We’re not going to tell you that a new bar on the Lower East Side exactly duplicates the experience of standing under the majestic experience that is the Northern Lights.
But if you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re inside such a spectacle, there’s now Bar Alaska, whose color scheme hews to the famous natural light show. There are other touches, too, like the golden pickaxe nodding to the 1896 Klondike Gold Rush, and birchwood accents in the decor.
The Alaskan theme continues on the cocktail menu, which includes the Seward Folly (the original name for the land purchase that would become our 49th state) with Lagavulin Scotch whisky, pear compote, vermouth, cherry and smoked bitters, and a menu of bar bites that includes Alaskan king crab tacos.
There’s also more than a nod to the country Sarah Palin can see across the ocean. We’re talking, of course, about Russia and yes, you can actually see the 55 miles across the Bering Strait to it if you’re standing on one of two small islands off Alaska’s coast. So there’s one thing she got right.
Besides Alaskan favorites (and just general crowd-pleasing favorites like grilled cheese bites), Bar Alaska also serves a selection of “the best-priced” Russian caviars on traditional baby blinis and less traditional deviled eggs, as well as an extensive vodka list.
Bar Alaska is open daily at 174 Rivington St., baralaskanyc.com
