With a fresh coat of white paint on the sleek brick facade, the former APO on 13th and Drury in the heart of Midtown Village has reopened as the Corner. Step inside to be greeted by a warm wooden set of tables and banquets, with mirrored walls that open the small venue considerably. At the back of the room is an adorable, three-seat liquor bar and a long, white marble seating counter at the open kitchen.

In its former incarnation, the spot was known for innovative cocktails, and the new owners have kept this vibe alive. Tony Rim (of Raw Sushi & Sake Lounge) and Chef Scott Swiderski (previously of Buddakan) have put together a dozen creative drinks, each priced at $11. Don’t miss the Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame -- a surprisingly light but complex tequila/mescal mix with green apple, lime, cayenne and bitters, which was the second-best seller over opening weekend.

The top-selling cocktail so far has been the winter pick-me-up Lady Belladona, vanilla- and cardamom-infused vodka perked up by cocchi, grapefruit and a splash of sparkling wine. The more “classic” cocktails coming out include the gin/absinthe favorite Corpse Reviver No. 2, and an Old Fashioned made with tequila.

A range of red and white wines from around the world are offered by the glass from $6-$9, along with three sparkling varieties. If you’re out for a special occasion, this is the place you’ll find a bottle of Veuve Cliquot Yellow Label for $179, or even a bottle of Dom for $400. If not, come back to earth with a respectable set of bottled and craft-can beers, starting at $5 and topping out at $10 for the Boaks Monster Mash Imperial Stout. All of these selections will change with the seasons.

Swiderski is joined in the kitchen by John (Chainsaw) Taus, most recently behind the 3-bell kitchen at Snackbar, and the American comfort food menu offers a perfect foil for a night of cocktailing with friends. Start with the succulent head-on prawns, wrapped in a fluffy, straw-like blanket of kataifi that bursts into crispy flakes with each bite ($12). For $9, you can try the pan-seared Scamorza, an aged mozzarella spiced with mint, garlic and sambuca.

The compact menu lists four salads, including one topped with sliced meatballs ($10), and an enticing-looking (and very popular) Cobb ($11). Entrees top out at $18, for a grilled tuna with olive tapenade. The turkey club ($12) features cranberry aioli on perfectly toasted slices of brioche, and a grilled cheese is brought up to speed with truffle and braised short-rib ($14).

Upstairs is a whole additional dining room and much more bar seating, along with a roof-deck, which should become more and more popular as the weather begins to warm. For the first few weeks the restaurant is open for dinner only, but as they get their legs they’ll expand offerings with Sunday brunch and weekday 5-7 PM happy hours.

In contrast to the imposing air of its antecedent, the Corner is friendly and welcoming. From the front of the house to the bar to behind the line, the experienced staff knows their stuff, and their clientele. You won’t leave disappointed.

12.21.10

About Tipsy Grrl:

Focused primarily on fantastic cocktails, good spirits, and the best places to procure such commodities, Tipsy Grrl is always on the lookout for great quality at an affordable price.  Follow her on Twitter for the latest updates!