A few of our favorite things about springtime in New York City: sunsets after 7:00 PM, Cherry Blossoms starting to bloom in Central Park, and of course- Cheers to Spring, Upper East Side’s favorite Spring cocktail event.
Cheers to Spring takes place March 18th through June 2nd at top Upper East Side restaurants including AOC East, The Barking Dog, Calabrije’s, Festivál Cafe, The Milton and The Office.
Cheers to Spring participants receive a cocktail passport book containing vouchers for 6 free cocktails (over $90 worth of cocktails!) Keep reading to learn about the fantastic restaurants participating in Cheers to Spring.
Cheers to Spring update: Unlike our previous “Cheers to the Season” events, participating restaurants no longer have specific designated days of the week. You can now redeem your 6 free cocktails at the 6 participating restaurants on ANY day during the program. Cheers!
AOC East
1590 1st Ave (between 82nd and 83rd Street)
“New York’s original AOC was founded in the heart of New York City’s West Village in 2003 by Head Chef Romain Bonnans. AOC East was born out of a desire to spread the exquisite flavors of AOC to the Upper East Side.
AOC East opened its doors in January 2017 and quickly became a neighborhood destination. The quality and flavor of the food, along with comfortable, intimate settings, set the perfect stage for romantic meals or friendly gatherings.
Our award-winning French wine selection has been carefully handpicked to offer you a dedicated representation of the French appellations; wines that truly express the quality of their Terroir. Our menus‘ suggested wine pairings have been meticulously crafted to enhance every flavor and to satisfy small and big hungers. We also focus on supporting local, organic, and biodynamic farming with ingredients you can feel good about.”
While at AOC East, be sure to try:
- French Onion Soup
- Vegetable Risotto with White Truffle Oil
- Classic Coq Au Vin
- Couscous Royal
- Tagliatelles A La Carbonara
Don’t miss out on the following specials at AOC East:
- Live Flamenco music every Monday 6:30-9:30 PM
- Live music from The Brooklyners every Wednesday 8:00-11:00 PM
- Live Jazz every Sunday 6:00-9:00 PM
- Brunch 12:00-4:00 PM on Fridays and weekends
- Daily happy hour 4:00-7:00 PM
The Barking Dog
1678 3rd Ave (at 94th Street)
“Introducing NYC’s best dog-friendly restaurant! We take pride in creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for both humans and their four-legged companions. Enjoy delicious food while your furry friend is welcome to join you on our pet-friendly patio. We go the extra mile to ensure your dining experience is enjoyable for the whole family. Come and experience why we’re known as the top dog-friendly restaurant in NYC!”
While at The Barking Dog be sure to try:
- St. Louis Style Crispy Goat Cheese Ravioli
- Chef’s Cajun “Po’ Boy”
- Braised Short Rib Burger
- Crispy Buttermilk Battered Chicken
- “Mom’s Loving” Meatloaf
Don’t miss out on the following specials at The Barking Dog:
- Monday night: $1 wings, half price wine bottles, $10 Espresso Martinis
- Tuesday 11:00 AM-10:00 PM Happy Hour, $17 Sliders + Any Beer/Frozen Margarita
- Wednesday night: ladies night with 50% off cocktails for ladies
- Thursday night: $10 any Martini, $20 Cheeseburger + Any Beer
- Friday night: $10 Hot Toddy, $10 Irish Coffee
- Saturday-Sunday: Brunch 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
- Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4:00-7:00 PM with $7 margaritas, $5 select beer and $6 select wine
Calabrije’s
1619 York Ave (between 85th and 86th Street)
“This is our second location in NYC! We are considered to be the Absolute Best Margarita in NYC by Grubstreet since 2018. We are all about good Mexican food and the best Margaritas: 21 flavors plus combinations, frozen or on the rocks and you can even get them to go!
Do you want a Coconut-Blueberry Frozen Margarita with a Sugar Rim? We got it. You want a Rocks-Mango-Kiwi-Spicy Margarita? We got it too! At Calabrije’s you can create your own Marg! We use the best ingredients. We don’t use syrups or weird mixers, we make them all natural and with lots of love!
We bring Mexico to NYC in a casual, fun and relaxed way. With great music, beautiful decor and very cool vibes for anybody. You want a cool cozy place for a first date? This is it. If you are looking to party with your friends this is also the place!”
While at Calabrije’s, be sure to try:
- Any of the 21 Margarita flavors plus combinations (you can create your own Marg!)
- The Esquite
- Potato and Chorizo Tacos
- Birria Tacos
- Nachos with Chorizo
- Chicken Mole Tacos
Don’t miss out on the following specials at Calabrije’s:
- Taco Tuesday: $2 off all taco orders
- Margarita Wednesday: all Margs $3 off
- Late Happy Hour: every day 8:00 pm till close
- Saturday of Nachos: Classic Nachos half price
- Sunday Funday: Happy Hour all day
FESTIVÁL
1155 2nd Avenue (at 61st Street)
“FESTIVÁL is a new concept in dining & events on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. We are a ‘Farm-to-Bar’ cocktail cafe and event space. The cocktails and cuisine are at the vanguard of taste. We are best known for our shared plates however there are larger menu items available and custom menus for events.
As an extension of the critically acclaimed SECRET SUMMER™️ “NYC’s First & Only Farm-to-Bar” Cocktail Festival celebrating locally sourced, sustainable drinks and bites, FESTIVÁL Café’s focus is a 100% local menu with selections that change on the seasons and celebrate local purveyors.”
While at FESTIVÁL, be sure to try:
- Espresso Martini
- Deluxe Manhattan
- Mezcalito
- The Vaccine
- Vanilla Bean French Toast: Seasonal Fruit Compote, Chantilly Cream Catskill Maple Syrup (BEST IN THE CITY)
- FESTIVÁL Cheese Burger: Griddled Balsamic Onions, House Big Mac Sauce, Toasted Brioche, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles + Togarashi Chips (BEST ON THE UES)
- Tuna Tartare: Horseradish, Ginger, Tomato Ponzu, Sesame, Avocado, Cress
Don’t miss out on the following specials at FESTIVÁL:
- Monday: Happy hour all nigh
- Tuesday: Live music
- Wednesday: Half off bottles of wine
- Thursday: Live music
- Friday: DJ and $20 buckets of beer
- Saturday and Sunday: Bottomless brunch and buy two get one free Espresso Martinis
- $30 Work Day Pass (Unlimited Coffee/Tea, plus soup, sandwich or salad AND a complimentary Cocktail when you finish your work)
- Happy hour 12:00-6:00 PM and 10:00 PM-midnight + daily $10 cocktail special
The Milton
1754 2nd Avenue (between 91st and 92nd Street)
“The Milton is a culinary and dining experience that has quickly become a neighborhood favorite and an Upper East Side destination. Featuring unique hand crafted cocktails, reserved wines and the cuisine of Executive Chef David E. Diaz, we invite you to enjoy our libations and sustenance in what we believe is a Paradise Found.
Exposed beams frame a vibrant and welcoming environment. Tables and banquettes are thoughtfully placed throughout the dining area, which fuses intimate corners with larger group tables and a traditional Irish snug for parties of eight who want both! American, Irish and English influences feature on Chef Diaz’s menu, and for those wishing to fuel up after a busy day, the full bar and dynamic mixologists are at your service.
While at The Milton, be sure to try:
- Campfire Old Fashioned: Diplomatico Rum, cinnamon simple syrup, orange and angostura bitters, flamed marshmallow
- Tea Rose Martini: Earl grey infused gin, rose water, ginger liqueur, lemon, simple syrup
- Cinnamon Espresso Martini: Vodka, kahlua, espresso, cinnamon simple syrup
Don’t miss out on the following specials at The Milton:
- Prohibition Mondays: $10 select cocktails, food specials, and live music
The Office
1744 2nd Avenue (between 90th and 91st Street)
Welcome to The Office, the Upper East Side’s latest and most vibrant cocktail bar, unveiled in February of 2024.
They offer innovative and playful cocktails, such as their “Smokey Juan” made with tequila, mezcal, aperol, agave & lime, and their “Sup Honey” made with Sage-infused gin, honey, amaro, lemon & blackberry.
The moment you step into their cozy and inviting space, you will see why it is the perfect setting for your next date night or night out with friends on the Upper East Side.
While at The Office, be sure to try:
- Smokey Juan: Tequila, Mezcal, Aperol, Agave & Lime
- Sup Honey: Sage Infused Gin, Honey, Amaro, Lemon & Blackberry
- Cheeseburger Empanadas
- Whipped Ricotta Toast
- Spinach Artichoke Flatbread
Don’t miss out on the following specials at The Office:
- Happy Hour Monday-Friday until 7:00 PM with $7 select beer, $7 select wine, and $12 select bites
Looking for more New York City recommendations? Be sure to check out:
