2ND FLOOR BAR & ESSEN

Some of the most stylish classy looking humans I know live on the Upper East Side (ok. ok. I am a tad biased living there myself) and yet we don't have the proper watering holes to match our coolness. Why do all of the cool places have to be a ride away? So not into that.

So, my friends, it's with a super happy heart that I tell you about 2nd Floor aka the speakeasy upstairs from 2nd Avenue Deli (which confusingly enough is on first avenue—they moved, blah blah blah, you get it). Honestly, this place was made for me. A trendy Jew. It's the promised land—ahem, restaurant.

With playful elevated takes on classic Jew food and awesome cocktails, it's for sure a reason to start celebrating Shabbat (though, I'm sure throwing back cocktails at a bar with friends is not quite the traditional way of celebrating—oy, am I a bad Jew? Oh no.) 

Well, this hungry little Jew is more than happy to volunteer to nosh on all of their delights. From the Franks In A Blanket served with a flaky matzoh crackling to their Blintzes stuffed with rich and delicious duck to the Gefilte Croquets there is a lot to fill up on. Bubby would be satisfied (if you're hearing your grandma's Jewish voice offering you food right now, we are not only on the same page, but this is so the spot you need to get your tuckus to—you'll plotz!)