Retrograde, a Quiet New Speakeasy, Now Charming Guests in Uptown

If you're looking for a bar at 530 E 19th Avenue, one won't reveal itself to the naked eye. Retrograde, which opened quietly earlier this week, is hidden behind a freezer door that sits unassumingly inside Frozen Matter, a new ice cream shop. Owned by Gerry Kim and Josh Gertzen, who opened their ice cream parlor earlier this year, Retrograde is described as a discreet cocktail lounge where artisan cocktails and unique liquor, as well as beer and wine are the focus.

On the menu, guests will find drinks like the Donkey Hotay (vodka, amotillado sherry, green Chartreuse, lime, ginger, and cava), which lures the vodka fan into the world of sherry  and the Little Green Ghouls, Buddy! (gin, Dolin Blanc, lime, cucumber ice, burned rosemary, and tonic), which is refreshing like a cucumber slushie with a craft cocktail twist. Eight wines and eight beers are also offered. In a section called Astronaut Food, those who need a bite to eat will find a curated selection of charcuterie and cheeses, plus some smoked almonds.

The new bar is open daily starting at 4:30 p.m. until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.