Double Chicken Please: Reinventing Cocktails and Comfort in the Lower East Side

A New Kind of Experience on the Lower East Side

Tucked into the always-buzzing streets of New York’s Lower East Side, Double Chicken Please doesn’t just blend in—it confidently stands out. Opened in November 2020, this innovative venue quickly became a cultural and culinary sensation, garnering global attention not just for its food, but for its boundary-pushing bar program. With accolades that include being crowned the No. 1 Best Bar in North America in 2023 and claiming the No. 2 spot on the 2024 World’s 50 Best Bars list, the venue has redefined what a bar experience can be.

But what truly sets Double Chicken Please apart isn’t just the awards or the hype—it’s the way co-founders GN Chan and Faye Chen have crafted a space that’s equal parts playful, inventive, and deeply thoughtful.

The Story Behind the Concept

Double Chicken Please was born out of a deep curiosity to explore the relationship between food and cocktails, and the possibilities that come from blending casual street eats with sophisticated, experimental drinks. With backgrounds in design and bartending, GN Chan and Faye Chen dreamed of a space that didn’t fit into traditional categories—a hybrid of neighborhood comfort and destination-level artistry.

Their approach resulted in a dual-space venue: a casual front room where fried chicken sandwiches and cocktails are served with speed and energy, and a more refined backroom that operates on a reservation-only basis. This backroom, reminiscent of a speakeasy, offers a seated-only experience where guests are invited to engage with the bar’s most complex creations in a more intimate setting.

A Chef’s & Bartender’s Philosophy: Creativity Without Pretension

At the heart of Double Chicken Please lies a core belief: food and drink should be fun, thought-provoking, and accessible. GN Chan, a World Class global cocktail competition winner, brings a design-forward approach to mixology. Each cocktail is imagined not just as a drink, but as a sensory experience inspired by food, emotion, or even memory.

The bar’s most iconic creations—like the “Cold Pizza” cocktail—are prime examples. It may sound quirky, but the drink manages to capture the umami, spice, and comfort of a slice, all while remaining balanced and drinkable. Another standout is the “Red Eye Gravy,” a nod to Southern flavors interpreted through mixology. These drinks challenge expectations while never alienating the palate.

Meanwhile, the food, though minimal in selection, matches the ingenuity of the drinks. Fried chicken sandwiches are the star of the show—perfectly crispy, juicy, and layered with bold flavors like yuzu or garlic aioli. It’s a menu that proves simplicity can still surprise.

Why the Duality Works

The brilliance of Double Chicken Please lies in its ability to cater to different moods within the same visit. Walk-ins are welcome in the front room, where counter service keeps things energetic and casual. It’s an ideal spot for a spontaneous night out or a pre-dinner drink with snacks.

Step into the backroom, however, and the tone changes. Dim lighting, thoughtful design, and a quieter atmosphere create space for deeper appreciation of craft cocktails. Reservations here are in high demand, and for good reason—it’s a curated experience that balances hospitality with high creativity.

This dual-concept strategy wasn’t just a design choice—it reflects the founders’ understanding of how people interact with food and drink today. Some nights call for fun, fast, and casual; others deserve slow sips and deep flavors. Double Chicken Please offers both.

How to Score a Spot: Tips for Visiting

With its growing global fame, getting into Double Chicken Please—especially the backroom—requires some planning. Reservations open online and fill quickly, often within minutes. For those seeking spontaneity, the front room remains the best bet. It’s no-reservation, first-come-first-served, and while there may be a line, the turnover is relatively swift.

Once inside, the staff is knowledgeable, approachable, and eager to guide newcomers through the experience. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or a first-timer, expect a welcoming and inclusive vibe.

The Role of Design and Branding

Beyond the food and drink, Double Chicken Please pays meticulous attention to design. The branding—playful, contemporary, and clever—reflects the venue’s forward-thinking philosophy. From glassware to wall art to social media presence, every touchpoint reinforces the brand’s commitment to creativity.

Tako Chang, who manages brand marketing and communications, has been instrumental in maintaining this coherence across channels. The storytelling doesn’t stop with the menu—it extends into how guests perceive and share the experience, making every visit highly Instagram-worthy without feeling superficial.

What’s Next for the Team?

With so much success already behind them, many wonder what lies ahead for the team behind Double Chicken Please. While no official announcements have been made, there’s no doubt that expansion is on the horizon—whether in the form of new locations, collaborations, or creative pop-ups.

The team continues to refine their approach, experiment with seasonal concepts, and expand their beverage program. Whatever comes next, it’s clear that their mission remains the same: to bring innovation, hospitality, and a sense of playful surprise to every interaction.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Bar

Double Chicken Please isn’t just a bar, or a sandwich shop, or a cocktail lab. It’s a living, breathing example of what happens when imagination meets execution. Located in one of New York’s most competitive hospitality scenes, it has not only survived but become a leader—earning accolades from industry experts and loyal admiration from visitors around the world.