Last year, Le Mal Nécessaire (meaning “necessary evil”) made a big move. Namely, a move from its decade-long home in a Chinatown basement into a sprawling 4,000-square-foot downtown space. That translates into more room to lounge in plush velvet booths, more dance-floor space and a larger capacity — which should mean no more queues. Vibes are intimate and sultry, especially when DJs spin (6 p.m. until late, nightly). But don’t let the cool-kid, clubby feeling deceive you: Drinks are thoughtful and some of the city’s best. Cocktails reference the tiki canon, like the signature Coco Supremo: a rich, silky mix of rums and house-made coconut cream served in a cracked coconut.
Best Bars 2025 No. 36
Bar le Mal Nécessaire
News and more
Sign up to our newsletter
Advertisement





