Shelter takes cues from Eastern Europe’s grunge movement, hence the gas masks (either imported from Ukraine and Poland or crafted by local artisans) behind the bar. Don’t let that intimidate you, because it’s easy to unwind into the intimate room. The menu explores the science of scent pairings, so cocktails have an aromatic flourish. A Mezcaltini gets a savoury-spicy bite from habanero and chile tincture, and Banana Bread gets its aroma from brown-butter-infused Japanese whisky, banana and pineapple rum.

Best Bars 2025 No. 45
Shelter Cocktail Bar

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