Nestled in the historic Radio Wave Building where Nikola Tesla once lived and experimented, Patent Pending is an atmospheric cocktail den that merges science, design, and handcrafted drinks. Located behind a buzzer-locked secret door in the back of Patent Coffee, this subterranean speakeasy operates from 5 p.m. nightly and seats just 34 guests in its intimate bar cave. Designed by former talent from BlackTail and The Dead Rabbit, its cocktail menu is Tesla‑inspired, divided into four electrifying categories—Energy, Frequency, Vibration, and Descent—with inventive drinks like Hit by a Taxi, Radio Waves, Currents & Coils and AC/DC blending spirits, teas, rare fruit, and savory spices. The interior features exposed brick arches, Edison bulbs, polished bronze bar tops, teal or royal‑blue booths, and cave‑like ambiance with design echoes of Tesla’s era. Though reservations are optional and walk-ins start at 5 p.m., wait times may occur during peak hours; seating is first‑come, first‑serve with last entry around 45 minutes before close. For larger gatherings, The Lab—an adjacent private lounge—can be booked, offering seating for up to 40 guests and its own bar and dance floor. Complementing the cocktails, the upstairs Patent Coffee serves pastries and espresso by day in a minimalist café setting. Behind its innocent façade lies one of NYC’s most intriguing nightlife gems, uniting mixology with a dose of historical mystery.
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