Leave Rochelle Out of It

This buzzy Lower East Side bar apparently owes its quirky name to the woman that both co-owners used to date (presumably at different times, as everyone’s still good friends). Understandably the lounge has become known as Rochelle’s for short. It’s a hip spot, white-tiled and wood panelled, with a real thing for whisky and brown liquor in general. The cocktail list is tight and focussed, concentrating on potent drinks like the classic Rusty Knot. There’s a huge array of brown spirits for straight-up sipping, and they also serve the cool (and increasingly ubiquitous) pairing of whiskey chased with a shot of pickle juice, the Pickle Back. If you’ve not tried this unusual combo yet we suggest you give it a go. It sounds odd but the contrast really works. Or you could go for a Miller Hi Life Split with the whiskey of the week. There are barrel aged cocktails (but of course), a couple of non-whisky based cocktails if that’s how you roll including one called Token Tequila Cocktail – and a selection of quality bar snacks to go with your drink, including duck confit sliders, a top notch range of cured meats and the DFPBJ, a foie gras, pancetta, peanut butter and jam concoction that sounds frankly obscene in the best way.