Eel Bar

Eel Bar, a Basque-influenced neighborhood bar and restaurant from the team behind Cervo's, Hart's, and The Fly, sits on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The space is a study in restrained European confidence: dark-stained wood, mirrors, low lighting, and green corduroy booths create an intimate, moody atmosphere. The bar room features long drink rails, while two dining rooms overlook an open kitchen. The menu changes daily, offering pintxos, tapas, conservas, sherries, and prepared vermouths; a potato salad with octopus has been praised for tasting authentically Spanish. Service is friendly and helpful, and the wine list has many options. The interior makes a strong impression, though it can get a bit loud and crowded, and low lighting may not suit photographers. Arriving before 5:30 PM on weekends can secure a bar seat, but by 6 PM standing may be the only option. It's a great date spot, especially when building a meal from pintxos and tapas at the U-shaped bar.