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The Vanishing Act: 5 Shocking Facts About The Aviary New York And Why It Closed

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The Aviary New York was, for a brief, dazzling moment, the pinnacle of cocktail culture in Manhattan. Conceived by the visionary minds of the Alinea Group—Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas—it promised a theatrical, high-concept drinking experience unlike any other in the city. Perched high above Columbus Circle, it was a destination for the world’s elite and a revolutionary force in mixology.

However, despite its pedigree and sensational reviews, the New York outpost of The Aviary is no longer a reality. As of December 23, 2025, The Aviary NYC is permanently closed. This article dives into the full, fascinating story of its brief but brilliant run, its revolutionary concept, and the definitive reasons why this culinary titan vanished from the New York skyline.

The Alinea Group’s New York Dream: A Brief Biography

The Aviary NYC was the first major New York City project from the Chicago-based Alinea Group, founded by the acclaimed duo Chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas. Their flagship restaurant, the three-Michelin-starred Alinea, is globally celebrated for its modernist, experimental cuisine. The Aviary was their concept of applying the same level of culinary innovation—often called molecular gastronomy or molecular mixology—to the world of cocktails.

  • Concept Origin: The Aviary, Chicago (Opened 2011)
  • NYC Location: Mandarin Oriental, New York (35th Floor)
  • Address: 80 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10023
  • Co-Founders: Grant Achatz (Chef) and Nick Kokonas (Partner/Co-Owner)
  • Sister Bar: The Office NYC (A speakeasy-style bar located adjacent to The Aviary)
  • Opening Date: September 2017
  • Closure Date: Officially announced in April 2020
  • Cuisine Style: Experimental cocktails, high-end snacks (e.g., Black Truffle Explosion, Giant Crispy Pork Skin)
  • Signature Feature: Theatrical presentation, custom ice program, and Central Park views.

1. The Revolutionary Concept: Molecular Mixology and Theatrical Cocktails

The Aviary was never just a bar; it was a performance space. Its core philosophy was to treat cocktails with the same rigor and creativity as a world-class kitchen. The Alinea Group employed a team of "kitchen-chefs" and "bar-chefs" to develop drinks, blurring the lines between the front and back of the house.

The Art of the Drink and the Ice Program

Every cocktail was a multi-sensory experience. For instance, a drink might arrive frozen inside a block of ice that had to be cracked open, or served in custom-made glassware that resembled a birdcage, a globe, or a frozen sphere. This focus on presentation was its trademark.

One of the most talked-about entities at The Aviary was its advanced ice program. They didn't just use standard ice cubes. Instead, they utilized specialized equipment to create custom shapes, spheres, and blocks of crystal-clear ice, which were integral to the drink's flavor and temperature profile. The ice itself became a crucial ingredient, meticulously engineered to melt at a specific rate to control the cocktail’s dilution over time.

The tasting menu format, a concept typically reserved for fine dining, was also a central feature. Guests could opt for a three- or five-course cocktail progression, each drink paired with a small, savory bite, such as the famous Black Truffle Explosion or the Giant Crispy Pork Skin.

2. The Spectacular Location and Its Secret Sister Bar

The choice of location for The Aviary NYC was deliberate and spectacular. It was situated on the 35th floor of the luxurious Mandarin Oriental, New York, at 80 Columbus Circle. This provided guests with breathtaking, panoramic views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, instantly making it one of the city's most desirable and exclusive cocktail destinations.

The Office NYC: A Speakeasy Within a Speakeasy

Adding to the mystique was its adjacent sister bar, The Office NYC. Where The Aviary was bright, modernist, and theatrical, The Office was its dark, sophisticated, speakeasy-style counterpart. It was designed to feel like a private, old-world library or a gentleman's club, specializing in classic cocktails, rare spirits, and vintage bottles.

The Office offered an even more exclusive experience, often requiring a separate reservation. Its menu focused on unadulterated classics, providing a perfect counterpoint to The Aviary's experimental flair.

3. The Shocking News: Why The Aviary NYC is Permanently Closed

Despite the critical acclaim, the high prices, and the constant buzz, The Aviary NYC and The Office NYC permanently closed their doors in April 2020.

While the initial closure coincided with the mandatory shutdowns at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the decision was ultimately a permanent one. Reports indicated that the closure was not solely due to the pandemic, but rather the result of a mutual agreement between the Alinea Group and the Mandarin Oriental hotel. The partnership, which was the foundation of the New York venture, concluded, leading to the permanent closure of both high-end cocktail concepts.

The closure marked a significant loss for the New York cocktail scene, as it removed a global leader in experimental mixology from the city. The space at the Mandarin Oriental has since been redeveloped for other uses.

4. The Distinction: Don’t Confuse It With The Aviary Kinderhook

For those searching for a taste of The Aviary in New York State, a crucial distinction must be made. An establishment called The Aviary Kinderhook exists in Upstate New York, but it is not related to the Alinea Group's famous cocktail bar.

The Aviary Kinderhook is a separate, local gathering place specializing in ingredient-focused, Asian-inspired cuisine and seasonal cocktails, sourcing ingredients from local farms in the Hudson Valley. While a charming and respected venue in its own right, it operates independently of the Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas empire.

5. Where to Find The Aviary Experience Today

The legacy of The Aviary’s revolutionary concept lives on, and the experience is still available for those willing to travel. The original and flagship location, The Aviary Chicago, remains open and continues to operate as a world-class cocktail destination.

Located in the vibrant Fulton Market District in Chicago, the bar still offers its signature theatrical presentations, seasonal food and cocktail tasting menus, and groundbreaking techniques. It is the only place left to truly experience the Alinea Group’s full vision for the future of the cocktail. Entities like the Wizard Staff cocktail and the seasonal Tasting Menu continue to draw visitors from around the world to the Chicago location, proving that while its New York chapter is closed, the story of The Aviary is far from over.

The Vanishing Act: 5 Shocking Facts About The Aviary New York and Why It Closed
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the aviary new york

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