Summary

New York is lucky to have DCP. For a while, New York was seen as the pinnacle of mixology excellence. Although London has always been a contender, NYC still reigned supreme. However, with dominance sometimes comes complacency, and as the industry has spread worldwide, New York has found itself in a true battle. London, Barcelona, Mexico City, Athens, and even cities such as Bangkok and Buenos Aires have caught up with, if not surpassed, the Big Apple in certain categories. This was notably apparent in 2021 when only one bar from New York, Katana Kitten at #10, was placed in the top 25 of the World’s 50 Best Bars list.

The first time I visited DCP was in late 2021, initially experiencing only the front room. My second visit was in early 2022, this time in the back room. The moment I had my first sip of the Red Eye Gravy and the first bite of the hot honey chicken sandwich, I knew this place was destined for greatness. And sure enough, after finishing just outside the top 5 at #6 in 2022, DCP ended New York’s 2-year drought of not having a top 5 bar when it secured the #2 position in 2023.

I have been to DCP countless times over the past two years and have witnessed its brand and influence flourish. It was immensely refreshing to see the mastermind behind the operation, Gn Chan, receive the accolade of World’s Best Bartender in 2023, a well-deserved award for his unbelievable ingenuity. Double Chicken Please has not only provided a world-class, forward-thinking cocktail experience to New York but has also once again raised the standard across the city, reminding everyone why New York should always be #1.

Food & Beverage

At DCP, the lines between food and beverage are purposefully blurred. What I mean by that is, in the back room, their signature drinks are inspired by dishes. The front room offers a different drink menu, with everything served in highball glasses on tap. It’s a great concept, and the front room provides a more casual experience. However, it is the back room that has earned DCP its reputation. I could go into detail about every cocktail and share my favorites, and in fact, they recently installed a few new items that I was fortunate enough to try. But the deal is simple: everything is as good as it sounds. I’ve worked my way through everything on the menu several times and I recommend you do the same. One item I must mention, often overlooked in their “Classics?” section, is the Dirty Margarita.

When it comes to food, the hot honey chicken sandwich is an absolute must. It truly is the best fried chicken sandwich in New York, no questions about it. To complement that sandwich, the koji cucumbers are the way to go.

Service

The service at DCP has always been good, never great, unless Gn is in the house. However, with all his new ventures, catching him there can be difficult. There are many friendly faces at DCP, but the tempo and intensity are palpable for guests. Given its current stardom, it would be challenging to imagine any other practical way of operating this machine than with extreme focus. This focus can disrupt the staff's ability to socialize with its clientele. While this wasn't so much the case in its early days, DCP’s staff can sometimes make you feel as if you are just one of the many guests being cranked in and out on a nightly basis. For an establishment with so much local and tourist attraction, the number of obnoxious and ridiculous guests they receive must be mind-blowing, definitely enough to justify a desire to minimize contact. Overall, I’ve had far more enjoyable experiences with DCP staff compared to negative ones, and the vision of the establishment would be difficult to maintain on such a personable level.

Atmosphere

Double Chicken Please is one of the most aesthetically pleasing spaces I’ve ever been in, and we can thank Gn's design background for this. Both the front room and the back room perfectly mesh with the intended vibe and the cocktails that are served. An often overlooked aspect of atmosphere is creating a design that guides guests toward what to expect. Every detail, color, finish, and decoration feels personally and strategically selected. The back room is a special space, one that, if I won the lottery, I would likely use as inspiration for my own in-house cocktail lounge. It feels warm and comforting yet still modern and enticing. Additionally, especially in a bar, the atmosphere is greatly enhanced by excellent music, which DCP provides on a nightly basis.

Vibe

If you want the best overall cocktail bar experience, DCP is the place to go. That is why, as of now, I have rated it as the best bar in NYC. When you offer such an incredible product within a high-class atmosphere, your guests respond accordingly. This contributes to DCP having one of the best vibes in the city, across both restaurants and cocktail bars. The only downsides are the challenge of obtaining a timely seat in the back room and the feeling of being rushed, especially if you visit during a busy time of the year or on the weekend.