Milady’s is a revived dive bar, a venue that was once a beloved institution in New York’s Soho for 50 years. It closed in 2014, until new owners in 2022 saw value in all that came before – having frequented the bar themselves in the 90s and 2000s – reimagining it for the modern day while keeping its convivial neighbourhood vibe and a few of its best features.

Occupying a corner block, from the outside it appears like a classic brasserie with white-painted bricks and street-facing vintage windows. Inside, the space is broken into three distinct zones, pieced together by a female-led design and architectural team, important to Milady’s owners as they ensured the décor paid homage to the location’s past. While it’s generally a walk-in venue, guests will still be met by a host and either helped to a table, a spot at the bar or, in busier times, given the option of standing space. Aiming to embody a classic New York bar and restaurant that creates a place for connecting, conversing and drinking, the seating area is warm and welcoming, with earth tones, plush saffron-coloured booths and leather seats.

The original Milady’s logo is worked into the branding, and the back room, once home to the dive’s infamous pool table, has a billiard theme with a custom light fixture made from pool ball racks and an installation incorporating old pool cues. There are bright colours throughout the space and, in a nod to the “everyone’s invited” attitude, the bar has a landing for ongoing guest bartenders.

Milady’s is very intentional about its drinks, collating menus that blend neighbourhood dive and 90s nostalgia with the elevated flavours and techniques of today. Cocktails that might be considered unserious – Appletinis, jello shots, Cosmos – are made with the same care as an Old Fashioned, highball or Daiquiri. All syrups, infusions, acid adjustments and cordials are made in house, with an extensive prep guide to ensure consistency, and the team trained to make and taste everything before bottling or batching, adjusting recipes daily to account for seasonal variety and ingredient ripeness. They aim for their drinks to be “closed-loop,” using almost every part of each fresh ingredient in their cocktails, with the in-house prep team diligent about juicing exactly what’s needed for each service.

While elevating the drinking and dining experience, Milady’s stays true to its neighbourhood status, blending great service with a high-energy atmosphere at peak times. Playlists vary from early 90s hip hop to 80s rock and roll to current hits, with local DJs occasionally invited to spin.

The hiring policy at Milady’s is well considered. With a female ownership and management team that includes underrepresented groups, they interview a wide variety of candidates and are willing to hire and train inexperienced staff who may not have had the same resources as other applicants, in order to keep the team diverse. They strive to continually educate their team, whether in a group setting or one-on-one, offering lessons on more than just tending bar, including finance and business acumen.

To ensure Milady’s is relevant to more than just its regulars in New York City, they invest time in their online community to promote events and bar collaborations, sharing their passion for the bar industry with those only viewing via social media. Whenever they host a special event, they choose an organisation to donate part of the proceeds to, as well as providing gift cards to local schools to support the Soho neighbourhood.