Destination cocktail bar above Eleven Madison Park delivering creative drinks and refined vegetarian bites in an intimate, art-filled space; pricey, often booked, and better for adventurous palates than classic-only drinkers.
Clemente Bar exemplifies grade A standards through expert bartender knowledge, inventive vegetarian cuisine, and an iconic art-forward setting that justifies its destination status. Warm, attentive service and creative cocktail execution elevate the experience, though occasional seating discomfort and peak-hour pacing prevent it from reaching the highest tier. This is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and adventurous diners seeking refined hospitality in a deliberately cinematic space.
Slip upstairs from Eleven Madison Park into a jewel-box room where Clemente’s artwork frames a moody lounge and Studio counter. Service reads as warm and polished, and the tone is quietly celebratory. One guest summed it up: "The hospitality felt effortless, and the room just glows." Expect intimate vibes and a setting that feels deliberately cinematic. The cooking and mixology lean contemporary and creative—think Japanese-influenced flavors, plant-based plates, and cocktails that favor balance and texture over brute strength. Highlights like Endive Goddess, avocado inari, and a maitake skewer pair beautifully with thoughtful drinks such as Negroni Colada or Koji Café. If you worship the classics bone-dry and spirit-heavy, you may prefer the house martini while skipping a few sweeter, playful builds. For families, this is more of a grown-up lounge than a kid stop. The menu is entirely vegetarian with vegan options, featuring soba, potatoes, and inari pockets—great for adventurous eaters but not designed for children. No kids menu and low lounge tables make it better suited to date nights than family dinners.
Area vibe: Upscale, culture-and-dining heavy district by Madison Square Park; draws date nights, industry folks, and pre/post-dinner crowds.
Safety: Well-lit, high foot traffic, business and leisure mix; generally safe late into the evening.
What's nearby: Above Eleven Madison Park; near tech offices, boutique hotels, and Madison Square Park.
Try the Avocado Inari Pockets, Thrice Fried Potato and a maitake skewer for a clear sense of the menu.
Dress smart casual, be ready for cozy seating and a strict reservation policy with 2-hour limits.
An art-heavy, moody lounge with intimate, cinematic vibes and creative Japanese-leaning cocktails.