Accessible from its own entrance on Broome street, this dreamlike piano bar pays homage to the history of the Lower East Side through its décor. Indicative of the theme, a mural inside features objects associated with the Bowery’s history. Additionally, several other stunning works of art and intricacies support that same concept.
The space is filled with deep blues, blacks, gold, and touches of silver with velvet upholstered chairs and drapes to match. Every detail serves a particular purpose, like the arrangement of circular mirrors at the bar which ties into the name “Silver Lining.”
Guests can expect an old school New York vibe spiced up with a modernized vibrant twist. The dimly lit velvety space is as welcoming as it is charming and nostalgic. It’s an ideal spot to sip on specialty cocktails and indulge in elevated small plates while listening to live music.
Speaking of tunes, their residency program pulls musicians from all over New York City and Brooklyn. Which means at Silver Lining, you can catch performances from diverse local artists. It is a truly unique space and experience.
As for the cocktail program, much of its inspiration is drawn from pop culture. Across the menu, a bunch of references to movies, art, and music can be found.
The Lawyer, Guns, & Money cocktail is a drinkable snapshot of the murder trial involving Evelyn Nesbit. Then there’s a Gibson cocktail variation in honor of a Gibson girl. Its highlight is the heart shaped pickled beet garnish that slowly bleeds into the cocktail when placed upon it, changing the clear liquid to a vibrant, clear pink. The name comes from a Warren Zevon song, outlining the major elements from the story.
Reflecting on how the piano lounge keeps its beverages intriguing, Corporate Beverage Manager, Erin Davey shares, “This menu is about celebrating the classics while adding fun twists, updating, and reinventing the flavor profiles a bit. One of my favorites, ‘Sins, not Tragedies’ takes a classic Margarita and splits in a San Luis Potosi mezcal which gives notes of green peppers, olives, and a hint of blue cheese. The savory is further bumped up with red bell pepper juice and some habanero ginger syrup imparts a slightly sweet heat.”
For the establishments in search of helpful advice to elevate their drink programs, Davies suggests, “When it comes to writing cocktail menus, having a lot of feedback and input from others is absolutely necessary to build an interesting and diverse list.”
