Wine bar
Unclaimed profileRuffian
New York, NY · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Ruffian is a wine bar devoted to Eastern European natural wine, with a 250+ bottle list and a by-the-glass selection spanning Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Bosnia, and Georgia. The program emphasizes skin-contact orange wines and has earned Esquire recognition and a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020. Cocktails such as the Kimchi Margarita and Smoked Beet Negroni add a creative counterpoint.
- What should I order?
- Start with the Guerila 'Retro' orange wine from Vipava, Slovenia ($18), a skin-contact pour that captures the list's Eastern European focus. For something fizzy, the Rodica 'Refosk' Sparkling Red from Istra, Slovenia ($21) is a distinctive choice. Happy hour, with $5 off wines by the glass, is a practical entry point.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Natural wine enthusiasts and those curious about Eastern European varietals will find the list engaging. The presence of creative cocktails also gives non-wine drinkers a reason to visit.
- When should I go?
- Happy hour is a supported occasion, with $5 off all wines by the glass and 10% off bottles.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- The singular devotion to Eastern European natural wine, with a 250+ bottle list and a wide array of skin-contact orange wines, sets Ruffian apart. Its recognition as one of America's best wine bars by Esquire and a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020 underscore its standing.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Three creative cocktails appear on the wine-by-the-glass menu: Super Cattivo Spritz, Kimchi Margarita, and Smoked Beet Negroni. They incorporate unexpected ingredients like kimchi and smoked beet, suggesting a willingness to experiment beyond the wine list.
Menu strengths
- — Creative ingredient choices, such as kimchi and smoked beet, distinguish the cocktail list.
- — Cocktails are integrated into the wine-by-the-glass menu, making them accessible alongside wine.
Standout selections
- — Kimchi Margarita ($18) – a margarita built around kimchi, a bold savory twist.
- — Smoked Beet Negroni ($18) – a Negroni variation using smoked beet, adding earthy depth.
Pricing: $18 each
Wine
A 250+ bottle list devoted to Eastern European natural wine, with by-the-glass options from Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Bosnia, and Georgia. Skin-contact orange wines feature prominently. Happy hour discounts and recognition as one of America's best wine bars by Esquire, plus a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020, attest to quality.
Menu strengths
- — Deep, region-specific list covering eight Eastern European countries.
- — Emphasis on skin-contact orange wines, a niche strength.
- — Industry recognition: Esquire's best wine bars in America and Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2020.
Standout selections
- — Guerila 'Retro' ($18) – an orange wine from Vipava, Slovenia, exemplifying the skin-contact focus.
- — Rodica 'Refosk' Sparkling Red ($21) – a sparkling red from Istra, Slovenia, a rare style.
- — Hoch 'Kalkspitz' Grüner Blend ($22) – a sparkling blend from Kremstal, Austria.
- — Skegro Family Blatina ($18) – a red from Mostar, Bosnia & Herzegovina, expanding the regional reach.
Pricing: $18–$26 by the glass
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