Seemor
The Cabinet Mezcal BarB+Worth Trying
649 E 9th St, New York, NY 10009
· Cocktail bar, Education center, Event venue
· 4.6/5 Google (119 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Destination mezcal bar with deep agave selection, knowledgeable bartenders, and light Mexican snacks; great happy hour, occasional service/communication lapses.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
The Cabinet delivers solid execution as a spirits-focused destination anchored by exceptional bartender expertise in agave and mezcal curation and warm, knowledgeable service. Thoughtful moody design and strong happy hour value reinforce its appeal to agave enthusiasts. However, modest food quality with small portions, occasional service delays during peak hours, and tight seating when crowded prevent grade A territory—this excels as a cocktail bar, not a full dining destination.
Restaurant Summary
The Cabinet feels like a spirits den where agave lovers nerd out over flights and rare bottles, with bartenders who are warm and knowledgeable. One guest raved that the team "walked us through pours like old friends." During the holidays, the Miracle takeover transforms the room with festive theatrics, while on regular nights it leans moody and intimate with serious cocktails. The cooking plays a supporting role to the glass. Expect bartender-curated mezcal flights, balanced Palomas, and creative riffs like a cinnamon margarita. Snacks such as tamales and tiny tacos keep you going, but this is a drink-first spot where the value sweet spot is happy hour. The approach is contemporary and ingredient-driven rather than flashy, anchored by deep agave expertise. For families, this is primarily a bar with limited kid-friendly food. While chips, hummus, and mild tamales exist, the menu skews adult and portions run small. If you need a meal for picky eaters, plan dinner elsewhere and come here for tastings and cocktails.
At a Glance
- Elite mezcal and tequila selection with passionate, knowledgeable bartenders
- Strong happy hour values (mezcal flights and select drinks)
- Small portions on tacos/snacks; more bar bites than full meals
- Waits for drinks when crowded; occasional reservation hiccups
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- deep_mezcal_cellar
- education_forward_bartenders
- seasonal_miracle_popup
- private_tasting_room
What People Love
- Bartender-guided flights tailored to taste
- Rare and clay-distilled mezcals
- Cozy, moody interiors and festive pop-up vibe
- Happy hour deals that make exploring affordable
Points of Concern
- Taco portions are very small; better as a nibble than a meal
- Busy nights can mean 20-minute drink waits
- Occasional same-day reservation cancellation for private events frustrated guests
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$32-$48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with the happy hour mezcal flight, then add a Paloma; pair with a rajas y queso tamal or chips y salsa to keep focus on spirits.
Perfect For
- Mezcal education date night
- Pre- or post-dinner cocktails with snacks
- Small-group tastings and private celebrations
- Solo bar seat spirits exploration
Location Insights
Area: Bohemian, nightlife-heavy East Village/Alphabet City with a mix of locals and destination drinkers.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic at night; typical busy-bar street activity.
Nearby: Near East Village restaurants and bars; residential blocks with pockets of live-music and cocktail spots.
East VillageThe East Village offers a dynamic dining environment with a wide range of eateries from casual ethnic spots to trendy restaurants and bars. The social atmosphere is energetic and inclusive, often drawing a crowd interested in arts, music, and alternative culture.
Alphabet CityAlphabet City, part of the East Village, is known for its bohemian vibe, with many independent restaurants, bars, and music venues. It has a slightly edgier feel compared to the rest of East Village, attracting a crowd that appreciates a more underground and artistic scene.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–00:00
Thursday17:00–00:00
Friday17:00–01:00
Saturday16:00–01:00
Sunday
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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