A&E

New Downtown haunt Jammyland playfully pairs drinks and songs

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A new Downtown experience awaits at Jammyland.
Photo: Christopher DeVargas

Back in December, we wrote about two New Yorkers, Danielle Crouch and Allan Katz, who were readying their Jamaican bar and kitchen concept in the Arts District. The reggae-inspired destination known as Jammyland soft-opened along Main Street on February 23, adding another late-night haunt to the bustling Downtown neighborhood.

The first thing you’ll notice about Jammyland is the bar’s sizable, starry patio, decorated with twinkling lights and flanked by two beautiful murals. It’s the kind of inviting, unique space that beckons to anyone walking by. Even on a Sunday night, the inside was packed with patrons—a strong sign of things to come.

Las Vegas doesn’t have anything else quite like Jammyland. It’s inspired by Jamaica and reggae, but the island touches are subtly woven through the bar’s interior, which features a modern, industrial feel. Wooden tables, steel fixtures and exposed beams compete with more festive décor like glowing yellow and green orbs, candles and a row of lush succulents. The kitchen is still at least two weeks from launching, but it’s already easy to imagine heading here for a midnight snack and a round of cocktails.

Speaking of booze, if there’s any indication that a lot of thought went into planning Jammyland, it’s the bar’s drink menu. Drawing from Katz’ love of reggae and the New York City record store he once frequented, Jammyland’s menu, or “first mix tape,” pairs 12 cocktails with a song inspired by the spirits in each elixir. The result is a drinkable playlist, and while they don’t recommend throwing back the entire sequence in one sitting, each song is on Jammyland’s Spotify, so you can listen long after your Mai Tai is gone.

Start with the popular Juniper Flats—Tanqueray, guava, cinnamon and Averna (with recommended listening: The Clash’s “Safe European Home”)—before attempting a bartender favorite, the Apache Knucklebuster. Rye, double IPA imperial stout syrup, Meletti and Luxardo comprise Jammyland’s brass-knuckled version of an Old Fashioned, which is paired with The Skatalites’ “Guns of Navarone.”

The Brazilian Necktie (no relation to the Colombian one) is a spicy take on a Gordon’s Cup. Not for the light-hearted, this one gets some serious heat by way of Serrano and Anaheim pepper-infused cachaca, lime, cucumber, turbinado syrup, smoked sea salt and cracked pepper.

Jammyland might be the new kid on the block, but it’s already becoming a favorite. From the old-school ska and reggae playing overhead to its laid-back vibe, Downtown’s latest approaches serious cocktail and music culture with playful charisma.

JAMMYLAND 1121 S Main St., 702-800-9098. Wednesday-Sunday, 6 p.m.- 2 a.m.

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