Cocktails, live jazz, open late
The room
Forty eight seats, one long brass bar, and a window that fogs by nine.
Rainglass is a listening bar first. The drinks are stirred slowly, the lights stay low, and the band plays at a volume where you can still hear the person across the table.
We keep a short menu that changes with the season, pour a proper measure, and hold a few seats at the bar every night for walk ins.
The shelf
Rye, smoke
Rye, amaro and a rinse of peated malt. Served over one clear stone.
Gin, bright
Gin, rhubarb, pink peppercorn and a long bitter lemon top.
Cognac, rich
Cognac, fig, a little cocoa, stirred and poured over a big cube.
Mezcal, citrus
Mezcal, grapefruit and blue butterfly pea that turns violet at the table.
Rum, spiced
Aged rum, brown butter, clove and orange oil. Warm and round.
Zero proof
Verjus, green tea, honey and soda. Everything but the spirit.
Two sets a night, first at nine, the last one when it feels right. No cover at the bar.
Sample scheduleStandards and slow ballads. The best night to talk quietly at the bar.
A singer, a hollow body guitar and the songbook your grandparents danced to.
Horns, upright bass and a long last set that runs until close.
Visit
How a night goes
Reserve a table below, or take your chances at the bar. We hold a few seats every night.
Look for the amber light over the stairs. Knock once, someone will be there.
Your bartender talks you through the shelf. Tell them what you like, not what it is called.
The second set is looser and quieter. Most regulars say it is the reason they come back.
Overheard
"We came in to wait out the rain and stayed for both sets. The Wet Pavement is exactly what it sounds like, in the best way."
"The only bar I know where the music is the right volume. You hear every note and every word."
"I asked for something bitter and bright and got the best drink of my year. No menu speech, just good questions."
Questions
No, but it helps on Friday and Saturday. We keep seats at the bar for walk ins every night.
Set your own policy here. Many listening bars keep the bar free and ask a small music fee at tables.
Come as you are. Wet coats go on the hooks by the door.
A short menu of small plates until the last set: olives, cheese, a toastie, and something sweet.
Yes, on Mondays when we are closed. Send a message below with your date and group size.
Reserve
Tell us the night and how many of you there are. We reply the same evening, usually before the first set.
Mateo Arriaga, host