The bar and restaurant declared the world’s best this week isn’t a high-end fancy establishment.

In fact, it looks similar to our very own Clarke’s Bar on Bree Street.

The original Caffe Dante opened in Greenwich Village, New York, back in 1915, where it was a popular hangout for Italian immigrants who lived in the area.

It was reopened in 2015 by its current owners, Australians Linden Pride and Natalie Hudson, under the name Dante.

Four years later, and it’s receiving worldwide recognition.

Here’s Forbes:

New York’s Dante reached cocktail paradise tonight when it was named World’s Best Bar at the 2019 Spirited Awards in New Orleans during this year’s Tales of the Cocktail.

The bar, which opened in 2015 in what was once a famous Greenwich Village coffee house, Caffe Dante, was also named Best American Restaurant Bar for the second time in three years (which, under the rules of the Spirited Awards, means it is now retired from the the category).

The awards ceremony was introduced by Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor Bryan Cranston, who just launched a mezcal called Dos Hombres with his Breaking Bad costar Aaron Paul.

“To anyone that’s been there, thank you,” said Dante’s creative director Naren Young, accepting the top honor at the historic Orpheum Theater. “And to anyone that hasn’t, we look forward to welcoming you.”

Over to CNN for what makes the bar so special.

The convivial atmosphere, the subway tiles and the very cool, but not-too-cool bartenders, who seem genuinely happy to welcome you (unlike many establishments with a similar reputation and vibe).

What’s on offer? Negroni on tap, several other Campari-based cocktails, a non-alcoholic Negroni, all manner of spritzes (including a Spritz popsicle), a medley of martinis and more.

Dante also does great food.

Not to be outdone by its extensive menu of spirits and wine, the food menu at Dante also offers the kind of Italian specialties we’ve come to expect — burrata, ricotta, focaccia, salumi, lasagna, meatballs — all with a contemporary presentation and feel.

This is not your Nonna’s Sunday sauce spot, as evidenced by the breakfast and brunch offerings (avocado toast, granola).

The space itself is light and bright: subway tiles, walls of windows, the aforementioned sidewalk, a lovely bar with backless barstools, and for those eating a meal, a smattering of indoor tables.

So if you’re visiting New York in the near future, stop in.

Or rather, make a reservation. They’ll be filling up pretty quickly from now on.

[source:forbes&cnn]