Even today, it is still the undeniable truth that women have to think about their safety when going out. The places we choose to drink is a big part of our safety plan. Women seek out destinations where they feel represented and empowered to take their guard off in order to have a good time. Sometimes this means going with a cocktail bar owned and/or operated by women.
The hospitality industry and its leadership positions still tends to be dominated by men, but women have made a big dent in this space, with a lot more women-owned cocktail bars on the scene. This is an ever-growing community, one that is supportive and does business with women’s safety in mind. I asked a few of our favorite women in the industry how they became interested in hospitality and what it is like to own and manage a cocktail bar in New York City.
Meaghan Dorman, Bar Director and Partner of Dear Irving and Raines Law Room answered a few of my burning questions.
PK: Have you run into any challenges while opening or running a bar as a woman?
MD: It’s a challenge when someone walks in and asks, ‘Is the bar manager around?’ before getting to the next part of their sales pitch.
PK: Do you feel that a women-owned cocktail bar can provide a unique atmosphere and more sense of safety to female patrons when compared to a bars run by men?
MD: Yes! I think women often have an ability to see the space more holistically, meaning we aren’t just thinking about the bars and the drinks coming out of it. How does traffic move? What is the temperature of the room and does the bathroom have a hook for your purse? This overlaps into safety where we and our staff don’t look at the rooms as transactions but as people in our care for a few hours. If it appears someone might be in a situation turning unsafe, we think about how to gently check-in or de-escalate brewing conflict.
PK: When it comes to hospitality, it’s the small things that can mean the most. Can you speak on the way you made your business into a welcoming space?
MD: We have always added touches that help make an experience at our bars a memory that can live on past an evening. For example, we mail guests postcards from Dear Irving, and recipe cards from Raines Law Room to guests that really love a cocktail and want to recreate it.
This past winter I was introduced to a new bar, Shy Shy. I crowded it as the prettiest bar for a girl’s night out, and for a good reason. Besides the pleasant setting and excellent cocktails, the bar’s co-owner, Marissa Cheshier, kindly provided her time for a chat. Our light conversation quickly turned to a discussion on women-owned bars, the bar’s feminine interior and how female bar owners pay attention to details ensuring customer comfort. I wanted to conversation to continue. Marissa and co-owner and Beverage Director, Krissy Harris, answer more of my questions. The pair also own a well-known Chelsea bar across the avenue, Jungle Bird.
PK: How did you get into the industry?
KH: I kind of fell into hospitality through sports. It felt like a natural transition from working with a team through sports to working on a restaurant team. I was used to being the team’s captain which translated to the hospitality world. I never thought I would own my own business, but through working at Gramercy Tavern, I attracted people who wanted to open businesses, and before I knew it I was 32 and about to do just that. All the things I’ve done in life have led me to be able to lead a successful team.
PK: Have you run into any challenges while opening or running a bar as a woman?
KH: I have run into a few challenges here and there. Typically it occurs with an older male in the liquor industry who bulldozes over women thinking they know what is best for your bar. This mostly happened to me when I was younger, but I have learned to own that I am a strong, queer woman bar owner. Now, there are more women in the industry and I’m luckily able to hire women bartenders.
PK: Do you feel that a women-owned cocktail bar can provide a unique atmosphere and more sense of safety to female patrons?
KH: Yes, so many people come into Shy Shy and feel seen and safe because of its femininity. Marissa and I have built an environment where women can enjoy a girls night out and feel safe in the space.
PK: Are there any aspects of the industry that you think still need to be challenged or changed in order to become more female-friendly?
KH: Women have to do things better to get the recognition they deserve while men can show up and have the same or more recognition and opportunities. Our team actively hires women talent at both Jungle Bird and Shy Shy to promote their strengths.
PK: Can you speak on the way you made your business into a welcoming and comfortable space?
KH: Everything in Shy Shy was an intentional decision, from the design to the food to the glassware. Shy Shy is meant to be a magical, transportive world where women feel safe and welcome. The artwork at Shy Shy is all women-made and feels feminine. Marissa and I were motivated to make a feminine space so the color palette, lines, and curves in the bar are soft. Drinks are intentionally balanced, soft, and feminine and many have a backstory, like Leanne’s Lavender Lemon Drop Martini is a nod to Marissa’s friend’s mom and GG’s Gimlet is named after my mother. Even the glassware at Shy Shy has soft curves, opting for a curved coupe glass. The food at Shy Shy is meant for women. We thought “what do women like to eat” when making menu decisions. Many options are light bites to share. And who wouldn’t want to try a Caesar Salad Martini!
More NYC Women-Owned Cocktail Bars We Love
HiLot bar and lounge, opened by the team behind Joyface (which is a lively disco bar right next door) is owned by Jennifer Shorr. In a sea of bars that seem to embrace 90s minimalism, HiLot is the wild child that celebrates the 60s and 70s. HiLot feels like a whimsical escape, one that can be best described as both sexy and safe. Come here to enjoy the groovy interiors, unique cocktails, and funky extras, like a bathtub in the bathroom and a cuddle puddle love pit.
HiLot, 102 Loisaida Ave (betw 6/7th St) Alphabet City
Duane Park is a woman-owned burlesque supper club that both men and women can enjoy. Owned by Marisa Ferrarin, who used to be a manager of the club, this spot is the place to go for boisterous and safe fun. Over the years the stage at Duane Park has seen some famous talent, like Lady Gaga, Brian Newman and Paloma Faith. The unbelievably talented singers and live bands performing at Duane Park are as much of an attraction as the burlesque dancers. There are white tablecloths, elegant interiors and they serve a great brunch menu. The intimate and lively atmosphere allows for a relaxing experience, one that will leave you wanting more. Many couples come here for a special celebration. As far as burlesque experiences go, Duane Park is in a league of their own.
Duane Park, 308 Bowery (betw Houston/Bleecker) NoHo
While The Odeon is not exactly just a bar, the legendary spot has lasting power and is now solely owned by Lynn Wagenknecht. Not only is their bar known for inventing The Cosmopolitan, they continue to impress fashionable New Yorkers and tourists in-the-know. The bar scene here is always a positive experience, one that comes with excellent service. Personally I make this my stop anytime I am in Tribeca, and even choose to celebrate Thanksgiving here.
The Odeon, 145 W Broadway (betw Thomas/Duane St) Tribeca
Yawning Cobra is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar owned by Ying Li and Claire Li (no relation), who are longtime friends and hospitality industry veterans. The intimate and sleek spot feels like a calming and sophisticated place to go for before or after drinks. During my visit here I immediately noticed the extra care put into patron comfort. One of their special and attentive touches is serving a cup of miso soup as a welcome – an idea pitched by a female employee. From the bar’s unique concept to their delicious food menu; you have to try the very flavorful Wagyu Wontons, Yawning Cobra is the kind of place where you can bring a friend from out of town and create lasting memories.
Yawning Cobra, 356 Bowery (betw 4th/Great Jones St) NoHo
