Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Food
NYC's Hottest New Cocktail Bar Is...Whole Foods
By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 6, 2014
Modified Jun 6, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Nell Casey
Published Jun 6, 2014
Modified Jun 6, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Grocery shopping can definitely drive one to drink, though that usually has to wait until you get the bags home. But shoppers at the Columbus Circle Whole Foods have long been enjoying beer and wine at the store's on-site bar, and soon they'll likely be taking it to the next level with the addition of hard alcohol. Imagine the inspired grocery choices one makes after a martini or three?
The store recently got the nod from Community Board 4 to serve cocktails at On Tap, the store's 40-seat bar tucked between the dairy case and the body products, though DNAinfo notes they'll still have to win approval from the State Liquor Authority before proceeding. Once approved, though, the store bar will look into a "curated list" of cocktails to supplement the beer and wine they offer as well, according to Whole Foods rep Michael Sinatra.
Though specific plans aren't set in stone, Sinatra tells us the current locavore movement should play into the cocktail offerings. "Much like you see local beers and local wines in that space, looking at artisanal spirits, mixers and fruits that are made locally or made in a fun small batch artisanal way...I think you'll see is the direction we do go in," he revealed. Though he couldn't confirm, Sinatra said he didn't envision a fully-stocked bar where one could order Negroni or other standard cocktail. More likely, guests will order from a pre-selected cocktail menu geared to pair with the bar's food offerings.
There's no definitive opening time at this point but the store is hoping to debut the new drinks sometime this summer or maybe in the fall. Shoppers won't be able to take their martinis into the store proper, but Sinatra says that the bar has been popular with folks popping in for a quick drink before or after the do their shopping. "We've had a husband or wife who hangs out while the other ones are shopping," he quipped.
Whole Foods operates about 70 of these types of bars in stores across the country, and Sinatra says they're a popular feature wherever they open. Though the Gowanus community board made a fuss about the store serving liquor at its new Brooklyn outpost, Sinatra says they hope to move forward with plans to run a similar cocktail program to supplement the rooftop beer garden.
Tagged
cocktails
columbus circle
Whole Foods
Nell Casey
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE food
5 NYC banana puddings as good as Magnolia's
Here are several borough-based bakeries where you can indulge in the delicious dessert.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Published Aug 5, 2026
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
As the neighborhood changes, so does its cuisine
By
Robert Sietsema
Food
Where to eat in Greenpoint, Brooklyn right now, from Polish to Sichuan to Iberian
As the neighborhood changes, so does its cuisine
By
Robert Sietsema
Can a congressional candidate's dumpling diplomacy win over Queens’ immigrant communities?
By
Caroline Shin
Gourmet pizza is all the rage in NYC. Are the towers of toppings worth the high price?
By
Walter Wuthmann
New York’s only Surinamese restaurant blends Dutch, Asian and African flavors
By
Daniel Maurer
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .