🎞️ Director Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge, Romeo + Juliet, The Great Gatsby) is known for his over-the-top sets and glamorous takes on classic stories in his films and Monsieur (@nycmonsiuer) in East Village is no exception. 🏰 I pray thee keep this on the low because I don’t want this place to get blown up with micro-influencers and clout chasers on DeuxMoi. Fairly nondescript on the outside, Monsieur is a speakeasy/bar/lair with a gothic, medieval, and bohemian aesthetic. We went on a Monday night so there were plenty of seats but if you don’t trust the “Walk-ins Encouraged” on their website you can always make a reservation. 🍸Cocktails are $19 with bites ranging from $12 fries and $24 shrimp cocktails. Espresso martinis are a dime a dozen in this city since they’ve peaked post pandemic, but truly this is THE BEST Espresso Martinis in NYC. The Acapulco Gold packs a spicy mezcal punch. Gordon’s Breakfast is a rare, savory, and refreshing cocktail with hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. (A note to the rest of you ‘bars’ out there: that espresso should be FRESHLY brewed each time with a HEALTHY crema on top. And NO, your coffee syrup water abomination does not pass. I am a not a cocktail snob but how dare you pass that stale cold brew off as an espresso martini for $24 😤) 🕯️ Vast, ornate tapestries cover the walls dimly lit with chandeliers and flickering candlesticks. The stained glass and gilded motifs that adorn every corner of this lair make the vibes so right you will want to don your chainmail dress a la Chappel Roan at the VMAs for a properly merry fête. Hie thee hither to Monsieur before it becomes overrun with commonfolk.