DRINK: The Garret East [NYC]

Photo from hauteliving.com
Having been in Westchester for most of the summer, I feel like I've missed some awesome new openings.  I love a good cocktail bar and was happy to learn that The Garret has opened a new spot on Avenue A.
I was a big fan of the bar above Five Guys in the West Village before it was The Garret.  It was a dive where you could bring up your Five Guys and felt really cool because it was more or less hidden.  When The Garret opened I was intrigued to see what they did with the place and was pleasantly surprised although it didn't become a staple in my routine or anything.
But perhaps now that The Garret East opened way closer to my apartment, it may be added to my cocktail bar routine.  The space itself feels very chic but also welcoming.  There are couches in the front and booths lining the side.  The bar is big enough for plenty of people to sit as well.
The cocktail menu was kind of interesting.  I went for something safe (the cocktail menu isn't online yet so I can't remember exactly) with whiskey.  It claimed to have a banana flavor which I was a little nervous about, but it turned out to be so good that I ended up having two!  The banana flavor was light and actually went really well with the bourbon.  And I love a good whiskey ice cube.
I think I like The Garret East better than its sister in the West Village.  The space is bigger and a little more welcoming.  Definitely check it out next time you're in the neighborhood!
The Garret East
206 Avenue A
New York, NY