Photo by Megan Simpson
Adjacent to Alici—chef Pat Pascarella’s coastal Italian restaurant in Midtown Promenade—is a new cocktail spot called Bar Pilar. Named after Ernest Hemingway’s boat in “the Old Man and the Sea,” Bar Pilar is intended as a laid-back escape from the hustle and bustle of Midtown.
Soulful and warm with dark walls, leather couches, and literary-inspired framed photos, the 1,350-square-foot space features about 15 tables, plus a full bar. Lead bartender Daniel Schmitz created a concise cocktail list with a clarified Hemingway daiquiri called the Six Toed Cat, a signature martini with shochu and citrus olive oil, and a savory Fitzgerald made with charred green onion vodka, gin, dry vermouth, and pickled onion. There’s an old-fashioned, Manhattan, and negroni, too. Beer offerings include both local and imported varieties. A few wines by the glass are available as well.
Photo by Megan Simpson
Photo by Megan Simpson
“At first, it was just a private event spot, but we wanted to turn it into someplace we’d actually want to hang out with killer food, affordable drinks, and none of that fussy, over-the-top stuff. Just give me a great burger and a bao,” says Pascarella, who leads the Porchetta Group in operating Grana, the White Bull, and Alici.
The menu features “snacks” like individual oysters, corn fritters, devilled eggs, and olives marinated with orange, rosemary, and garlic—best for noshing on with a beverage. Slightly larger, the “apps” include a KFC bao bun, roasted bone marrow, crispy oyster roll, and mussels in coconut curry. Those stopping by for dinner may be interested in the crispy chicken sandwich, bangers and polenta, or smashburger.
Bar Pilar is currently first-come, first serve. Guests can enter through Alici and check in with the host.
Photo by Megan Simpson
