The Early Word on Cocktail Den Demi Monde in FiDi

Demi Monde set up shop almost two weeks ago in the Financial District, serving high-brow cocktails with names like "Check Your Head" and the "Billy Goat." The bar currently features small bites and will soon offer a nine course tasting menu from Vandaag alum Philip Kirschen-Clark. Co-owners Alex Day and David Kaplan both of Death & Co., also have plans to operate the space as a cafe during the day. Here's a roundup of what patrons are saying about the drinks, the food, and the atmosphere at Demi Monde:

The Best in the Neighborhood News: The lone Yelp reviewer says Demi Monde has no local competition: "It has just become the best bar, by far, in the Financial District. There's nothing even close. The opening menu is deep and versatile, if leaning towards the sophisticated side...The bar snacks provided by Phillip Kirschen-Clark (of Vandaag fame) are a revelation...I can't imagine drinking anywhere else if I was that far downtown." [Yelp]

The Nothing Special News: One Eater commenter doesn't see much to get excited about: "I was there last night, and walked away pretty disappointed. The space itself looks very much geared towards happy hour for bankers and the bartenders don't seem to know how to make the drinks on the menu. The drinks themselves were OK, but nothing to go out of your way for. I give it a few months until a total revamp." [Eater Comments]

The Approving News: Over on Foursquare, one user finds a lot to recommend: "Great new addition to the Financial District! Try the Maxx & Lucy cocktail and any of their homemade soda cocktails - amazing! Great new spot with sexy and intimate ambiance." [Foursquare]

The Wait-and-See News: A reviewer from Tribeca Citizen likes what they see--for now: "[My] drink was splendid...Will it become a douchepit? Only time—and the crowd—will tell. In the meantime, it’s far and away the coolest thing going in FiDi, and it’s a totally worthwhile field trip for anyone who lives in Tribeca." [Tribeca Citizen]

The Straightforward News: Another Eater commenter keeps it short but sweet: "Went to the soft open and made me excited for their grand opening. The space is sexy, food is on point and no surprise the cocktails are amazing. Try the Mr. Sparkle and Lady James." [Eater Comments]

The Repeat Performance News: The blog, the Daily Candy, seems pretty pleased with their experience, listing a number of reasons to return: "1. Shucking good Negroni oyster shooters with orange confit. 2. A mini mirrored nook in the bathroom that enables you to check out all sides at once...5. Speaking of gold (and silver), we ate from the same bowl of smoky almonds as Tara Lipinski and Sasha Cohen. It was a great moment. [Daily Candy]
· All Coverage of The Experimental Cocktail Club [~ENY~]
— Alison Herman