NYC Guide: The Ten Bells
Address | 247 Broome St, New York, NY 10002
Of all the wine bars in Manhattan, The Ten Bells on the Lower East Side has to be my favorite. So many sentimental reasons tie me to this spot. The Ten Bells is a dark, romantic space. Candles sit on every table, mirrors hanging on the walls to create the illusion of more space, and shoulders brush shoulders to get through the crowd to your party—at least during pre-COVID times…
My wife and I always say this is where we had our first “unofficial” date. It was a hot and muggy Sunday. August 13th, 2017. It’s a date we revisit often. We choose to wed at Manhattan City Hall on the same date two years later. We had enjoyed our time together at a party in Washington earlier in the summer and decided to meet up for $1 oysters and wine when we both returned to the city. An early evening meet up bled into the late hours of the night and the rest is history!
Since that date, the Ten Bells has become a go to place when I find myself on the LES. It’s a locale that my wife’s family tend to mark the beginning of every visit in the city with as well, so a lot of good times are wrapped into this place for me.
So let me tell you a little bit more about what you’ll find at this NYC wine bar.
They serve all natural wines. If you’re wondering what that means, it’s wines with no added ingredients, not even sulfites (for the most part). The kind of wines where you press the grapes and let them ferment without a lot of interference. They’re delicious. Expect to place your order with a knowledgeable server of their extensive wine list, and, I’ve always found, superb recommendations.
In terms of food, they have some really nice options. We always order the oysters (I could not find a photo in my archives but, they’re solid) and a charcuterie board. I feel like it’s an unwritten rule of enjoying wine at a wine bar that you have to have that small board of rich cheeses and meats. At The Ten Bells a lot of their cheese selection comes from Vermont and New York, but you’ll find some French cheeses on offer as well.
Beyond those two things, The Ten Bells have other great tapas as well. The papas bravas, salmon tartar, pickled mango salad, crab and avocado are some of my go to orders. The tapas list is pretty extensive. I wouldn’t necessarily come to the Ten Bells for their food alone, but the small plates are well executed and tasty, good to pair with some wines.
Finally, as mentioned, they have an attractive happy hour. Under normal circumstances the front doors and windows open out to the streets letting in the breeze. You’ll enjoy $1 oysters and house red, white, and rose wines at happy hour prices.
Have you been to the Ten Bells? What is your favorite wine bar in NYC or wherever you hail from? Let me know in the comments below!
