Dante's Cafe NYC: Savoring Plant-Based Delights in the City

Can a drinks-first spot still be a go-to for plant-forward, health-minded diners? We asked the same question before our first visit, and the answer surprised us.

Founded in 1915 as Caffé Dante, this Greenwich Village original evolved into a modern-classic cocktail destination under new leadership in 2015. The vibe favors bold drinks, with a famed Negroni focus, but the kitchen leans into produce-forward plates that pair smartly with cocktails.

We’ll show you how to enjoy the room’s energy without derailing your goals. Expect friendly service, brisk pacing, and a menu that balances refined cocktails with approachable, plant-based bites.

In short: whether you’re planning a date, a solo drink, or a lively night out in new york, you’ll learn timing tips, ordering ideas, and value-minded moves to make the most of this city spot while keeping health in mind.

Why This Product Review of Dante’s Matters Right Now

At a moment when craft drinking and approachable dining collide, this Greenwich Village spot demands a closer look. We’re reviewing it now because its mix of century-old roots and modern bar craft puts it among the most talked-about cocktail bars and the best bars in New York.

We want you to use this review for practical decisions: when to go, what to order, and how to avoid long waits. Table reservations usually require food orders. Bar seats are walk-in only and harder to snag.

What we cover for you:

• Timing tips and happy pricing windows to save money and time.

• Which seats give the best view of the bar action and when the room is liveliest.

• How award recognition translates to consistent, tighter execution on classics.

First Impressions: An Elegant Greenwich Village Cocktail Destination

Step inside and the candlelit brick and plush banquettes set a warm, polished tone that feels both intimate and lively.

This spot reads like a true neighborhood favorite with global pull. Dates, tourists, and Negroni fans cluster near the bar while small groups and solo sippers settle into banquettes for conversation.

The place functions as a hybrid cocktail bar and restaurant, where cocktails lead but the food supports every round. First pours move fast; bartenders craft classics and riffs, and servers steer you through pairings.

• You’ll notice crisp service flow and thoughtful garnishes that elevate each drink.

• Crowd cadence shifts from mellow afternoons to buzzy evenings—arrive early for quieter conversation.

• Staff can ease you into bitter profiles if you’re Negroni-curious and offer quick starter recommendations.

Bottom line: whether you want a full sit-down evening or a focused round before dinner elsewhere, the efficient pace and polished details make this a reliable, lively spot to enjoy drinks in the neighborhood.

dante's cafe nyc: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Knowing how seating and ordering work here saves time and keeps the night flowing. We’ll outline the neighborhood vibe and the practical rules so you can plan a smooth visit.

Neighborhood vibe and who it’s for

The room skews chic but friendly. You’ll find it perfect for date nights, pre-show sips, or a quick solo stop to sample house signatures.

Banquettes make for cozy conversation. Bar-adjacent tables suit people who like watching the builds and the bartenders at work.

Reservations, walk-ins, and the table rule

Important: tables require ordering food. This house rule keeps the dining room balanced and moving.

Walk-ins can sit at the bar and order drinks without food, but bar seats are limited and go fast around peak time windows.

• Book dining room tables ahead; popular nights fill quickly.

• Consider earlier or later slots to reduce waits and get more space to settle in.

• Have a short list of snacks ready so you can order efficiently and keep the pace relaxed.

• If meeting friends, sync arrival times so the group is seated together without delay.

Quick tip: Expect helpful guidance on portions and pairings so you can match drinks and food without fuss.

From 1915 to Present: How Caffé Dante Became a Global Bar Icon

From a 1915 neighborhood hangout to an international bar destination, the story tracks New York’s changing tastes.

Old-world roots and modern acclaim

Opened to serve Italian immigrants, the original Greenwich Village location kept an easy hospitality that felt familiar to locals.

Under new stewardship since 2015, we saw service tighten and the program modernize. Precise builds, consistent temperatures, and elegant garnishes became the norm.

2019 World’s Best Bar recognition

The 2019 nod on the global list put the venue among the best bars in the world.

That award drove international visitors, but regulars kept the room grounded. The mix of travelers and locals made it both a travel destination and a reliable neighborhood spot.

• Evolution: café to city cocktail powerhouse with global visibility.

• Post-2015: tightened execution and a modern service rhythm.

• Locations: the original Greenwich Village anchor and a West Village sibling for different moods.

The Vibe: Candlelit Brick, Banquettes, and a Drinks-First Culture

When the lights drop low and the candles take over, the room turns into a warm, buzzy refuge for evening plans. The brick walls and plush banquettes make it feel intimate, yet welcoming to friends and small groups alike.

Functionally a restaurant, the energy still flows from the bar. You’ll notice precise builds, showy garnishes, and a steady shaker rhythm that gives the place a true bar heartbeat.

The air carries espresso and bright citrus alongside the clink of glass. That espresso note keeps the room grounded—part dessert, part wake-up call—while cocktails shape the tempo.

Food here supports the sip: shareable plates paced to keep glasses moving without rushing dinner. Servers read the room and adapt—slow service for long conversations, quicker when you need one round before a show.

• At night the lights dim and the room hums with a date-forward glow.

• Best spots for people-watching face the bar; quieter pockets hide in back banquettes.

• Consistent temperature and dilution mean cocktails arrive balanced and clear.

Signature Cocktail Programs That Define the House Style

Behind the counter you'll find clearly defined menu tracks that make choosing a drink feel purposeful. We guide you through the main lines so you can pick a direction and stick to it.

The Negroni list, on-tap service, and a chocolate riff

Start with the Negroni offerings. The house Negroni sits on tap for a clean texture and steady balance, which keeps pours uniform on busy nights.

The chocolate variation is subtle—dusted with grated Valrhona—so the cocoa plays off Campari without overwhelming the bitter core.

Spritzes, vermouth service, and a fluffy Garibaldi

Spritzes here skew crisp and herbal, great for easing into the lineup. Vermouth arrives chilled in a stemmed glass with frozen grapes to hold aromatics.

The Garibaldi is all about texture: frothy, fresh-squeezed orange juice gives a soft, cloud-like top over a bittersweet base.

Martini nuances and the “wet” house martini

The martini list favors nuance. Ask for a gin-forward tweak if you want more juniper, or a lower-bitter version to soften the edge.

The house version runs a touch wet, which makes it silkier and less sharp—ideal if you prefer elegance over high-proof bite.

• Negroni on tap: consistency and clarity.

• Vermouth service: chilled, aromatic, playful frozen grapes.

• Martini: nuanced, slightly wet, easily customized.

Negroni Hour in Greenwich Village: $10 Classics from 3-5 PM

Negroni Hour turns the late afternoon into a focused tasting slot where $10 pours make experimenting easy. It runs daily from 3:00–5:00 PM, and reservations are recommended if you want a table.

Arrive right at 3 PM to beat the after-work rush. You’ll get a better seat and time to watch the team craft each cocktail.

How to time your visit and what to order first

Start with the house Negroni on tap. The texture is silky and gives you a clear benchmark for the rest of the list.

• Aim to be there at 3 PM to secure a spot before crowds swell.

• Bring a card and settle credit quickly—$10 pours move fast and it smooths the tab.

• Order water and a small snack to pace the session; Negronis grow more intense with each round.

Standouts: Mezcalito, Bianco, and Chocolate Negroni

Try the Mezcalito for smoky depth that stays balanced. The Bianco is lighter and floral, perfect between richer sips.

If you like dessert-adjacent bitterness, the chocolate version lands softly with cacao and Punt e Mes richness.

Martini Hour in the West Village: Same Time, Different Mood

A different energy awaits in the West Village: friendlier regulars, clearer builds, and more elbow room.

Martini Hour runs 3–5 PM daily with a $10 martini lineup that feels cooler and more focused than the original location. The bar here is reserved for walk-ins, while the dining room still requires a booking and a food order.

We like this location for pre-dinner rounds or a dedicated tasting session. Bartenders are happy to talk gin preferences and dilution. Their technique is fast, exact, and calm—perfect if you enjoy the show of precise, icy service.

• The room reads like a neighborhood hang: fewer visitors, more regulars, and extra elbow room if you time it right.

• Signature pours include a crisp Hugo spritz and a frothy Garibaldi alongside martini options.

• Walk up early to snag the best bar seats, or reserve the dining room if you plan to snack while you sip.

Bottom line: dante west offers consistent cocktails and a friendly night vibe that locals love.

Food at Dante: Italian-ish Plates That Support the Sip

Plates arrive with purpose: snackable, shareable, and calibrated to keep the focus on your drink.

Start light — burrata with preserved tomatoes or a flatbread topped with salty cheese and pancetta anchor the table well.

The orecchiette with sausage and broccolini brings chew and savor that stands up to bitter cocktails without stealing the show.

Snack-friendly flatbreads and burrata

• Flatbreads: salty cheese, pancetta, thin crust — great for sharing.

• Burrata: creamy center, preserved tomatoes, bright olive oil — a table-friendly opener.

Pasta highlights and the wood-fired chicken

If you want more substance, go for orecchiette or the wood-fired chicken with green goddess. Both pair nicely with mid-strength pours.

Hearty options: burger and shareable veal parm

The burger is thick, juicy, served on brioche with bacon, chipotle mayo, and pickled beet. It’s messy in the best way.

The veal parm is a large-format splurge (~$60), thin sauce, lots of shaved parm, built for the table.

• Menu rhythm: start with a shareable, add pasta or chicken for dinner pacing, then consider a hearty main to split.

• Portions are paced so you can linger without rush.

• Ask about veg-forward swaps or lighter sides if you prefer a fresher track.

• Weekend brunch brings crossover dishes that let you pair late-day sips with breakfast-leaning flavors.

Brunch to Nightcap: When to Book a Table vs. Pop In

Plan your arrival around the rhythm of the room so you get the experience you want—brunch brightness or a slow nightcap.

The original spot is small and fills fast. For weekend brunch or busy holidays, we recommend reserving a table in advance to guarantee seating.

If your time is tight, aim to arrive early. Bar seats are walk-in only and go quickly during Negroni Hour (3–5 PM). Pairs and solo visitors move through faster, so keep party size small for flexibility.

Confirm your booking in-app and bring a card ready so settling credit doesn’t cut into sipping. If a waitlist is offered, stay nearby and be ready to return when pinged.

• Book a table for guaranteed seats during weekend brunch or Negroni Hour in greenwich village.

• Aim for early arrival if you prefer walk-in bar seating.

• Plan your slowest course between rounds to control dilution for each city cocktail.

• Nightcap seekers: target shoulder times for a quieter room and fuller attention from staff.

• Always have a backup plan—a nearby café or park bench—if you need a short reset while waiting.

Plant-Forward Ways to Dine at a Drinks-First Spot

A plant-forward approach here means choosing bright, sharable items that lift each sip.

Lean lighter: start with a fresh, shareable base like burrata with seasonal fruit or preserved tomatoes. That bright bite will balance bitterness and hold up to a round.

Leaning lighter: how to build a veg-forward order

Pick the lighter version of flatbreads and ask for extra greens or a vegetable topping. Small swaps change the whole plate without losing flavor.

• Build a veg-heavy plate from sides: seasonal greens, simple salads, or roasted vegetables.

• Split a pasta and pair it with a crisp spritz or vermouth service for a lighter pairing.

• Pace with the house water cadence between drinks to protect your palate and energy.

• Ask servers for off-menu tweaks; they often guide guests toward produce-forward choices.

• Use citrus-leaning cocktails to lift richer bites and keep the meal bright.

Final tip: finish with a shared dessert and espresso notes only if you still feel good—listening to your body is the simplest route to lasting health.

What to Drink: Editor’s Short List for First-Timers

Start your tasting with a single, clear benchmark that shows what the bar does best. We suggest a purposeful order so each sip tells you something new.

The house Negroni and Garibaldi

Begin with the house Negroni poured on tap into a chilled glass. It delivers a clean texture, steady bitterness, and balanced sweetness—an ideal benchmark for the rest of your flight.

Follow with the Garibaldi. The fresh orange juice is airy and frothy, a soft citrus counterpoint that resets your palate between bolder sips.

A martini pick and a spritz to balance the lineup

Next, choose a martini. The wet house martini stays aromatic and smooth, a graceful spirit-forward moment.

Finish the sequence with a crisp spritz, like the Hugo, to add herbs and bubbles and leave you refreshed.

• If you favor gin, ask for a slightly drier expression to sharpen botanicals.

• Keep the tasting purposeful: bitter, bright, spirit-forward, then refreshing.

• Ask staff to halve pours so you can explore more without overdoing it.

• Split your last round, then circle back to one favorite for a final toast.

Curious for more context? For a deeper look at the bar’s approach and history, see our linked bar review.

Sweets and Espresso Notes: Ending on a High

Finish your night with a dessert that reads like a tidy encore—rich, balanced, and quietly celebratory. We recommend a measured close so the last bite and the last drink land together.

The famous tiramisu in a chilled glass

Order the tiramisu: it arrives in a frosted glass layered with mascarpone, espresso-soaked ladyfingers, and a fine cocoa dusting. The portion is generous but not cloying, so it pairs well after bitters-forward rounds.

The cocoa and espresso-soaked texture make it a natural finish after Negroni-style pours. If caffeine keeps you up, split the dessert and skip the extra espresso to protect your sleep.

Espresso cues in the room and on the menu

The room smells faintly of espresso, citrus, and shaker clinks—small cues that echo the venue’s café origins. Those aromas help the tiramisu feel both nostalgic and current.

For chocolate lovers, pair the final spoonfuls with a softer, citrus-leaning sipper rather than another amaro-heavy pour. Staff can pace the course so your last sip and last spoonful arrive in sync.

• Order tip: the tiramisu is served in a chilled glass and balances cream and cocoa without too much sugar.

• If you prefer savory endings, a small cheese bite replaces dessert without losing the satisfying finish.

• Pace dessert slowly to end on a calm, satisfied note.

Pricing, Credit, and Value: Making the Most of Happy Hour

Happy hour can be the smartest way to taste well-built classics without the usual city price tag. The daily 3–5 PM windows offer $10 Negronis and martinis—far below typical cocktail rates of $18–$22.

If you book a table, budget for at least one small food item; the house requires food with reservations and plates are meant to complement drinks.

Bring a primary card and a backup so settling credit goes smoothly when service is busy. We also recommend you carry a little extra cash for tips and quick splits.

• The daily 3–5 PM windows are some of the best-value spots in the city for properly built classics.

• If you want variety, split rounds so you taste more styles without overspending.

• Use these spots as a warm-up before dinner elsewhere or as a budget-friendly tasting session.

Factor tip and tax into your mental math so the $10 specials don’t feel surprising at the end of the night. When you plan a little, you’ll get great cocktails, sensible spend, and a relaxed evening.

Tables, Timing, and Tips: How to Secure the Best Seat in the House

Securing the right seat can turn a good night into a great one—here’s how to lock it in.

Dining room tables are in high demand. Book at least a week ahead for prime slots, and earlier for holidays or marquee weekends. If you need flexibility, modify the reservation instead of canceling to keep your place in the queue.

Booking a week ahead vs. banking on the bar

The bar is reserved for walk-ins and moves fast. If you come without a booking, arrive early and ask staff about the current flow so you know where you stand.

• Smaller parties seat faster—pairs beat larger groups for banquette comfort.

• Choose a corner table to linger, or a bar-adjacent perch to watch the builds.

• Ask hosts which sections are quieter if you plan deep conversation.

• Consider the West Village if you want a more local scene; it’s a great backup when the original is slammed.

• Keep short notes about what worked so your next visit is smoother.

Quick tip: when you book, note preferences (quiet section, corner table) so hosts can match you. A little planning goes a long way at spots rated among the city’s best restaurants and busy bars, especially at the dante west village location or nearby dante west.

Is Dante One of NYC’s Best Bars and Restaurants? Our Verdict

Our final take: this spot earns its place by marrying precise cocktail craft with a food menu that quietly supports the sip.

We value the 2019 World’s Best Bar recognition because it reflects steady technique—the Negroni program, a bright Garibaldi, and a thoughtful martini list all show consistent strength.

The West Village sibling gives you a calmer version if you want less buzz. Bar seats remain walk-in; tables require ordering food, which keeps the room moving.

Things to try next time: bookmark the Negroni Bianco, circle back with a Garibaldi to reset, and arrive early to compare the original’s energy with the west village calm.

In our view, it belongs among the best restaurants that prioritize bar craft—reliable, balanced, and the kind of place you'll want to return to.