Under the Volcano

Under the Volcano has always been a great drinking establishment, specially to stop by after a long day at work to sample some of their premium tequilas (over twenty bottles). My favorite is the "Volcano Margarita" which includes your choice of premium tequila mixed with Cointreau and fresh squeezed lime juice. It is simple, straight forward and delicious. My second favorite would be their Papa Daiquiri which is the rum cocktail shaken with lime juice and sugar over ice.

When you walk in to the Under the Volcano, first thing you'll notice is the large bar with a huge mirror backdrop. Both sides of the mirror, there are the lists of tequilas they are serving that day. The tequila selection changes often so you'll get to experience some of the small production tequilas along with the well-known premium brands. We always tend to grab one of the small tables with leather arm chairs in the back of the room away from the crowds of the bar, of course if you can grab one.

Under the Volcano takes its name from the Malcolm Lowry's 1947 semi-autobiographical novel. The Lowry's novel tells the story of Geoffrey Firmin, an alcoholic British consul on the Day of the Dead in 1939 in the small Mexican town of Quauhnahuac.  It is not a large place compared to its sister establishment across the street, The Ginger Man which is known for their beer and ale selection.

Besides tequila they also serve various premium brands of rum, gin, single malt scotch, bourbon, wine and bottled beer. As far as food goes, you can order a generous cheese or chorizo platter or Cuban sandwich,  empanadas, nachos or chips and salsa to go with your cocktail or tequila. 

It is the Day of the Dead every day at the Under the Volcano. Walls and shelves are all decorated with the little skeletons and other decorations reminiscent of the Day of the Dead (El Día de los Muertos or All Saints Day).

Under the Volcano
12 East 36th Street
(between 5th & Madison Avenues) 
New York, NY 10016
(212) 213-0093Email: utvnyc@verizon.net