Bar of the Week: MANHATTAN CRICKET CLUB on the UWS

There's no other place in the New York City area like it. Manhattan Cricket Club is part of the Burke and Wills Australian Bistro on the Upper West Side. And now with their special "Martini Service" that starts on June 15th, there's even more reason to stop by this stylish spot.

Their martinis along with the finest accoutrements will refresh and relax you from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am daily.

The Manhattan Cricket Club is an escapist throwback to the Colonial Era, the British Empire at the turn of the 20th Century that pays homage to the classic cricket clubs in Australia complete with cricket paraphernalia and photographs of players.

Housed in an apartment restored to its original layout and aesthetic, it is located on the second floor, accessed through a stairway behind an upholstered door (hidden in plain sight), the Manhattan Cricket Club is a place where guests can experience the full range of Greg Seider's classic and bespoke cocktails, including his special tea cocktails, as well as boutique champagnes, exotic aperitifs, top shelf spirits and wines in a luxurious setting. The décor includes a wood paneled living room and library (with real books) with an oriental rug, gold brocade wallpaper, leather sofas, and all the comforts of home. The marble bar is filled with everything you can imagine and more-handcrafted tinctures, syrups and bitters, garnishes, imported teas, and the proper style of ice for each drink.

In addition to the latest martini service, the cocktail menu designed exclusively by Greg Seider for the club are built with special care. The Rolling Stones-inspired "Just A Kiss Away" is composed with a house infusion of lemongrass and black pepper, Plymouth gin, lemon juice, and topped with cava. The "Bonfire Of The Calamities" has the fresh flavor of Southeast Asia, with kaffir lime-infused Russian Standard vodka, fresh lemon, agave, and smoky bonfire spritz. Paying special tribute to the traditional test cricket match tea break and colonial India, "I'll Have Another" features Santa Teresa 1796 rum, garam masala spiced syrup, fresh Lime, club soda and shaved ginger. A selection of small plates including cheese platters, salmon rillettes, assorted house-made pickles and mixed olives are offered to accompany the drinks.

A private club that is open to the public, the Manhattan Cricket Club offers exclusivity without snobbery. When space permits, all are welcome. It is a gentleman's club where women are equally welcome. But membership does have its privileges: priority seating with guests on a walk-in basis, reservations, access to member only events, gatherings and tastings, private liquor lockers, the opportunity to book a room or the entire apartment for private functions, and private menus with advanced ordering. Membership is your reward. For more information on how to join, visit the website at http://www.mccnewyork.com.

Manhattan Cricket Club is located at 226 W 79 th Street, 646-823-9251, www.burkeandwillsny.com and is open seven days a week for cocktails, bar snacks, dinner, late night and weekend brunch: Mon-Wed 4pm-midnight; Thurs-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight. For more information, on private parties and special events, please contact Matilda Boland at matilda@burkeandwillsny.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Burke and Wills

To post a comment, you must register and login.