Our Top Picks
- The Design Highlight: The custom camel-felt pool table, which reimagines a dive-bar staple as a high-design centerpiece within Gachot Studios’ 90s-inspired layout.
- The Must-Order Cocktail: The Caprese Martini, a savory-sweet masterpiece featuring Grey Goose, tomato water, and balsamic vinegar that tastes like a liquid Italian summer.
- The Signature Bite: The Creamsicle Pie by Michelin-starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra—a nostalgic, visually striking dessert that balances citrus brightness with creamy decadence.
- The Cultural Edge: An unparalleled collection of Janette Beckman’s hip-hop photography, featuring 80s and 90s legends like Run DMC and Salt-N-Pepa, lending the space a raw, authentic NYC soul.
Tucked into a landmarked townhouse dating back to 1831, Jac’s on Bond lays quietly below the iconic cobblestone streets of NoHo. For those who frequent the intersection of Bond and Lafayette, the address at 26 Bond Street carries a certain weight; it was formerly home to "The Smile," a beloved neighborhood fixture. Today, however, the space has been reborn. Jac’s on Bond is a community-driven cocktail lounge that manages to do the impossible: it honors its nearly 200-year-old architectural bones while channeling the sleek, minimalist cool of 1990s New York.
Whether you are looking for a sultry corner for a date or a high-energy billiard game under the glow of curated art, Jac’s offers a multi-layered experience. It is a 2,400-square-foot subterranean sanctuary designed to accommodate multiple atmospheres, from intimate jazz sessions to late-night revelry.
A Design Masterclass by Gachot Studios
Stepping down into Jac’s on Bond feels like entering a private, expertly curated residence. The transformation of the space was spearheaded by Gachot Studios, the design powerhouse known for their ability to blend residential warmth with commercial sophistication. The aesthetic pivot here is clear: gone is the rustic, "shabby-chic" vibe of the previous decade, replaced by a 90s minimalist interior that feels deeply inspired by the Calvin Klein era—clean lines, tactile surfaces, and a palette that breathes.
The walls are finished in a soft vanilla limewash, providing a textured backdrop that catches the dim, atmospheric lighting. This is contrasted by deep charcoal wainscoting, which grounds the room and adds a layer of architectural discipline. The layout is intentionally fragmented into distinct "zones," allowing the 2,400-square-foot footprint to feel both spacious and intimate. In the front, a relaxed lounge area welcomes the early evening crowd; in the back, more "sultry make-out spots" offer privacy for those who want to disappear into the shadows.
The undisputed star of the room, however, is the pool table. Eschewing the traditional green or blue felt, Gachot opted for a signature camel-felt top. It is a brilliant design choice—it feels less like a piece of gaming equipment and more like a piece of custom furniture, echoing the warm tones of the wood and the amber hues of the cocktails.
"We wanted the space to feel like it had always been there, but also like it was completely fresh," Christine Gachot has noted about the project. By stripping away the excess and focusing on high-quality materials—blush-top tables and plush banquettes—the design team has created a "neighborhood watering hole" for the modern downtown elite.
The Visual Pulse: Janette Beckman’s Hip-Hop Photography
While the architecture and furniture provide the skeleton of Jac’s on Bond, the art collection provides its heartbeat. The lounge features an extensive and meticulously curated collection of photography by the legendary Janette Beckman. Known for her work documenting the dawn of British punk and the golden age of NYC hip-hop, Beckman’s work acts as the perfect bridge between the building's historic past and its contemporary relevance.
As you move through the lounge, you are met with the gaze of Run DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, LL Cool J, and Slick Rick. These are not just "decorations"; they are cultural artifacts that ground the bar in the grit and glamour of 80s and 90s New York. The black-and-white prints are framed simply, allowing the raw energy of the subjects to pop against the minimalist vanilla walls.
There is a deliberate dialogue happening between the photography and the guests. In a neighborhood like NoHo, which has undergone rapid gentrification, these images serve as a reminder of the creative, rebellious spirit that built downtown culture. It’s a design choice that adds "street cred" without feeling forced, lending the subterranean space a sense of historical continuity.
Elevated Alchemy: The Cocktail Program
The beverage program at Jac’s on Bond, led by Trevor Easton Langer, is a masterclass in inclusivity and originality. Langer has crafted a menu that caters to the "everything enthusiast"—the person who appreciates a classic martini as much as they do a complex, fat-washed whiskey creation.
The cocktail list is playful yet sophisticated, often utilizing culinary techniques to achieve unique flavor profiles. One of the most talked-about drinks is the Caprese Martini. A blend of Grey Goose, tomato water, and balsamic vinegar, it is a savory, clear liquid that defies expectations, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil. It’s a drink that feels right at home in a space designed by Gachot—refined, surprising, and visually minimalist.
Other highlights include:
- Bitter Love: A complex, refreshing take on the spritz profile.
- Popcorn-Infused Rum: A whimsical use of nostalgic flavors, elevating a simple spirit into a cinematic experience.
- Sesame-Fat-Washed Whisky: For those seeking depth and a silky mouthfeel, this drink provides a savory, nutty undertone that lingers on the palate.
The glassware is equally considered—delicate stems for the martinis and heavy-bottomed tumblers for the rocks drinks, ensuring that every tactile interaction reinforces the venue's "high-end neighborhood" ethos.
Michelin-Starred Small Bites
While many lounges treat food as an afterthought, Jac’s on Bond treats it as a headliner. The menu is curated by Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra, the duo behind the Michelin-starred Wildair and Contra. Their approach here is "elevated bar snacks"—dishes that are easy to share but complex in execution.
The menu strikes a balance between comfort and culinary innovation. You might start with the Jamon Serrano Bikinis, which are perfectly pressed, buttery sandwiches that offer a salty punch. The chilled crab dip is another crowd-favorite, served with sturdy crackers that provide the perfect crunch against the delicate, seasoned seafood.
However, no visit to Jac’s is complete without the Creamsicle Pie. This dessert has quickly become an Instagram icon, but its substance matches its style. It is a mix of classic nostalgia—evoking memories of childhood summer treats—and "visually striking" modern presentation. The citrus zest cuts through the creamy filling, providing a bright finish to a night of savory cocktails.
The dining experience is designed to be fluid. You can enjoy a full spread at one of the blush-top tables or simply have a few bites perched at the bar or lounging on the banquettes. This flexibility is key to the "community-driven" mission of the venue.
Social Dynamics: From Jazz to Late-Night Revelry
What makes Jac’s on Bond a truly successful interior project is its adaptability. The 2,400-square-foot layout is a study in "vibe-shifting." During the early evening, the front of the house might host a live jazz band, the acoustics softened by the limewash walls and plush upholstery. As the sun sets and the NoHo crowd trickles in, the energy shifts toward the billiard area and the private basement bars.
The "neighborhood watering hole" concept is often used in NYC, but rarely is it executed with this much polish. It feels like a place where a local artist might be shooting pool next to a fashion executive, both of them feeling equally at home. The subterranean nature of the bar adds to this "hidden in plain sight" allure—it is a world away from the bustle of the street above, yet it feels entirely connected to the spirit of the neighborhood.
Even the private spaces and transition areas haven't been overlooked. The attention to detail extends to every corner, featuring marbled wallpaper in the powder rooms and atmospheric lighting that maintains the 90s minimalist aesthetic throughout the entire journey from the entrance to the exit.
In a city that is constantly chasing the next trend, Jac’s on Bond feels like a return to form. It’s a reminder that good design isn't just about what looks good on a screen; it’s about how a space makes you feel. By blending 1830s history with 1990s minimalism and 2020s culinary excellence, Jac’s has secured its place as the new soul of NoHo.
FAQ
Where is Jac’s on Bond located? Jac’s on Bond is located at 26 Bond Street in the NoHo neighborhood of New York City. It is housed in a landmarked townhouse that dates back to 1831.
Who designed the interior of Jac’s on Bond? The interior was designed by Gachot Studios. They implemented a 90s minimalist aesthetic, featuring vanilla limewash walls, charcoal wainscoting, and a custom camel-felt pool table.
Is there food available at Jac's on Bond? Yes. The food menu is curated by Michelin-starred chefs Jeremiah Stone and Fabián von Hauske Valtierra (of Wildair and Contra fame). They offer a variety of small bites, including their signature Creamsicle Pie and Jamon Serrano Bikinis.
What is the art focus of the lounge? The lounge features an extensive collection of photography by Janette Beckman, showcasing iconic hip-hop legends from the 80s and 90s, such as Run DMC and Salt-N-Pepa.
