Oysters, cocktails and premium absinthe are the driving force behind Maison Premiere, a luxurious Williamsburg bar and restaurant that takes its inspiration from early 19^th century New Orleans via the Parisian bistros of the 1930’s. The room is dominated by a horseshoe-shaped bar surrounded by wooden stools and an old antique stove in the corner. But then, everything is a retro throwback here, from the ceiling fan and antique cash register to the Art Deco lights.

Taking centre stage is an absinthe fountain with multiple taps so that drinkers can prepare their absinthe at the same time. Filling the fountain shouldn’t be too much of a problem, they have the largest collection of absinthes in the city for you to sample, if you dare. The cocktails are delicious, and potent, too, while the food menu is really focused on the raw bar. Indeed, complimenting all those absinthes are around 30 different varieties of oysters. Decisions, decisions…