Dinner at Baijiu

Baijiu, an Asian influenced eatery and cocktail lounge, is the latest addition to the Mercer Warehouse.

Last week I was fortunate enough to preview their menu and have a small sampling of their offerings. Suffice to say, it was all incredible. Today is officially their first day open to the public.

Scroll down for some tasty photos that will have you high-tailing it down to 104th street at 5pm today.

Let’s take a minute to appreciate their decor. Even as we ascended the steps into the Mercer Warehouse, the scent of a smoky incense hit us immediately. Baijiu has their ambience game at a high voltage level. Neon signs, floral wallpaper, and original wood flooring from when the building was a warehouse. A massive wall of bottles behind the bar has been so exceptionally laid out that even a pleb like me can appreciate the mastery of the extensive collection. 

Another feature of the space that I think is worth noting is how they achieved such an intimate feeling setting despite its actual spaciousness. The ceilings are high thanks to the buildings warehouse heritage pedigree yet it remains cozy. I truly believe that lighting is playing a big role in this. Rather than opting for dreadful overhead lighting, they’ve focused on ambient mood light sources at varying levels. If I learned one thing from Mariah Carey, overhead lighting is flattering for no one. It looks like Baijiu got the memo too.

I started off the evening with the Sakura Spritz, a light drink with rose and hibiscus. It was a great way to ease myself into the madness that is their drink menu. Slowly working my way into the some stronger cocktails.

A shot of Hennessy paired with green tea – an unusual but complimentary match

Before that, the Devilled Tea Eggs arrived. Have you ever thought something was so perfect that it could never be improved upon? Well, devilled eggs were perfection in my books until I had Baijiu’s version. Maybe it was the pickled chilies or perhaps the crispy shallots, but there was a showdown at our table for the last egg.

Pork & Shrimp Lion’s Head Dumplings – the most perfect texture I have experience in the dumpling department.

The Fried Bao Ice Cream Sandwich was like a dessert burger. So. Freaking. Good.

Head on down to Baijiu in the Mercer Warehouse tonight at 5pm for their official opening! Check out their website here.