Whistling Rail Speakeasy in Bronxville Serves Cocktails in a Vintage Setting
By Susan Miele
July 13, 2022: First came the piano bar at Underhills Crossing. Then, a wine bar at Ernie’s Wine Bar + EATS. Next, a beer bar at Beer Noggin. Now comes the latest addition to Bronxville’s nightlife: a cocktail bar at Whistling Rail.
Billed as a speakeasy, Whistling Rail is an artistically rendered homage to a bygone era, where cocktails are served in an under-the-radar vintage setting. Indeed, if you don’t know it’s there, you won’t know it’s there. The entrance is an unmarked door on the north end of the Bronxville station house. While no password is needed to enter, and the Bronxville PD isn’t likely to raid the joint, Whistling Rail captures these old-world vibes in other ways. Owner Charu Rana, with support from her husband, Paul Hugel, has painstakingly tended to every detail, even down to the ice cubes.
The six-page menu devotes four pages to cocktails, one to wine, and one to beer, cider, and two food items. “A true speakeasy shouldn’t serve food,” Rana explains. “Food should be limited to munching, not a knife and fork.” Thus, current offerings are a fruit-and-nut board and a cheese-and-charcuterie plate. That said, sporadic appearances by visiting food trucks will provide diversity while supporting other local businesses. Rana has also made a conscious choice to partner with women-owned businesses that make liqueur.
The cocktail menu is divided into four categories: Aperitifs, Refreshing, Sharp/Citrusy, and Spiritous. Of the nearly 25 selections, some are old-school classics like Penicillin and Kir Royale, while others are house inventions. For example, the crisp espresso martini is crafted from freshly brewed espresso made in the adjacent coffeehouse with a hint of simple syrup, rather than the cloyingly sweet concoction that might be found elsewhere. The menu is expected to change seasonally, with lighter potables offered in summer.
Though elegant, the ambiance is easy-going, with comfortable seating and period music that allows for audible conversation. Patrons are encouraged to linger for a refresher after commuting home from the city or pre-or post-dinner in town. “Give yourself some time to enjoy your cocktail and savor it,” Rana urges.
In the fall of 2020, the other half of the Bronxville station house became home to BXVL Coffeehouse, also owned by Rana and Hugel. Despite the challenges that the COVID-19 shutdown presented, the coffeehouse quickly became a community hub, with locals and others flocking to the welcoming setting for beverages, pastries, and light fare. Special events have included occasional appearances by food trucks and guest chefs, along with evenings of drinks and nibbles.
Rana’s career reset after working in finance began with plans to open a creperie or beer hall, but the historic stationhouse screamed “speakeasy” to her ears. She and her husband used to lament the distance they had to travel to find a cocktail bar and believed Whistling Rail would help fill a neighborhood void. “I’ve always liked cocktails and am always looking for people who take them seriously.” She’s also happy to “bring some action to this side of town.”
The speakeasy décor feels so spot-on that it’s surprising to hear that this was all DIY. Each aspect was selected after extensive research, driven by the need to preserve and highlight the historic, Spanish Mission-style building. Inspiration was drawn from Campbell’s Apartment in Grand Central Terminal and various speakeasies that the couple have frequented. Authenticity is important to Rana.
“The building is so gorgeous, the way it has a separate room: the high ceilings, the beautiful space. I knew we couldn’t let this space go to waste,” Rana recalled. With marble walls and large, arched windows, the setting easily evokes a prohibition-era establishment.
Whistling Rail is currently open only on Friday and Saturday nights, though additional days are under consideration (yes, please!).
Whistling Rail is located at 2 Station Plaza, Bronxville
(914) 600-8139
Restaurant & Food Guide
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Irish Gastro Pub with wood-fired pizza. It also has a Cocktail Menu.
219 Main Street, Eastchester
914-752-7650
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One Pier Steakhouse
One Pier Steakhouse is located on the banks of the Hudson River in downtown Yonkers, N.Y. right in the middle of the Yonkers renaissance. The restaurant offers a beautifully designed dining room featuring private banquette seating; an upstairs private room for sit-down or cocktail events; an inviting large bar and outdoor seating.
The menu offers a mix of traditional cuts of steak: Porterhouse for two, Filet Mignon, NY Strip, Ribeye and Skirt. There is also a variety of fresh fish offerings: Whole Branzino, Colossal Shrimp Scampi, Lobster Tails, Chilean Sea Bass, Sushi Grade Tuna, Salmon and a Raw Bar. Also included are Soups & Salads, Appetizers and Signature Dishes of Coffee BBQ bone-in Short Ribs, Lamb Shank and a 1/2 Roasted Chicken, along with a Pasta Station.
The bar features craft cocktails and a wide ranging wine list. The vibe is a softly lite romantic setting with up-tempo jazz.
Drink* Eat* Gather
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Haiku
Pan Asian
56 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-337-5601
Chinese cuisine. Stylish setting with classic decor.
361 N Central Ave, Hartsdale, NY
Wild Ginger
Pan Asian
10 Park Place
Bronxville, New York 10708
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Underhill’s Crossing
For over thirty years, Underhills Crossing Restaurant in Bronxville has had the privilege of offering guests a diverse menu of French-American cuisine. Whether for a light bite with a friend, a celebration of family, or a special occasion, join us in our elegant dining room or enjoy al fresco dining in our beautifully decorated outdoor dining area.
Underhills Crossing Restaurant brings the Manhattan dining experience to Bronxville. Enjoy our raw bar, full caviar service, extensive wine list, and by-the-glass Coravin program, along with seasonal specials, which complement the lunch, dinner, and brunch menus.
Please let us know your thoughts.
5 Pondfield Rd 74., Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-1200
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Lange's of Bronxville
Lange's of Bronxville is a homestyle delicatessen nestled in Bronxville. For over 3 decades, Lange's has proudly offered an authentic deli and catering experience, serving freshly prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites that keep our customers coming back for more.
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Opa Opa Fresh Greek.
New casual and friendly Greek restaurant serving fresh homemade specialties in a light and airy setting. Order for Take-Out…call 914-600-8129 for delivery on Uber Eats or Door Dash.
116 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, NY 10708
914-600-8129
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Serves Noteworthy Italian food and Brick Oven Pizza with outdoor seating available.
914-779-7944
Ciao
5-7 Albanese Place
Eastchester, NY
914-779-4646
An Italian Bistro in the heart of Scarsdale.
808 Scarsdale Avenue, Scarsdale
914-722-0808
Instagram: 808bistrony
IL Sorrento serves top-tier Italian cuisine.
From timeless classics like Veal Parmigiana to more modern dishes like Tuna Tartare infused with the taste of the Tuscan coast, they promise that "every meal you have with us will become a treasured memory."
706 Central Park Avenue, Scarsdale
914-713-3133 or book online
Delicious Italian food prepared with great care and served in a vibrant, modern Italian setting. Do private events. Best of Westchester “Best New Restaurant” in 2019. It was also awarded the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand Award in 2020.
11 Huguenot St,
New Rochelle, NY 10801
(914) 636-0006
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Italian restaurant with the charm of a real Italian Trattoria
Mon., Tues. and Wed. from 5 to 10pm
Thurs. Fri. and Sat. from 5 to 11pm
10 Palmer Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-2000
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Sapori of Scarsdale
A handsome new restaurant serving unique and interesting authentic flavors of Italy, with a new lunch, bar and children’s menu that has both indoor and outdoor café dining.
Mediterranean
2 Chase Road
Scarsdale, New York 10583
914-874-5316
Scalini's mission is to serve classic yet innovative regional cuisine that highlights the culinary diversity of the country, including tasty homemade pasta and daily seafood specials. The food and beverages are skillfully curated under the direction of owners Angelo and Elio DiRosa of Abruzzo, Italy.
Scalini carries uniquely Italian microbrews and has a seasonal craft cocktail program and an extensive wine and spirits list. With a patio and secluded courtyard that mirrors a quintessential Tuscan village, their outdoor dining experience is available year-round and offers a perfect venue for all types of events and engagements.
65 Pondfield Road
Bronxville
914-337-4935
https://www.scaliniosteria.com
Tredici Social
Italian
Tredici Social serves contemporary Italian food with a modern flair. Outdoor Dining Available
104 Kraft Avenue
Bronxville, New York
914-793-1313
Roberto Paciullo's hometown of Salerno is transported to the streets of Tuckahoe. Zero Otto Nove Trattoria is the fourth outpost of his famous restaurants from Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. From the atmosphere to the food, stopping by Zero Otto Nove is taking a quick trip to Italy.
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Marigold is a vibrant tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian flavors and timeless traditions. The menu proudly presents Chef Hemant Mathur's iconic creations, skillfully layered with a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy elements, all expertly woven together with fresh, high-quality ingredients and imaginative flair.
Each dish is a labor of love, meticulously prepared with the finest ingredients and authentic spices, resulting in an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. You will embark on an unparalleled culinary journey through the heart of India.
434 White Plains Rd. Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 202 9455
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Ladle of Love
Ladle of Love dishes out delicious soups, sandwiches, salads, wraps, hand crafted meals and rotating daily specials. They also have a Meal Plan Program that is personalized for individuals or families, offering daily or weekly meals which can be customized to dietary preferences and needs.
18 Palmer Avenue, Bronxville
914.346-8883 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese
Owned by Bronxville's own Ruth Walter and Kevin McNeill, Dobbs & Bishop Fine Cheese carries traditional varieties of cheese such as manchego, camembert and Irish Cheddar as well as other varieties from a half dozen countries. They also sell specialty breads, baguettes, scones, croissants, olive rye batard and other varieties provided by French baker, Balthazar. Gift baskets and party platters are available to order. It is also a go to destination for lunch for the school children offering the mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches on white or multi-grain bread and yummy lemonade.
107 Pondfield Road
Bronxville, New York 10708
914-361-1770
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