barmini by José Andrés

"There’s something dreamlike about the setting at José Andrés’s Barmini, which is outfitted in striking white with wild accents like a cactus couch. Reservations and a deposit are required to access the lengthy menu featuring more than 100 classic and experimental cocktails. There’s the option to choose a flight. Part of the fun is watching bartenders use cutting-edge technology and general wizardry to craft drinks right in front of patrons. Some change color, others arrive still smoking, and cotton candy may very well be an ingredient. A carved-out apple filled with bourbon is also a possibility. Small snacks that appeal to gourmands are also available." - Tierney Plumb

"There’s something dreamlike about the setting at José Andrés’s Barmini, which is outfitted in striking white with wild accents like a cactus couch. Reservations and a deposit are required to access the lengthy menu featuring more than 100 classic and experimental cocktails. There’s the option to choose a flight. Part of the fun is watching bartenders use cutting-edge technology and general wizardry to craft drinks right in front of patrons. Some change color, others arrive still smoking, and cotton candy may very well be an ingredient. A carved-out apple filled with bourbon is also a possibility. Small snacks that appeal to gourmands are also available." - Tierney Plumb, Travis Mitchell

"José Andrés’ elevated cocktail bar’s time-traveling fall cocktail flight features a hot rum and brown butter drink that relies on sobacha tea from neighboring minibar to provide a toasted barley flavor to the 1600s-inspired cocktail. The 1930s style Al Pastor Margarita gets its smooth texture and pork aroma from iberico jamon trimmings leftover from the Bazaar, which is infused into tequila." - Claudia Rosenbaum

"For a place that greets guests with a wall full of witch-like hands holding martini glasses, Pacman-style ghosts, and colored balls, Barmini takes itself a little too seriously. You have to ring a doorbell to get inside. Reservations last two hours and start promptly on time. And they lock the door behind you, like you’re in a cabin in the woods and not a fancy bar in the middle of the city. Skip the $110 six-course cocktail tasting, which is too cerebral for its own good, and stick to the standing bar menu. We especially like the vodka-based rocketship and a whiskey drink that’s frozen with liquid nitrogen and flipped upside down. There’s also a small food menu, but plan to eat before or after because the slightly dry grilled cheese isn’t enough to keep you upright through multiple beverages." - Tristiaña Hinton

"José Andrés’ elite cocktail den is best known for its inventive and over-the-top beverages, but there’s also bar bites worth trying too. One upscale snack features rectangular strips of grilled cheese featuring gorgonzola, brie, and white cheddar cooked in truffle butter." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb, Tim Ebner