Lady Blue

Up in Lady Blue

On Valentine’s Day, we decided to step off the beaten path and try something new. While wandering through Hell’s Kitchen, we stumbled upon a cozy, unassuming bar that caught our attention. That night, we had no idea that this spontaneous stop would turn into one of the most delightful experiences we’ve had in a while. The place is called Lady Blue, and while it’s technically a bar, it offers much more than just drinks. They serve full meals, and the whole vibe of the place instantly captured our hearts. If you’re ever in the area, it’s definitely a must-visit!

The Space

Lady Blue is tucked away just below street level. To get there, you walk down a short flight of stairs, which gives the place a somewhat hidden, secretive feel. As you step inside, you’re immediately greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere. To your left is the bar area, with a polished wooden counter and a selection of spirits that beckon you to try a new cocktail. On the right, the dining tables are spaced out for an intimate yet lively feel, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a relaxed dinner with a great drink in hand.

Although we had already eaten dinner before arriving, we opted to take a seat at the bar and enjoy the drinks instead.

That night, Lady Blue was filled with couples celebrating Valentine’s Day, each enjoying dinner paired with a glass or two of wine.

The energy was undeniably romantic, but not overly intense. There was a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern chic that made the place feel like both a classy hangout and a cozy retreat. The moment we sat down, we couldn’t help but admire how the bartender worked - carefully crafting each cocktail with precision. Watching the process felt like its own mini performance, and we were hooked.

The decor was a blend of dark wood, soft lighting, and industrial touches - think exposed brick walls, vintage lighting fixtures, and antique mirrors. Every detail seemed thoughtfully chosen, contributing to the overall inviting ambiance of the space.

What We Ordered

Given that we weren’t too hungry, we opted to focus on drinks for the night. Here’s what we tried:

• Bordeaux Red Blend
• Pink Dragon
• Up in Smoke
• Old Fashioned

Each of these drinks had its own unique flair, and I’ve broken them down below, along with our thoughts on each.

Bordeaux Red Blend

The first drink we had was a Bordeaux Red Blend. A French red wine, it was deep, full-bodied, and rich with flavor. It wasn’t sweet in the least, which we absolutely loved. Many people think of red wine as being overly heavy or too bitter, but this one struck a perfect balance. We didn’t have much of a selection for reds that night, but we gave this one a try, and we both agreed it was a fantastic choice. The wine paired beautifully with the vibe of the bar - luxurious yet not too pretentious.

The price was also a pleasant surprise. For a wine of such quality, it was a great deal, especially considering the atmosphere of the bar. Many wine bars tend to overcharge, but this place seemed to find the sweet spot between quality and affordability.

Pink Dragon

Next up was the Pink Dragon cocktail. This one, unfortunately, didn’t quite hit the mark for us. It was a sweet cocktail, almost dessert-like, and while we can certainly see how people who enjoy fruity or sugary drinks would love it, it just wasn’t our thing. The flavor was a bit too cloying for our tastes, and we quickly realized that it wasn’t the right drink for our palate. We shared one glass, and then we moved on to something else.

That said, if you’re someone who enjoys a more sugary, fruit-forward drink, the Pink Dragon might be right up your alley. It had an attractive pink hue, which made it look like a fun, Instagram-worthy drink, but for us, it was a one-time thing.

Up in Smoke

Now, here’s where the night really took off: the Up in Smoke cocktail. This drink is one of Lady Blue’s signature cocktails, and it’s as dramatic as it is delicious. When they served it, the bartender placed a lit tobacco leaf over the drink, which caused the smoke to billow around the glass. It wasn’t just a drink; it was a whole experience.

We were both completely captivated by the flavor. The Up in Smoke was smoky, but not in an overpowering way - just enough to add depth and intrigue to the taste. And it wasn’t too sweet, which is something we really appreciate in cocktails. There’s nothing worse than a drink that’s cloyingly sugary.

Interestingly, we had a moment of curiosity when we saw the tobacco leaf. At first, we wondered if it was something stronger, but the bartender reassured us that it was simply regular tobacco.

To our surprise, even though we both usually find the smell of cigarettes off-putting, the tobacco aroma was subtle and pleasant. It actually reminded us more of incense - something calming, like lavender or a herbal scent. It added a beautiful, unique touch to the overall experience without being overwhelming.

If you’re a fan of smoky cocktails with a complex flavor profile, Up in Smoke is an absolute must-try. The entire process of preparing it - watching the smoke rise and infuse the air - made it feel like a ritual, adding to the drama and allure of the drink. It was, without a doubt, the highlight of the evening.

Old Fashioned

Last but not least, we ordered a classic Old Fashioned. It was exactly what you would expect from this staple cocktail: well-balanced, smooth, and expertly crafted. While there was nothing particularly unique about this drink compared to others we’ve had, it was still a solid choice. Sometimes, you don’t need a cocktail with a fancy twist; you just want something that’s perfectly made. That’s what the Old Fashioned provided—a simple, timeless drink that hits all the right notes.

Should You Go?

By the end of the night, we were both a little tipsy—not just from the drinks, but from the incredible atmosphere of Lady Blue. The cozy vibe, the expertly crafted cocktails, and the intriguing decor all combined to make for an unforgettable experience. We couldn’t stop talking about how much we wanted to return.

We also saw this chic couple having a full dinner with wine at one of the tables, and it looked absolutely wonderful. The food appeared to complement the drinks perfectly, and we’re definitely planning to return next time to try the full dining experience.

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy expertly crafted cocktails in a welcoming, stylish environment, Lady Blue is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just someone looking for a great place to unwind, this bar is sure to impress.

Stay tuned for part two of our Lady Blue experience, where we’ll dive into their food offerings and give you an update on the full dining experience.😉