Lillie’s

Photograph: Roxana Marroquin

You’ve seen it before—an attractive bar with a thoughtful booze selection spoiled by an annoying clientele. So it is at beautiful Flatiron newcomer Lillie’s. The interior—inspired by turn-of-the-20th-century British actor Lillie Langtry—features 1800s portraiture, ornate columns and faux candlelighting straight out of Barry Lyndon. All this finery makes for a sharp contrast with the dude-heavy after-work crowd. The stuffy, investment-banker types who have colonized the place seem oblivious to Lillie’s serious ambitions. One evening, the recently tieless crew was saddled up elbow to elbow at the massive, 54-foot marble bar, while an eclectic soundtrack—British electronic band Hot Chip preceded by a soulful ’70s Bobby Womack jam—warbled on. But instead of taking in the scenery, the crowd was glued to a Yankees game. Like the design, the drinks list is a study in taste, hinging on choice wines by the glass, rare whiskeys (including nine Glenmorangie Scotches) and a broad collection of craft beers. A tiny tap dispensing Bud Light seems humbled in the company of a 20-plus roster of mostly European drafts, like a brawny Delirium Tremens ($8) and refreshing Gaffel Kölsch ($6). There’s even an easy-drinking proprietary wine—the Langtry selections by the glass hail from a California vineyard that was once presided over by Lillie herself. The label’s sturdy, aromatic cabernet paired surprisingly well with pub grub like a greasy but wholly satisfying steak sandwich (skip the bloated, overbattered fish-and-chips). Once the sun sets and the suits vacate their barstools, Lillie’s is easy to enjoy. Call it an after after-work spot.—TONY

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