If New York City were a yearbook, The Flower Shop would definitely win “Most Likely to Host a Wild Party in the Basement.” This quirky little spot in the Lower East Side is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Equal parts ‘70s throwback and New York cool, it’s the type of place where you can grab a burger, a craft cocktail, and a few rounds of vintage arcade games, all without having to relocate. It’s a love letter to retro vibes and good times, topped off with a sprinkle of that unfiltered NYC charm.
First Impressions: Looks Can Be Deceiving
From the outside, The Flower Shop might fool you into thinking it’s just a cozy bar where you’d sit and sip a martini while pretending to be mysterious. (Don’t lie, we’ve all done it.) The sign is minimalist, the exterior a subtle shade of “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it,” but step inside and you’re transported to what feels like your cool uncle’s basement—if your cool uncle was also a master mixologist with a penchant for funky wallpaper and mid-century furniture.
Décor? More Like Décore-yasss! Walking into The Flower Shop is like stepping onto the set of That ‘70s Show, minus the cheesy laugh tracks. Think mismatched patterns, rattan furniture, and just the right amount of kitsch to make you feel nostalgic for an era you probably didn’t even live through. There are framed photos of vintage icons, bookshelves filled with knick-knacks, and an epic staircase that leads you to… a basement. But not just any basement.
Let’s Talk Basement (And the Surprisingly Awesome Food)
Heading downstairs feels a bit like sneaking into the “adults only” area of a family reunion—except here, the grown-ups are cooler, and the only secret is how to properly pronounce “negroni.” You’ll find a pool table, comfy couches, and the kind of energy that says, “Let’s stay here all night.” Spoiler alert: You just might.
But before you get too comfy with your new friends at the bar, don’t sleep on the food. The Flower Shop’s menu is a curious yet delightful mix of elevated comfort dishes. Start with the shrimp cocktail—it’s basic, yes, but like Beyoncé in a turtleneck, it’s basic in a good way. And the burgers? Imagine the most tender, juicy patty, with a side of perfectly crisp fries that somehow still taste amazing when you’re three cocktails deep. Pro tip: Order the fried chicken sandwich. It’s crispy, a little spicy, and almost scandalously good.
Fun fact: Rumor has it that the recipes were all tested in a tiny New York kitchen by a chef who only uses cast-iron skillets. (Okay, that might be a lie, but the food is that good.)
Drinks, Drinks, and More Drinks
What’s a retro-themed basement party without a few good drinks? The cocktail menu is as diverse as a Friday night subway ride. Feeling fancy? The Flower Shop Martini has your name on it. Want to keep it chill? The house beer-and-shot combo is a classic for a reason. There’s also a solid wine list for those who want to pretend they’re sophisticated while challenging strangers to a game of darts.
If you’re really looking to impress your date, order the “Disco Nap.” Yes, it’s a cocktail. No, it’s not as innocent as it sounds. Packed with punchy flavors and a secret ingredient (read: a bartender’s raised eyebrow), it’s the perfect pregame drink for a night that may or may not end with you singing karaoke somewhere you’ll regret tomorrow.
Would I Go Back?
Absolutely. The Flower Shop nails that hard-to-find balance of unpretentious yet refined, vintage yet modern, chill yet lively. It’s the kind of place you can show up to in jeans or dressed to the nines, and no one would bat an eye—because they’re too busy deciding whether to order another round or start a game of shuffleboard.
So if you’re looking for a spot that feels like a time capsule of every great night you’ve had in New York—complete with good food, great drinks, and even better company—The Flower Shop is your jam. Just be warned: what happens in the basement, stays in the basement. Or at least until your friends tag you on Instagram. Cheers!
The Flower Shop NYC
Address: 107 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002
Phone: (646) 682-9060
