Bar of the Week: SURYA in the West Village of NYC

Surya, the stylish Indian restaurant, has returned to the West Village on Bleecker Street with an exciting beverage program. Their Happy Hour is everyday, including weekends from 4 pm to 8 pm. It's a perfect place to stop by for a cocktail after work with friends or to enjoy a drink before dinner. Happy Hour is only available at their bar area.

Surya is offering $6 handcrafted cocktails, $5 beer, and $5 house red and white wines at their military-inspired granite bar, complete with Edison bulbs and surrounded by antique photographs. The cocktail menu offers a range of variations on the classics, many with a special Indian flare, like the Desi Rum Punch that is crafted with Indian Old Monk Rum, pineapple juice, fresh lime juice, and garnished with Chaat Masala, a traditional Indian spice powder mix. The Indian Rose is composed of Absolut Mandarin, citrus rum, peach schnapps, cranberry juice, and garnished with actual rose petals. It is another can't miss option, beautifully presented and equally as satisfying to the palette. The beer selection is eclectic, with Indian staples like the 1947 Lager and King Fischer, to domestic craft options like Braven Bushwick Pilsner from Brooklyn and Speakeasy Prohibition Amber Ale from California.

Your drink of choice will go great with some of the popular Colonial Street Chaats that Surya offers. These treats include the crispy, savory Spinach Palak Moong Chaat that are crackers made from batter-dipped flash-fried spinach and layered with sprouted lentils, lemon, onion, and tomato, which are designed to be eaten out of hand. And Surya's Famous Baby Lamb Chops, perfectly tender and served with yogurt and a special warm house sauce. For something a bit lighter, the Savoury Scallops are pan-sautéed and tossed in a sweet and tangy tamarind-coconut sauce. There's something for everyone.

Surya is located at 154 Bleecker Street. Visit www.suryanyc.com or call 212-875-1405. They are open Mon-Fri for lunch from 12-3 and dinner Mon-Thurs from 5pm-11pm and 5pm-11:30pm on Friday. Sat from noon-11:30pm, Sun from noon to 11pm. Delivery and catering are also available.

Photo Credit: Jason Greenspan