Fig. 19 is at 131 Chrystie Street on the Lower East Side, inside Envoy Enterprises, an art gallery. You walk through the gallery and into a dim room of beaded chandeliers, taxidermy decor, and oil lamps. The combination of functional art space and cocktail bar is not incidental: Fig. 19 is female-owned and the gallery connection is maintained as part of the identity.

The cocktail list mixes classics with original recipes. The Rose Selavy is named for Marcel Duchamp's female alter ego. The High Society is frequently cited by regulars. A traditional muddled-sugar Sazerac is on the menu alongside the more conceptual drinks, which keeps things grounded.

DJs play most nights. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. It's a bar that takes its context seriously without being humorless about it.