04 - to the 63rd Floor please?
By Destiny M.
Suprise! Making my way to an Art Deco-design in one of the many buildings that spread about New York. This particular building is located in the Manhattan Financial District.
Built in 1932 by Clinton & Russell, Holton & George, it was known as the Cities Service Building and it is just shy of 1 million square feet. It was considered one of the tallest buildings in the world at one point in time.
The lobby boasts of rustic marble, lining the walls and used all the way down to the patterned flooring. The custom, semi-flush ceiling lights create a burst of angled shadows that bounce off the bronze trim and walls on its beveled surfaces.
The design is very linear a fact which helps draw your eyes up just as you would be looking at the building from a street view.
The materials used for the motifs on the handrails, panels, and the large corbels all pay homage to the exterior of the commercial space.
The contrast of a warm marbles and burlwoods with the aluminum panel being the perceived colder material, but they coexist well together, providing an inviting entrance to the space or should I say, many spaces, as it holds other establishments such as offices and other restaurants as well.
And we are off...Welcome to Overstory.
Walking to this gem felt fun but secretive as you are guided through a winding vertical staircase. It almost felt as though a membership was the only way to get in, but somehow we found a way to you know...crash it?
It was a cozy environment that provided a seated bar and tabled arrangements, and lively music with a magical disco ball that sets the mood as the night goes on. So, in true fashion, we opted for the front row show at the bar.
In light of that, can we normalize talking to random people again? Had we sat at that bar and kept to ourselves, we would have missed it...
INTERMISSION
Moons ago, had the opportunity to wine and dine at The Clumsies, located in Athens, Greece. It has and continues to be ranked in the top 50 for best bars in the WORLD. If you end up in Greece, check it out because it does have delicious cocktail variations that change every trip. But, long story short, the bartender at Overstory was also familiar with The Clumsies as they had worked with them before! Small world. That interaction plus it being a celebration, just felt like we were truly meant to be there in that moment. To the bartender, if you ever read this, thanks for the chat!
Back to the Over story
The menu, like many fine-”baring” experiences, change over time so always enjoy and savor the moment because what you enjoy now may not be there the next visit (speaking from personal trial).The menu is a la carte, which is just a fancy way of saying, ordering individual dishes rather than a whole meal with sides.
Bar bites are the fav and most convenient way to eat in this type of atmosphere. The taquitos, truffled-grilled cheese, and a beef tartare paired with the most delicious drinks in town.
Stamp of approval
This is one of those cocktails that should hopefully be kept for a while. Just a pop of goodness. It is great when restaurants and bars tie in a narrative through their dishes, design, and presentation.
As this cute-little cocktail is being made, if you step out ever so slightly you will be greeted by an outdoor balcony gives 360 views of the entire city. Recommend going around sunset into night as you’ll catch an amazing view.
The view of the whole freaking city!
Overstory really set the tone for how to enjoy a speakeasy at the top of NYC. From the great hospitality, the disco ball & jams, the upscale bar bites, and a room hugging you back with the warm, maroon-velvet banquettes that envelope the room.
Until next time...
Although walk-ins are an option, set up a reservation to catch the full feeling of what the #6 best bar in the world offers. At the Overstory.
