Basement is on Mott Street in Chinatown, and the entrance is a red Coca-Cola vending machine. You push on it and it swings open. What's behind it is a moody cocktail bar with craft drinks, small plates, and the specific energy of a room that takes its concept seriously rather than leaning on the entrance gimmick alone.

The cocktails lean into bold flavor combinations. The Kung Fu Kicks is mezcal, Aperol, sriracha bitters, Thai chili, and pineapple juice finished with burnt wood chip smoke. The Shanghai Mule is there for anyone who wants something more familiar. The food side runs to small Asian-inflected plates.

Chinatown after dark is underserved by places like this, which is part of what makes Basement worth seeking out in addition to the trick door.