Set the Scene
Spot the coral-colored neon sign on Park Avenue, and you’ll know you’ve arrived at the right place. Through what undiscerning folks would believe to be a service door and down a flight of stairs is Seed Library–a Shoreditch transplant and the first Manhattan concept from the esteemed mixologist, Ryan Chetiyawardana, and the Mr Lyan team.
The outpost feels perhaps more like an actual library than the original, without the volume constraints. Warm tones, moody lighting, and intimate seating arrangements encourage lingering conversations.
The atmosphere evolves as the night unfolds. Due to the nature of location, expect to find many a suit attached to a finance bro in the early hours. Each night, the business crowd thins out (or at least removes their jackets and loosens their ties) and gives way to lower-key cocktail lovers hailing from blocks away or out of town.
Let’s Talk About the Drinks
Mr Lyan and his team pride themselves on ingredients, originality, and flow. The menu spans an actual spectrum–from spirit-forward sippers to lighter, celebratory pours–guiding guests toward the right drink for every moment of the evening.
Start with the Blue Hill 75, a vibrant reinvention of the classic that coaxes floral brightness from fermented purple carrot. (Yes, the name is an homage to Blue Hill Stone Barns.)
Then, try the C.R.E.A.M. Margarita–a New York-specific interpretation of Seed Library Shoreditch’s most popular drink, which layers tequila, mezcal, clarified cream, and spice.
Adventurous options like Shepherd’s Delight–Concord grape “enzyme’d” with a protein from sheep’s liver–and More Ducks–featuring a “crème d’escargot”–showcase mad science lab-like precision on the proper execution for playful renditions of familiar flavors.
What’s the Food Like?
Food offerings are relaxed and shareable, meant to complement the drinks rather than compete. Light bar bites dominate–think crudités, cheese dip, and pickle plates.
The real standout requires just 12 minutes of patience: freshly baked gooey chocolate chip cookies baked fresh from the oven and a coupe of cold whole milk.
Final Thoughts
Connection, craft, and comfort unfold in this subterranean cocktail bar.
Fast Facts
Location: NoMad – 51 E 30th St (within Hotel Park Ave), New York City
Cuisine: Cocktails
Pricing: $$
Takes Reservations: Yes–via OpenTable
Our Favorite Drinks and Dishes on the Menu: Start with the Blue Hill 75 and definitely do not miss the Shepherd’s Delight. For your nightcap, trade another drink for a plate of chocolate chip cookies.
The Attire: Smart Casual
Hours: Seed Library is open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 PM - Midnight and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM.
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