The Velvet Mule
House-infused bourbon, fresh ginger, lime juice, Angostura bitters over hand-chiseled ice.
$19
Est. 1958 — Midtown Manhattan
Where Every NightBecomes a Story
Craft cocktails, live jazz, and the kind of room that makes you stay longer than you planned. Manhattan nightlife, done right.
Our Story
Manhattan's Most Storied Cocktail Lounge
Born in a Midtown basement in 1958, Velvet & Rye has poured drinks for jazz legends, film icons, and the Manhattan regulars who keep the city's soul alive. We don't chase trends — we set them.
Every cocktail is built from scratch. Every bottle is chosen with intention. Every barstool has heard a story worth telling. This is not a theme bar. This is a place.
66+
Years Open
120+
Spirits Curated
4.9
Google Rating
Craft Cocktails
Signature Drinks
Balanced by hand. Built with seasonal ingredients, house-made syrups, and spirits worth the glass.
Rye Reviver
Aged rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Luxardo cherry, house orange bitters. Our Manhattan, perfected.
$21
Crimson Garden
Mezcal, blood orange, Campari, fresh lime, aquafaba foam, charred rosemary sprig.
$18
The 1958
Our oldest recipe. Dark rum, Fernet-Branca, cold brew concentrate, chocolate espresso ice.
$22
Neon Sour
Hendrick's gin, elderflower tonic, cucumber, fresh basil, egg white foam. Light, complex, alive.
$17
Smoked Old Fashioned
Booker's bourbon, raw Demerara sugar, orange bitters, served in a cherrywood-smoked glass.
$24
Full menu available in-house · Seasonal specials change weekly
Weekly Programming
Reserve Your Spot
What's On This Week
TUE
Tue
TASTING
Whiskey Tasting Night
Guided flight of 5 rare single malts with our head sommelier. Limited to 20 guests. Includes artisan cheese pairing and tasting notes card.
7:00 pm — 9:30 pm
WED
Wed
LIVE MUSIC
Jazz & Cocktails
The Marcus Trio performs classic bebop and cool jazz every Wednesday. No cover charge. Full cocktail menu available at the bar and every table.
8:00 pm — 11:30 pm
THU
Thu
POP-UP BAR
The Speakeasy Hour
Secret menu unlocked every Thursday. Ask your bartender for the password. Prohibition-era cocktails at 1930s-inspired prices — one per guest.
9:00 pm — Midnight
FRI
Fri
LIVE MUSIC
Friday Night Residency
Our rotating weekend band brings soul, R&B, and jazz fusion to the main floor. Table reservations strongly advised on Fridays.
9:00 pm — 1:30 am
SAT
Sat
NIGHTLIFE
Late Night Social
The bar at its best. DJ sets begin at midnight. Craft cocktails, curated natural wines, and a late-night bites menu served until 1am.
7:00 pm — 2:00 am
SUN
Sun
BRUNCH
Jazz Brunch
Bottomless brunch cocktails — mimosas, bloodies, and house spritzes — with a full brunch menu. Sunday is sacred here.
12:00 pm — 3:00 pm
Photo Gallery
Inside Velvet & Rye
Private Events
Your Night, Your Rules
From intimate birthday dinners to full venue buyouts, Velvet & Rye handles every detail. Our private dining room accommodates up to 40 guests with a dedicated bar and a custom cocktail menu built around your occasion.
Corporate events, brand activations, and press nights are a specialty. Our events team will work around your vision, timeline, and budget.
Table Reservations
Tables available nightly from 5pm. Walk-ins warmly welcomed, but reservations are strongly recommended Thursday through Saturday. Same-day slots available by phone.