Peck Slip Social Is a Seaport Bar by Locals, for Locals

Peck Slip Social, a new watering hole at 36 Peck Slip in the Seaport, is a true labor of love by and for the Seaport community. Owners Alex Davis and Learan Kahanov are both longtime Lower Manhattan residents. Davis, a school principal, still lives in the Southbridge Towers apartment she grew up in, and Kahanov, a cinematographer and founding member of Taste of the Seaport, has lived downtown for the last 24 years. Together, they’ve created a haven for visitors and local drinkers alike, serving up whiskey-focused drinks and “MediterAsian” bites sure to please folks who come from near and far.

As local bar regulars, Davis and Kahanov decided to jump into the business themselves during a night out at erstwhile gastropub the Hideaway. And with the help of other bar owners and workers in the area — who pitched in on everything from tax advice to literally demo-ing the space — Davis and Kahanov were able to debut Peck Slip Social in early December. With its communal tables, a pool table, couches for socializing and a gorgeous long bar, Kahanov and Davis say Peck Slip Social is a love letter to the Lower Manhattan community that they hold dear — they describe the vibe as “somewhere between an Irish pub and Cheers.”   

“We want to be a part of the community and bring locals in,” Kahanov said. “It’s a bar for locals, by locals.”

As locals themselves, Davis and Kahanov have curated the drinks and food menus to reflect their backgrounds and loved ones. Cocktails like the “Fred” (Great Jones rye, sweet vermouth, angostura bitters and amaro cherries) and “Morgan” (High West double-barrel rye, lemon juice, honey, egg white, cherry cacao bitters and brandied cherries) are named after friends and family members, and themed after their namesakes’ favorite drinks. The aforementioned “MediterAsian” menu, helmed by chef Taylor Miller takes inspiration from Davis’s and Kahanov’s backgrounds as well as from their personal travels, with a focus on Italian, Cuban and Israeli food as well as Filipino and Korean fare and some favorite dishes from a recent trip they took to Barcelona. The menu focuses on small plates, with offerings like hummus (house-made by Kahanov) with a variety of available add-ons, bao bun sliders, shwarmas and fries with harissa ketchup. 

The duo plans to host events, including trivia and live music; there’s also a secret late-night menu and more surprises on the way. Peck Slip Social is open seven days a week, with hours on its website. Stop by, pull up a chair at the bar and grab a whiskey — you’re home. 

photos: Michael Tulipan / MST Creative PR