Osamil Upstairs: Koreatown’s Premier Craft Cocktail and Korean Gastropub Experience in New York, New York

Beyond just the setting, Osamil Upstairs presents an array of imaginative craft cocktails that are carefully crafted by skilled bartenders who treat mixology as an art form. The staff's attentiveness, combined with their polished appearance and knowledge, elevates the entire experience, making it not only about the drinks but the social interaction and personalized service you and your friends will appreciate. The bar is spacious with a mix of seating options, including a stylish 12-seat bar and a lounge area filled with comfy chairs and couches ideal for conversations and relaxation. The combination of great drinks, ambiance, and service makes Osamil Upstairs an unbeatable choice for gathering with friends, whether for a casual catch-up or celebrating something special.

When you’re considering a place to gather with friends, Osamil Upstairs stands out as an exceptionally inviting venue that marries style, comfort, and a unique cocktail experience. This upscale speakeasy-style bar offers a cozy, dimly lit ambiance sprinkled with a subtle Korean influence that adds an exotic twist to your usual meet-up spot. Its hidden upstairs location, accessible through an intriguing inner staircase at Osamil’s main restaurant, lends an exclusive, secretive vibe perfect for groups wanting a private yet vibrant atmosphere. The decor is plush and classy, designed to make every guest feel like they’ve found a hidden gem in the heart of New York’s Nomad district.

Osamil Upstairs is renowned for its inventive cocktail menu that merges Korean flavors with elevated New York hospitality, making it a delight for groups seeking something beyond the standard bar fare. Each cocktail is crafted with precision by expert bartenders who demonstrate a passion for mixology — from the exacting stir and shake motions to the thoughtful garnishes and aroma-enhancing atomizers. This attention to detail means every drink serves as both a visual and sensory experience, sparking conversations and shared enjoyment among friends.

The bar features cocktails using Korean-inspired ingredients such as plum, omija (five-flavor berry), and shiso leaves, lending a refreshing twist that sets these drinks apart from typical cocktails. Signature options like the "Harubang Highball" and other creatively named drinks offer a unique flavor profile. While some cocktails are priced at the higher end (starting around $21), the craftsmanship and taste typically justify the cost for those looking to indulge in high-quality beverages. Additionally, welcome shooters offered at the entrance create an immediate toast-worthy moment for groups arriving together, setting a festive tone from the start.

Whether your party prefers to enjoy lighter, refreshing highballs or more complex, robust concoctions, the staff at Osamil Upstairs excels at customizing drinks, taking requests seriously to suit individual palates. This personalized approach makes it easy for groups with diverse tastes to find something each person will enjoy, adding to the appeal of why Osamil Upstairs is a perfect cocktail destination.

Osamil Upstairs offers more than just great drinks—it provides an immersive experience designed for socializing and comfort. The upstairs lounge is spacious and elegantly decorated with soft, ambient lighting that creates an intimate and private setting. Comfortable seating options include swivel chairs and cozy couches arranged to encourage conversation and connection within groups of varying sizes.

The vibe here is both cozy and sophisticated, striking a balance between laid-back and upscale. Dim lighting paired with a stylish yet discreet décor helps create a relaxed atmosphere where guests can focus on their company without distractions. The music, often featuring classic R&B and smooth tunes, enhances the overall mood, creating a mellow backdrop for conversations or lighthearted fun.

For group meetups, Osamil Upstairs excels because it feels like a secret retreat right above the restaurant buzz downstairs, where you can escape the noise and enjoy a more serene environment. The space is well-suited for celebrations or simply unwinding after a long day, accommodating parties comfortably without feeling cramped. The staff’s attention to detail and smooth service ensures that your gathering flows seamlessly, with drinks refreshed promptly and any special requests handled professionally. This combination of ambiance, service, and setting makes Osamil Upstairs a sought-after venue to rally with friends or family.

While Osamil Upstairs primarily focuses on cocktails, the food offerings complement the drinks and social vibe, perfect for sharing with friends during your visit. Unlike the main Osamil restaurant downstairs, the upstairs bar serves “Upstairs Bites,” a selection of small bar snacks, including options like mixed nuts and popcorn, mixed olives, macarons, and a modest charcuterie board. These light bites provide ideal accompaniments for cocktails, allowing groups to nibble while chatting without the formality of a full meal.

Though the food upstairs does not rival the restaurant’s extensive Korean-influenced menu downstairs, it contributes to the overall experience by meeting the expectations of a speakeasy-style cocktail bar. The snacks here ensure that guests can stave off hunger while continuing to enjoy their drinks in a social and relaxed setting. If your group wants to extend the evening into dinner, you might consider starting your meal downstairs with some of Osamil’s celebrated Korean pub fare—like the Korean market fried chicken or kimchi fried rice—and then migrating upstairs for post-dinner drinks in a more intimate environment.

The food-drink pairing at Osamil Upstairs is a thoughtful addition that rounds out the experience, making it suitable for everything from casual gatherings to celebratory nights out with friends or family.

Situated at 5 W 31st Street in New York City’s Nomad neighborhood, Osamil Upstairs benefits from a convenient and accessible Midtown Manhattan location. This central spot is easy to reach by public transportation, making it a practical choice for locals and visitors alike who want a stylish place to convene without hassle. The neighborhood itself has been revitalized over the past decade, boasting a wealth of quality restaurants and bars, but Osamil Upstairs distinguishes itself with its distinct vibe and quality.

The bar is located upstairs from Osamil’s main Korean restaurant, accessible via a discrete inner staircase. This hidden aspect adds to the speakeasy allure, suggesting a special, almost secret destination you can show your friends to impress them. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for groups, to secure seating at the popular 12-seat bar or in the cozy lounge. The venue’s well-planned layout ensures that large groups or multiple smaller gatherings can coexist comfortably without interference.

Additionally, the prompt, professional service and spacious setting mean groups don’t have to worry about being rushed or uncomfortable, allowing for extended visits that can stretch from early evening into late night. This combination of location, ambiance, and thoughtful service makes Osamil Upstairs an ideal spot for group meetups in the city.

Osamil Upstairs consistently earns high marks, with a 4.5-star rating from over 400 reviews, reflecting widespread customer satisfaction with the overall experience. Reviewers frequently praise the elegance and private charm of the bar’s atmosphere, highlighting it as a “beautiful speakeasy” with a “cozy and sexy” vibe that is perfect for escaping the bustle and enjoying quality time with friends. The creativity and quality of the cocktails receive particular acclaim, with many compliments given to the bartenders’ skill and artistry.

Service at Osamil Upstairs also garners specific praise; guests note attentive, knowledgeable staff who provide personalized recommendations without ever rushing the party, even on busy nights. The polished uniforms and professional demeanor of the team further elevate the experience, making it feel curated and special. While some reviews mention that the price point can be on the higher side, most agree that the ambiance, quality, and uniqueness justify the investment for a memorable night out.

Some visitors suggest the food offerings upstairs are modest, but this is generally seen as fitting for a cocktail-driven venue rather than a full-service restaurant. The combination of discreet luxury, quality drinks, expert service, and a comfortable, inviting environment explains why Osamil Upstairs is considered an excellent choice for group gatherings and why it continues to attract loyal fans and new visitors alike.