The newest hidden bar to hit New York City, Mezcaleria La Milagrosa in Williamsburg is hidden behind a freezer door inside a Mexican bodega – a front for the agave bar and listening room behind. The former space was once a laundromat, but it’s impossible to tell in the intimate, hidden bar that feels like a mix between a forest cabin and a train car.
La Milagrosa is essentially an extension of Cerveceria Havemeyer next door, owned by chef and entrepreneur Felipe Mendez, though the two are not connected for the public. After hours, you’ll find a hostess seated next to the freezer door, in front of an old school red phone. It connects to another phone inside, where the bartenders pick up. The phone line is more than just for show, though: La Milagrosa is reservation only – no walk-ins.
Mendez is also a dedicated DJ who spins every Friday at Lot Radio (the station run out of a shipping container on an the empty lot in Greenpoint) and the design of La Milagrosa reflects that. The top of the line sound system, with McIntosh receiver and Klipsch speakers, is front and center at this bar, along with a DJ booth in the back which would have been a nook for guests in any other bar. Mexican tiles line the long bar and the curved ceiling enhances the acoustic sensibilities of the space. The freezer door is completely soundproof, truly concealing what’s behind.
There’s no menu in place yet but there’s a full offering of mezcal and tequila. The friendly bartenders make a solid margarita, with a dash of Grand Marnier, as well as a “New Fashioned” with mezcal, orange bitters and cocktail sugar. You can order house made ceviches, supplied by the cerveceria next door and the deli out front is fully operational, offering Mexican specialities, fresh squeezed juice and coffee.
Michelle is the founder of Untapped New York and the author of The Art Spy (HarperOne, forthcoming) Secret Brooklyn, Secret New York Hidden Bars & Restaurants, and Broadway. michelleyoungwriter.com
