Madeline’s Martini, the newest concept from East Village mainstay Endless Hospitality Group and restaurateurs Robert Ceraso and Jason Mendenhall behind The Wayland, Goodnight Sonny, Bar Lula and more, opens its doors in Alphabet City at 171 Avenue C (at 11th Street), New York, NY, 10009.
With an unassuming, graffiti-clad facade and windows masked in green velvet curtains, a single lamp adorned with “MM” signals the bar’s entrance. Channeling the vibe of a hotel lobby bar, patrons are greeted by the front room that offers 12 bar seats that are dimly lit by vintage lighting that highlight the space’s iconic, “peacock in the city” mural by local artist Leah Tinari. The piece tells the story of finding your people and a sense of belonging in New York City- the exact feeling Endless Hospitality concepts provide. Corners of the room are decked out with an antique phone booth and vintage cigarette machine, while 16 emerald green, velvet banquette seats and marble cafe tables line the walls adjacent to the dual-sided bar.
An attention-grabbing taxidermy Peacock oversees the path that leads guests to the resplendent back lounge. With dark green ceilings, a fireplace framed by exposed brick, a DJ booth set into an antique oven and deep green curtains, this sanctuary is where guests are encouraged to get situated for an unforgettable night ahead where the tone changes from hotel lobby bar to an after party in a hotel suite. The back lounge will offer rotating live entertainment for those that reserve a table. Another larger than life piece of work from Tinari takes center stage on the back room’s wall, this time in the form of a classic portrait featuring a maiden and Mad’s signifier- a peacock.
Ceraso and Mendenhall are known for their portfolio of successful bars in the East Village that have become mainstays for locals and visitors alike, which is the aim for Mad’s as well, though the concept will provide guests with their most lavish drinking experience to date. “Regulars at Endless Hospitality Group concepts turn to us for a guaranteed memorable night- one that will have infectious energy, amazing music and an unpretentious approach to unique, high-quality cocktails. Mad’s will be just that, but with a more elevated cocktail experience, though that doesn’t mean the space isn’t intended to transform into something a little livelier as the night progresses” says Ceraso.
Curated by Mendenhall and co-owner and beverage director Peter Canny, the cocktail menu is led by newly invigorated takes on classic martinis that encapsulate upscale cocktail culture, but with a more lighthearted approach.
Inspired by both classic martinis and cocktails that were popularized in the late nineties and early aughts, the menu is a more whimsical execution of the ever popular martini bar. spotlighting a diverse array of martinis like the namesake Madeline’s Martini (gin, equal parts sweet and dry vermouth, maraschino, house bitters) The Dirty Peacock (vodka, dry vermouth, black olive brine, stuffed olives), Martini By The Sea (mezcal, sea lettuce brine, bianco vermouth) The Breakfast Martini (black tea gin, lemon, marmalade) and their twist on a Sour Apple Martini (jalapeño infused vodka, fresh pressed green apple, midori honey and fresh juice lemon.) Traditional high balls, rocks cocktails, wine and beer will also be served. Cocktails for Two round out the menu.
A menu of light bites will be available to imbibers. Craveable small plates like a Caviar Sandwich (black grinnell caviar, chopped egg, brioche), Iberico Ham (pecorino popcorn, hot pepper mustardo), Anchovy Olives (guindilla pickled peppers) and Vinegar Peppers (stuffed with tuna conserva) will be offered.
A combination of table and bar service will be offered during operating hours. The back room at Mad’s is also available for private events, including custom logo wall projections, DJ’s and tableside beverage cart service. Reservations for the lounge room are highly recommended and available through Resy.
