New Cocktail Bar and Restaurant Opens in Manhattan’s West Village

On Nov. 19, a modern cocktail bar and restaurant debuted in Manhattan’s West Village. Led by industry veterans Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic and Bratislav Glisic, Dear Strangers brings diverse cultural influences together in a casual but upscale space where cocktails are the focal point.

© Andrea Grujic

Dear Strangers showcases bold flavors through both classic and innovative drinks. For example, the Angie combines gin, maracuya (Brazilian passion fruit) and matcha, while Star Treatment is a concoction of sotol, cilantro syrup, coconut milk and lime. Other cocktails draw inspiration from the classics, but with a modern twist, such as Smokin’ Bandit, made with rye whiskey, peated Scotch, lemon and yuzu soda.

There’s even a dedicated section for gin and tonics, a personal favorite of Radulovic. Expect different interpretations of the traditional gin and tonic, including Spanish- and Indian-style variations like The Hindu Times, which blends toasted cumin, fenugreek, pomelo and house-made tonic. The Supersonic Gin & Tonic offerings, meanwhile, draw from Oasis’ hit song “Supersonic,” which includes the lyrics “I’m supersonic, give me a gin & tonic.” These drinks are paired with homemade tonics.

Smokin’ Bandit © Andrea Grujic

In addition to a unique drink menu, Dear Strangers features a food menu celebrating Latin American flavors with a modern American twist. Dishes include Green Aguachile (clarified cucumber, serrano, lime water, shrimp, jicama, cilantro, onion and the catch of the day served with tostadas); Bisque de Tigre Chilaquiles (lobster and prawn in a warm citric sauce, topped with a fried quail egg, cilantro and tortilla chips); and Cheesecake Buñuelo (soft cream cheese, buñuelo toast, sweet potato, and an orange and vanilla tonka bean ice cream with cilantro).

Dear Strangers is located at the intersection of West 4^th Street and 6^th Avenue, open Sunday–Thursday, 5 p.m.–1 a.m., and Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m.–2 a.m.