Time Travel to Another Era at Louie & Chan

I’ve always wanted to time travel. Rather than fade with age, adulthood has seen this inclination co-evolve into a love for transportive, escapist experiences with my drinking habits: think hotel bars or anywhere with wooden paneling. While many NYC bars and speakeasy-themed establishments aim for vibes, none are as fully immersive as Louie & Chan. The Lower East Side establishment is named after two “co-founders,” the imagined pairing of an Italian and a Chinese immigrant partnership in the early 1900s.

Louie and Chan Lower East Side

My Louie & Chan experience began with a refreshing Dolcezza Negra cocktail (tequila reposado, muddled grapes, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, Lambrusco float) at the charming ground level bar, which, as I later found out, was merely a tease for what was in store.

Dinner was then served in a stunning Private Dining Room. Vintage wallpaper, a mahogany table for 16 and art-deco inspired light fixtures add to the overall transportive ambience. Over an 8-course meal and with wine pairings of glasses that never stayed empty for long, the story of Louie & Chan was brought to life by our charming server, Haroun.

Food offerings range from fresh Charred Octopus to authentic Neapolitan style pizzas with house made mozzarella. Another standout of the evening was the Tagliatelle Ricci, a pasta made in-house, served in a sea urchin shell with fresh uni and topped with caviar, which was expertly paired with Salina Bianco. Those looking to hold an intimate and unique dinner party can work alongside Executive Chef Kevin Chun and Pizzaiolo (Zoki) to curate an customized culinary evening in the space, of course with specialty cocktails and wine pairings to accompany your special evening.

After dinner the time-capsule effect was fully realized in the subterranean bar, Chan’s Cocktail Lounge. Inconspicuous from above, descents a narrow staircase to a curiously dark and sexy parlor. The Lounge celebrates 1920s culture with live jazz, burlesque and surprise performances every Tuesday at Chan’s Parlor. At this point the night feels exactly a one images the decade of decadence and speakeasies: a bit hazy, with flashes of a beautifully seductive woman holding feathers and the sounds of brass instruments playing in the background.

Carafes Louie and Chans NYC

The cocktails, which err on the side of classic and refined with unexpected twists, are created by Nesha Koran, formerly of Macao Trading Co. We suggest checking out Louie and Chan for on a Tuesday as we did when drinks are a mere 35 prohibition-evoking cents every Tuesday from 7-8 PM and staying to see where the night and cocktails transport you.

The Cocktails of Louie and Chan

Louie & Chan Details

303 Broome St, New York, NY 10002

(212) 837-2816

Hours of Operation

Our Best Stories Delivered Daily



Leave a Comment

Start typing and press Enter to search

Edible Bacon Shot GlassesKnappogue Irish Coffee at Pouring Ribbons