perfect for drinks and shared plates at the bar or on the patio (seasonal), making it highly popular for couples, small groups, and Solo dining.

For reservations and inquiries, New York patrons can reach Eel Bar via the following contact points:

• Address: 252 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA
• Phone: (646) 850-0140
• Mobile Phone: +1 646-850-0140

Given the recommendation that dinner reservations are essential, calling ahead to secure a table or confirm details is strongly advised, particularly for the sought-after back room seating.

Eel Bar is a premier choice for New Yorkers seeking a sophisticated yet relaxed dining and drinking experience that deviates from traditional Spanish fare into the distinct world of Basque cuisine. The entire experience is an exercise in quality, from the attentive service to the execution of every small plate.

What truly makes Eel Bar worth choosing is the ability to engage in a true communal dining style through its Small plates (pintxos) menu. Diners can create a personalized, dynamic meal from options like the savory Stuffed Piquillo Peppers With Shrimp, the rich Croquetas With Swiss Chard or Croquetas With Chorizo, and the popular Fried Squid Pintxo. This format encourages sharing and ensures every bite is a highlight, making it a fantastic choice for a date or a group of friends.

The bar program alone is a compelling reason to visit. With a focus on Great cocktails and a commendable Great wine list, Eel Bar appeals to the discerning NYC drinker. It serves equally well as a standalone bar experience for happy hour or late-night drinks, as it does a full dinner destination. The atmosphere—casual, cozy, and trendy—strikes the perfect balance for a comfortable yet stylish Lower East Side outing.

The consistent high praise from customers about the freshness of ingredients, such as the raw shrimp, and the overall 'perfectly done' nature of the food, indicates a commitment to quality that justifies making a reservation. For a true taste of refined Basque-inspired plates and expertly crafted drinks in a fun, local-approved setting, Eel Bar stands out as an essential New York dining choice.

Eel Bar

252 Broome St, New York, NY 10002, USA