The Bronze Owl is a high-end cocktail lounge and eatery that could only be created in NYC. It features mysterious gold velvet curtains at the entrance, which open onto an extra-large room full of avocado-green leather booths and forest-green walls. There’s a strong ’70s vibe—you almost expect velvet ropes, a la the golden days of Studio 54.
The Bronze Owl is at the back of the legendary Martinique Hotel, so quite a few hotel guests make repeat visits. It is certainly a blessing that this comfy, cozy, and chic establishment is placed smack dab in the middle of the city’s most tourist-driven area.
Despite the glamorous vibe, The Bronze Owl is a friendly place where people ranging from the post-MSG event crowd to tourists who’ve just visited the nearby Empire State Building or Macy’s are welcome. Executive Chef Franklin Becker remarks, “Our clientele is a mix of fashionistas, celebrities, local businesspeople, and hotel guests. It is such a comfortable space that we appeal to many people.”
We asked Becker how the location was chosen, and he responded, “We are located on West 33rd Street, an area rich with historical grittiness, which we wanted to acknowledge while providing a counterbalanced alternative. The Bronze Owl has a classically refined cocktail setting without the pomp and circumstance.”
SIP ‘N TELL
You’ll love the attentive service, signature cocktails, and the long American comfort and Italian fare list. Furthermore, the leather booths are so comfortable that you might need a server to pull you out of your seat at the night’s end (especially if you’ve had a few drinks)!
When we visited The Bronze Owl recently, we were thrilled to find a special list of “Low & No” alcohol cocktails created by head bartender Max Green. The highly refreshing Bocce Ball is a must-try if you are a longtime fan of the popular amaretto and orange juice combo (but I was always curious if it could be made less sweet and have some fizz). The Bocce Ball features Adriatico amaretto, fluffy orange, orange and Peychaud bitters and club soda. This is an addicting drink and packs a remarkable punch for being low alcohol.
Fans of giant drinks made for two should try Perched on High, made with Appleton Reserve, Copalli Cocoa, Campari Pineapple, lime juice, and whey. Old Fashioneds are made to your taste at The Bronze Owl; the signature is the Owl Old Fashioned consisting of Aberfeldy 12-year-old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey, Leopold Cherry Whiskey, Gifford Vanilla, Clement Mahina Coconut, and Laphroaig 10-year-old Single Malt Whiskey.
Executive Chef Franklin Becker commented, “We are primarily a cocktail bar, and the cocktails take center stage. The Boozy Italian Ice that Max makes is incredible. He shaves the ice with a Japanese Kakigori machine; now, the flavor (being served) is lemon, which is a mix of Le Moné aperitif wine, limoncello, and lemon juice. It’s quite refreshing.”
JUST CHILLING OUT
The menu starts with a section called “Chilled and Refreshing” featuring raw bar items like Oysters and Jumbo Shrimp that you can order in any quantity. The Grilled Mushrooms made with rosemary and thyme are very satisfying and healthy, and it was great to sample the two amazing salad offerings: the Endive Cup made with fennel, apple, walnut, cucumber and herbs, and the Caesar Salad made with Gem lettuce, anchovies, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
The next section of the menu is titled “Warm and Traditional,” where the elevated comfort food and Italian classics come into play! The Fried Mozzarella Sandwich made with fresh mozzarella and Bagna Cauda was rich and perfect for two. The Calabrian Chicken Wings are batter-coated and cooked with a sweet and hot sauce made with Calabrian Chili; they were sided with homemade bleu cheese dressing. A Chef’s Plate of three charcuterie meats and cheese is offered, with many options.
The highlights for the New York Lifestyles Magazine team were the Eggplant Parmesan, which was baked a little longer than most to create a golden-brown outer crust, and the Spaghetti Carbonara, which had just the right touch of fresh cream, grated parm, and shredded herbs.
A TOAST + MORE!
The Bronzed Owl is also known for the “Toasts” section of its menu. There are five amazing topping choices and a traditional sourdough bread with a thick crust is used: Black Diamond Caviar & Burrata, Ricotta with Truffle Honey, Preserved Cherry Tomatoes with Stracciatella Cheese, Spicy Summer Square with Smoked Mozzarella, and Eggplant Caponata with Golden Raisins and Pine Nuts.
Next up on the menu are the “Pizza” offerings that look like they were created in Naples. There’s the Margherita, which we dug into fervently thanks to its fresh tomato sauce, basil, and buffalo mozzarella cheese (served hot and bubbling). Also available is the much-raved Marinara Pizza, made with chilis, garlic, and marjoram. Lastly, the House-Made Pepperoni Pizza is made with both mozzarella and Cacio di Roma cheese.
Comments Chef Becker: “The pizzas and charcuterie we make in-house are incredible, but believe it or not, my favorite thing on the menu is the Eggplant Parmesan.”
A SWEET ENDING
Although there are just two desserts on the menu, each is spectacular and memorable. The first is called Tiramisu Coffee, which is a traditional tiramisu with an extra-strong espresso kick. You might also try the perfectly golden brown and crunchy Almond Biscotti made not only with almonds but also with fennel seeds, giving it a licorice taste. You’ll be in heaven.
As you may have suspected, The Bronzed Owl does not really serve large plates or entrees. Everything is served for sharing. There is a special Small Bites Chef named Dan Drohan who creates the Italian and American lounge bites and is the mastermind behind the world-class pizza offerings.
Concludes Chef Becker with a smile, “I’ve been in this business for four decades now. I love creating new concepts and giving opportunities to younger talents to highlight what they do. Max Green’s cocktails and Dan Drohan’s Italian bites are delicious and fill a much-needed void in our area. Our pizza is phenomenal.”
Most nights at 9 pm, there is a deejay, which gives The Bronze Owl a clubby vibe. While you dine, you can hear funky ‘70s hits and deep cuts. Think of The Bronze Owl as bringing back the storied Manhattan nightlife from the boogie-down ‘70s in a bigger and better way!
For more information on The Bronze Owl,
visit thebronzeowlnyc.com