It starts with a craving, not for food, but for a drink that feels like home, or maybe like a faraway trip. You are in Manhattan, surrounded by endless bars and restaurants, but tonight you are not in the mood for another glass of wine or a craft cocktail. You want something different, something with character.
And then it hits you: Could I find fernet in Manhattan?
If you know, you know. This bittersweet, herbal spirit has a loyal following—especially in Argentina, where it is often mixed with cola and enjoyed with friends. But in New York, it is still something of a hidden gem. Not every bar stocks it, and not every bartender knows how to serve it just right.
So you pull out your phone and type: “fernet Manhattan”.
A few clicks later, you discover Porteño Restaurant NY
From Curiosity to a Destination
Porteño is not just another Midtown restaurant. It is an Argentinian spot tucked near Hudson Yards and the High Line, serving the kind of food and drinks that instantly transport you to Buenos Aires. The menu celebrates Argentina’s rich culinary traditions—perfectly grilled steaks, handmade empanadas, provoleta—but tucked among these dishes is the real surprise: fernet.
Yes, you can find it here. And not just as a bottle collecting dust behind the bar, but as a drink served with pride.
The Fernet Ritual
If you have been to Argentina, you know that fernet is more than a drink, it is a ritual. At Porteño, they serve it in true Argentinian style, often paired with cola, chilled over ice, and poured in the right proportions for balance. The result is an aromatic, herbal, slightly bitter drink that works both as an aperitif before your meal or as a slow-sipping digestif afterward.
And if you are new to fernet, this is the perfect place to try it for the first time. The staff will explain the flavor profile, suggest pairings, and even share a bit about its history and cultural importance back home.
Pairing Fernet with the Perfect Meal
While fernet is a star on its own, it shines even brighter alongside Porteño’s food. Imagine starting with an empanada criolla, followed by a juicy bife de chorizo or ojo de bife cooked over charcoal, and finishing with a small glass of fernet to round out the evening.
Or perhaps you keep it casual—order a couple of choripán sliders and sip fernet with cola as you catch up with friends. The slightly bitter, herbal notes of the drink cut through the richness of the meat and balance the flavors beautifully.
Finding Fernet in Manhattan is Rare
The truth is, fernet is still somewhat niche in New York. Sure, you might spot it at a few cocktail bars or specialty liquor stores, but it is far from common. That is why finding a place like Porteño—where it is part of the culture, not just an afterthought is special.
Here, fernet is not trendy. It is tradition.
The Atmosphere to Match
Part of what makes Porteño such a great place to enjoy fernet is the atmosphere. It is elegant but relaxed, the kind of space where you can sit at the bar for a drink or enjoy a long dinner without feeling rushed.
The lighting is warm, the music is soft, and the service is attentive. Whether you come alone, on a date, or with a group of friends, it feels like the kind of place where good conversations—and great drinks—just happen naturally.
How to Make It Part of Your Night in NYC
If you are planning a night around fernet in Manhattan, Porteño makes it easy:
- Start with a walk along the High Line or a visit to Hudson Yards.
- Make your way to Porteño for dinner and a glass of fernet.
- End the night with a stroll through the city, carrying that bittersweet taste with you.
For visitors, it is a perfect way to combine sightseeing with a genuine local experience. For New Yorkers, it is a reminder that some of the best things in the city are still hidden in plain sight.
The Verdict
Finding fernet in Manhattan might seem like a challenge, but once you know where to look, it becomes an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to savor, and to connect with a tradition that has crossed oceans.
At Porteño, fernet is not just available—it is celebrated. And once you try it here, surrounded by the warmth of Argentinian hospitality, you will understand why this drink inspires such loyalty.
So next time you are in the mood for something different, skip the usual and search for fernet Manhattan. Chances are, it will lead you right to Porteño.
