Ivan Papic, Ivan Radulovic, and Bratislav Glisic, former bartenders from New York venue Employees Only and sister site Macao Trading Company, have opened a new bar in the city’s West Village.
Employees Only will celebrate its 20th anniversary next month.
“Dear Strangers draws from our diverse experience in the industry, blending influences from Panama to New York, to create a space where connections are as memorable as the drinks,” said co-founder Papic.
The bar opened last week (19 November) and is inspired by the co-founders’ other venues, including The Strangers Club in Panama City.
The menu is designed to appeal to ‘both adventurous palates and traditionalists’, including cocktails with South American influences, such as the Angie, which is made with gin, maracuya (Brazilian passion fruit) and matcha, and the Star Treatment, which blends sotol, coriander syrup, coconut milk and lime.
Other serves include modern twists on the classics, such as the Smokin’ Bandit, made with rye whiskey, peated Scotch, lemon and yuzu soda.
“Our menu draws inspiration from classic cocktails. When I travel, I focus on finding local ingredients to incorporate into my drinks. I am most inspired by local cuisine and markets,” added Glisic.
The menu also offers a dedicated gin and tonic section, which are a personal favourite of Radulovic. Options include an Indian-style serve called The Hindu Times, which blends toasted cumin, fenugreek, pomelo, and housemade tonic, and a serve inspired by Radulovic’s favourite band, Oasis, called the Supersonic Gin & Tonic.
“To me, music is one of my biggest inspirations,” he said. “Every cocktail has a story, and our menu is conceptualised to ensure there’s something for everyone.”
The bar will also offer food, developed in consultation with chef Diego Rodriguez, formerly of New York’s Popular by Diego Muñoz. The menu is also inspired by Latin American flavours, supported by Rodriguez’ Mexican heritage and experience working in restaurants in the region.
Highlights include green aguachile, featuring clarified cucumber, serrano, lime water, prawn, jicama, coriander, onion, and the catch of the day, served with tostadas; and a Bisque de Tigre Chilaquiles, made with lobster and prawn in a warm citric sauce topped with a fried quail egg, coriander, and tortilla chips.
The site was designed by New York-based Dutch East Design, with velvet textures, midnight blue tones, marble accents, leather details, and polished wood and brass.
The bar area features contrasting tiles, bold colours, geometric patterns, and dramatic lighting, as well as eccentric art pieces.
A private dining room at the back has deep sea-blue walls, setting it apart from the main bar.
In other New York City news, the inaugural New York Bartender Week kicked off on Monday (18 November), with bars in the city creating limited edition serves to celebrate.
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Author: Lauren Bowes
