Settle into the corner banquette “godfather seat” and prepare to be schooled about Alexander von Humboldt. The 19th-century naturalist and explorer is the inspiration behind almost everything (drinks, artwork, international sharing plates) in this small, dark and wonderfully romantic bar led by Brant Porter and his spiritual connection to Humboldt. The citrusy, azure-tinted signature cocktail, Cyanometer, is named after the device Humboldt used to measure the darkest shade of blue sky ever recorded, on Mount Chimborazo, in 1802.

Humboldt expedition team, including our 2023 Hotshot, Kate Chernoff (centre).