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New York City is teeming with unique cocktail venues that provide memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike. Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room and Starchild Rooftop are such locales tucked into the heart of Manhattan’s Theater District.
Alec Kass, beverage director at Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room and Starchild Rooftop in New York City, says Rosevale Cocktail Room draws its name from the historic Rosevale farms that once graced the now-neon-vibrant neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen.
“This moniker serves as a nostalgic nod to the area's past, channeling the serene essence of this idyllic locale,” Kass says. “We proudly position ourselves as a beacon of hospitality akin to the legendary Elysium fields that once thrived here.”
Decadent Design
Rosevale Kitchen & Cocktail Room’s uniqueness is underscored by its location, nestled amidst the bustling energy of Broadway.
“The very ambiance of the Cocktail Room pays homage to the golden era when Broadway saloons held sway, not only in New York but across the globe. It's a thoughtful blend of nostalgia and innovation,” Kass says.
Cocktails aren’t the only thing here that are crafted with meticulous care. Kass and the team at Rosevale have crafted an oasis where guests can escape the everyday hustle. In fact, the Rosevale Cocktail Room has emerged as a haven where the past and future converge, redefining the spirit of this remarkable neighborhood.
“The Cocktail Room is one of timeless elegance and comfort. Designed by architect David Rockwell, our space strikes a harmonious balance between history and modernity,” Kass says. “It's not confined to a specific time period but artfully combines elements that pay tribute to the illustrious history of Broadway saloons while offering a contemporary and inviting setting.”
What Rosevale’s patrons find most captivating about the establishment is the feeling of stepping into a world steeped in the allure of theater and sophistication.
“The warm, dimly lit surroundings, accentuated by carefully curated vintage touches, transport them to an era of glamour and charm,” Kass says. “Our commitment to detail is evident in every facet, from plush velvet seating complemented by leather banquettes to the grandeur of towering curtains and stage-lit dioramas. These elements collectively create an inviting space that fosters relaxation and meaningful conversation.”
Operating a bar and restaurant in a hotel setting, such as the Civilian Hotel where Rosevale resides, presents a unique dynamic compared to a standalone location. As Kass points out, they have the privilege of serving a diverse clientele, including locals and neighborhood residents, international travelers, individuals new to New York City, and of course, the 200 rooms’ worth of hotel guests.
“This rich blend of patrons from various backgrounds and walks of life adds a distinctive and exciting dimension to the space,” Vass says. “The Cocktail Room is unique in the fact that it wouldn’t work anywhere else in the city except for right here in Hell’s Kitchen, nestled into the Civilian Hotel.”
Memorable Concoctions
Without question, Rosevale’s signature drink is its Rosevale Irish Coffee, a drink that went viral with over a million views within the first two weeks of its offering.
“Prepared table side, a diorama of winter/autumn/chai spices are infused via a Japanese Yama Siphon into a blend of Irish whiskey, French Apple Brandy, and Italian Coffee, which gets topped with a homemade cider donut cream and fresh shavings from a five-pound Hershey’s kiss,” Kass says. “The trick here is that this isn’t just flash and theater – it’s also undeniably delicious.”
For those seeking different adventures in a glass, Rosevale offers a variety of options. The “Jungle Cruise,” a fan favorite, is their unique take on the Negroni, French 75, and Pina Colada.
“It's a remarkably easy-to-drink creation that never disappoints,” says Kass, who is introducing new offerings such as the Spring of Deception. Reminiscent of a Sazerac, this drink combines old world-inspired amari with Highland Scotch and a “blue” chartreuse to “evoke the feeling of a consecrated bathhouse hidden amongst the Alps. A cloud of wild lavender concealing the drink before the first sip lends a whisper of mystery.”
Focus on Vermouth
With the increasing popularity of low-ABV drinks, Kass has seen an increase in the popularity of vermouth. At the Cocktail Room, their vermouth program aligns seamlessly with the venue’s mission to pioneer new horizons with a focus on tradition and how it meets today.
“With dozens of unique variations, vermouth has been embraced by royalty and writers, artists, and philosophers alike. It has served as a creative inspiration for works of art and literature and as the liquid muse for philosophical discussions,” Kass says. “Our extensive collection allows guests to journey through eras, regions, feelings, and countries – each bottle revealing exotic botanicals, spilling secrets, and transporting the drinker with every sip. We wanted to create an epicenter for vermouth lovers to immerse themselves in the collection and let its magic open up a world of enjoyment and indulgence and to celebrate the legacy and traditions of vermouth!”
Photo: Amy Elisabeth Spasoff for Rosevale Cocktail Room
Food That Pairs Well With Cocktails
The Rosevale aims to be more than just an extension of the neighborhood, and strives to stand out with food that serves as a perfect pairing for any cocktail experience.
Among their favorites are the various small bites, including the Wagyu Cheesesteak Slider and the Lobster Rolls. These dishes offer a tantalizing combination of flavors and textures that keep guests coming back for more.
“For those looking to indulge, [we have] our Caviar and Chips pairing, which I always recommend with a bottle of champagne,” Kass says. “It provides a luxurious experience that's truly unforgettable when paired with our live jazz bands.”
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