Leaving busy Broadway or Lafayette and stepping across the cobbles of Bond Street and down the steps into Jac’s on Bond is a little like entering a parallel universe. The hustle and bustle, and the many faces you just passed but will never see again disappear, replaced with local folks, friends of friends, and a staff that cares deeply to create a true, upscale neighborhood watering hole. It’s their innovative and unusual cocktails and accompanying menu that truly sets Jac’s on Bond apart though. We sat down with Ernesto Coronado, Director of Operations at Jac’s on Bond, to walk through some of the highlights.
Just in time for summer, they’ve revamped their menu with a new slate of fantastic drinks. “The menu is all about celebrating classics and putting our spin on them” Ernesto says, and looking over the summer menu, you’ll find a long list of drinks, from industry-in-the-know cocktails to The Daisy, which riffs on the history of the margarita. “Almost nobody these days knows this, but the Daisy is any style of cocktail where a spirit is paired with citrus, orange liqueur, and sweetener.” Tequila became the spirit of choice, and the margarita, which is Spanish for the word daisy, was born. The Jac’s on Bond version is absolutely perfect for escaping the summer heat. Another new drink is the Sweet Vermouth Spritz, made from Antica Carpano. “It’s one of the favorites of those of us in the hospitality industry, especially when you’re hopping from bar to bar and want something low ABV (alcohol by volume) to keep the night going.” Flavorful vanilla notes, and the addition of champagne plus lemon makes the Sweet Vermouth Spritz a delicious summer drink.
Don’t worry, the fan favorite cocktails that put them on the map aren’t going anywhere, including the Caprese Martini. This drink with an unexpected twist on a classic, became an unexpected hit, a must order, when they opened. It starts with tomato-basil infused Grey Goose vodka, shaken with olive oil, Lausto Blanco – a white vermouth, and balsamic vinegar. It’s a uniquely flavorful take on the resurgent martini, and arrived by pure coincidence as the savory cocktail trend took off in New York City.
Now to go alongside the cocktail, they’ve debuted their caprese sliders. They feature a meatball, tomato sauce, basil, and fresh mozzarella, and while it might sound like caprese overkill, it’s not. Instead it’s a complementary flavor that pairs perfectly and ties the experience together beautifully. Like the drinks, the food menu, including the sliders, is full of bold, classic flavors with a spin. Taken all together, the menu at Jac’s on Bond is one that’s inviting yet distinct, familiar but forward-thinking. It’s a menu that’s meant to be discovered and appreciated over many visits and all kinds of occasions. Day drinking in the dog days of summer, starting or ending a night out, or an impromptu dinner with friends, Jac’s on Bond is the perfect place to make it happen.
As we approach Memorial Day and kick off the summer season, drink something refreshing, and enjoy a bite on this quintessential NoHo block. Sit back with classic, elevated cocktails, and take it easy in this community spot. Sip and repeat all summer long, and you’ll see the magic unfold, not just in taste, but when you come back time and time again to the familiar faces that make Jac’s on Bond, and NoHo, a one-of-a-kind classic.
