We had dinner reservations nearby and wanted to grab a drink beforehand. We were with a local who knew about Bar Centrale -- otherwise we never would have found it. There are no signs, and you walk up a set of steps and through a thick curtain to get inside. It's tucked into an old brownstone and very easy to miss. We went right around 7pm, and it was completely empty. That actually makes sense since Broadway shows start around then, so it's a great time to hit a bar or restaurant in the area. We sat at the bar. Service was a bit mixed. The bartender we had wasn't very friendly, but we did get our drinks without issue. We ordered a couple of Mexican mules and a martini. The martini was fabulous -- definitely the standout. Unfortunately, the mules were not great. I was also hoping for some specialty or holiday cocktails, but there weren't any. That said, the space itself is beautiful and has a cool, hidden-gem feel. The other staff we interacted with were very nice -- we just happened to get the grumpy bartender. Would I go back? Probably not, but only because there are so many other places in NYC I'd want to try. Still, it's a cool spot (if you can find it). read more

I stopped in Bar Centrale right on the dot at 5PM. I did not have a reservation and wanted to snag a bar seat. The bar is not ADA accessible as it requires walking up a flight of stairs. The bar is not marked by a sign either. What may have been a hidden secret in the past is not so much a secret these days. They take reservations over phone up to one week in advance. There's a number of tables and booth seating, and a few bar seats available for a walk in. The menu of food is pretty decent though lacking in many vegetarian or vegan options. I opted for a grilled cheese sans the bacon and it was good. The grilled cheese has goat cheese in it which may not be for every one. I had an aviation drink and a glass of riesling. The cocktail was pretty standard. The wine was good. Service was generally good and attentive at the bar. The host in the front was kind. It seems like they have a coat check which I did not use. There is one bathroom in the back. The bar is definitely more crowded pre and post theater. It was packed 5pm-7pm but around 7pm, it became noticeably quiet and the bar emptied out. I'd suggest coming here while a show is playing to avoid a crowd. However, even with a packed house, the bar was not loud. Of course, if you prefer a pre or post theater cocktail, I'd recommend a reservation to guarantee entry. While this bar won't be known for its drinks or food, I think much of the allure stems from the location and the reputation for attracting famous clientele. It's a pretty chill place in the midst of crazy Times Square, so I'd definitely come back. While it may attract some tourists (if they find out about it), it generally seemed to cater to the wider New York crowd (I.e Manhattanites but also Westchester folk, Long Islanders, New Jerseyans driving in, etc) read more

Bar Centrale - Aviation - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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We stopped here for a drink before dinner. The place is really cute and cozy and service was really good and efficient. My drink was great and I love how they served the lemon served martini. Really creative read more

Bar Centrale - Inside - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Bar Centrale is an awesome spot that is tucked away in brownstone walk-up. If you didn't know to look for it, you could (and would) walk past over and over. First note, make a reservation, they might have a few walkups or options for later in the evening, but you won't want to miss this night. First, the ambiance is quaint and cozy - perfect for a fall evening. The staff was excellent - from the hostess to the server to the busser - everyone was kind and welcoming. The cosmo was excellent, easy drink, but perfectly even with nothing standing out or being too much. They definitely pour heavy handed, but it comes out quickly, so don't get too crazy. We thought the food was excellent, although the menu is small we loved all of the food. Starting with the potato skins, I wish there were more because they were that good. The tacos & steak were both excellent. The portion size was perfect to not feel stuffed but not leave hungry. read more

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The staff is amazing, the drinks are solid, and the food is great. Special shout out to the tuna tartare taquitos. Also please don't go here - it's already hard enough getting reservations. read more

Maybe a bit of a well-known secret spot. I loved my experience eating at the bar after I got out of a musical back in March. Such a perfect last night of my trip in NYC! And a nice solo activity. The pasta was so delicious, which didn't hurt. read more

Bar Centrale - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

RUDEST MAITRE D' around. Always snotty, bitter and not welcoming. Food is mediocre and service is inconsistent at best. Celebrity sightings abound but the door person is unnecessarily rude and inappropriate. Go to Joe Allen right below for a much more fun experience. read more

Bar Centrale is one of those "who's who" places where everyone who walks in might be a Broadway star or a talk show host. I've walked by this brownstone restaurant in Manhattan numerous times and never imagined such a quaint and cozy lounge inside. One of my friends from my bereavement group used to frequent this spot with her late husband, and she made us a reservation, knowing the bartender and staff well. This familiarity certainly enhanced our comfort level. We only had appetizers, but they were delicious and ample for the four of us. Be aware that drinks are on the pricey side, so be prepared for that. The bar space is quite small, so it's best to arrive early, as it's definitely a popular late-night spot for a nightcap after Broadway shows. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and found the ambiance fitting for that type of scene. read more

This was perfect for an after theater stop for dinner. It's a small place but has an exclusive feel to it with a subtle entrance that you could miss. Everyone from the hostess to our server/bartender showed exceptional service, warmth and kindness. They had these surprisingly yummy chickpea fries with a dip that makes them perfect. We had these fish tacos that were perfectly seasoned with the right mix of sweetness, saltiness and spice. We also had drinks - of course - and their cacio e Pepe - pasta of the day. We even had leftovers to eat the next day. Make sure you make a Rez - it's a really small place. read more

This is my favorite spot for a post theater drink and bite. The menu is mostly small, sharable plates which is perfect for late night after seeing a show. It's in an unmarked brownstone and seating is limited. You need to call 1 week in advance to make a reservation. If you tell them what show you are seeing they'll know what time you get there. It's a great place for celeb citings but no one bothers anyone...very NYC. Lovely ambiance that feels like a 1960s bar. read more

We stopped in for a night cap drink at the bar and enjoyed it. After finding the hidden entrance with no signs, we were greeted by a cool atmosphere with a few empty bar seats. The menu wasn't huge but with a full bar, I'm sure you could order anything you wanted. The drinks are served in a tall glass with the rest of your drink in a smaller glass inside of a glass of ice.. it was interesting but a fun way to serve a drink. The dining room was dark and intimate which was a cool way to utilize an old apartment. You would never know this place existed behind these beautiful doors. We didn't try any food but we enjoyed our drinks. read more

Bar Centrale - Hidden entrance with no sign - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Excellent pre-show NYC spot - complete relief to be out of the tourist hordes. I stopped in for a perfect martini & an even more perfectly-cooked NY strip, with some of the best chimichurri I've ever had. I was alone, so I grabbed a spot at the bar. Please be advised that you have to telephone them during open hours to make a reservation. read more

Tapas style pre-theater establishment above Joe Allen's which they also own. Service is efficient, good menu variety, food is just on the better side if adequate. I've dined there twice but in no rush to return, despite the cozy atmosphere. With only one bathroom it's a drag to wait in line and wait standing beside the row of booths. read more

Absolutely love this gem of a place! Speak Easy vibes with delicious cocktails and small plates. Perfect for a meal and drinks before a Broadway show. They take note if you have a show and ensure you are taken care of. Great service and attention. Set in a brownstone with an unmarked door. Absolutely incredible experience We will be back to Bar Céntrale Mel W read more

The clientele and service are top notch. The bar is great. It would be nice if it were larger but the intimacy of the limited space is what makes Bar Centrale so special. read more

A cute hidden gem with late night menu, a comfortable atmosphere. Pasta dish was perfect and what a treat to see some actors as well!

The ambiance is the cutest part. Quiet and intimate. The perfect place to meet a secret lover or plan a criminal escapade. Was there on a business meeting. Ordered oysters and chickpea . Drank 2 fruity mocktails, and tried to like the fries. I'll make sure to visit the next time I'm working on a caper! read more

I understand the hype, but I felt let down by the food. Came here before a seeing a show with a friend. This was my first time here and he booked the reservation, so I had no idea what to expect. I also had no idea where this place was. Honestly though, that's part of the charm. Bar Centrale is nestled up the stairs in an unassuming "apartment" next to Joe Allen's. It's a fun concept that makes you feel transported to a hidden section of midtown. The size of the establishment is also why you should most definitely book in advance. Let's start with the good. The drinks are fabulous, they've got their cocktails set and they came out quick. You won't leave thirsty. But the food is where they're lacking. We had an assortment of plates and nothing really blew me away. The spinach dip was decent, the grilled cheese was nice, the chicken quesadilla was good, but what I was really disappointed in was the chickpea fries. I thought it was maybe just me, but my friend has the same thought, the chickpea fries were a letdown. They were dry, kinda crumbly, and I wasn't a fan of the sauce. Suffice to say, it's a cool spot to grab a drink before a show, but I wouldn't stop here for a full dinner. There's lots of other places close by to grab a good meal. read more

Cute little spot hidden behind a plain apartment door. We didn't have reservations so they had us sit at the bar, which was fine, but I didn't like how they said the tables were already reserved for people coming later. We were there for 45 mins and the tables around us were still empty. read more

Bar Centrale - Presbyterian - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

The staff was super rude. I've never felt more disrespected in an establishment. First, my friends and I walked into the bar WITH a reservation but the restaurant messed it up, and tried to make us feel bad for "not making a reservation". We sat down and I ordered a grilled cheese without GOAT Cheese and the server argued with me stating that they can't do that. Which I know is a lie because I've ordered that before. She finally gave in but she had the BIGGEST attitude problem. The server's name was Erin. I then asked for the manager to complain about her attitude and the manager didn't apologize or anything. He was so passive and stand offish. So we left the restaurant and I will never be giving Bar Centrale my money again. read more

Cool little spot that's worth searching for. Sat at the bar and had a lovely dirty martini and some mild but good guacamole

What a hidden gem. Literally. No clue this place existed on restaurant row!!! Try and find it...!!! Just stopped in for pre dinner drinks and the interior is lovely, soft and welcoming. The bar is very small, maybe 10 seats. I noticed how good the food looked so will be back to try that soon! read more

Bar Centrale - Side Car and Manhattan - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came here after watching Betrayal at Jacobs Theatre. Unassuming entrance with no signage so easy to miss if you don't know what you're looking for. Inside was classy and upscale, but ambiance was rather chill. The cocktail menu consisted of a short list of the classics. I had the cosmopolitan, the presentation of which was quaint. The glasses were small but the drinks were strong. We also shared the grilled cheese and guacamole. The grilled cheese was delicious - the goat cheese and bacon bites were a nice twist to the classic. There's only one small, unisex bathroom but clean. Hostess and bartender were nice and attentive. Highly recommend making a reservation or go early to avoid the pre- and post-Broadway crowd. read more

Bar Centrale - Cocktails - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Sat at the bar for dinner before a show - service was great and food was solid. A great option for before Broadway - kind of fun that you can only reserve by calling - as long as you have the flexibility. read more

Great food and drinks especially before going to your Broadway show! The entrance and ambiance are unique and quintessential NYC. Service was decent and prices are high as you would expect! read more

My wife and I stopped in Bar Centrale last night and had a memorable and very enjoyable time. We were immediately seated at a great table just before 7 o'clock and within a few minutes, the general manager (think her name is Mary) sat with us for two hours, regaling us with wonderful stories of Joe Allen through the years. Before we knew it , it was time to go and I thanked my favorite cousin, Mary for sharing her time with us. read more

We enjoyed some beverages at Bar Centrale after seeing Funny Girl earlier this month. I appreciate it's reservation only policy, ensuring you're comfortably seated and not fighting a crowd. It has an old, classic New York feel, which is nice. I enjoyed the chickpea fries as a little nibble, and my prosecco. My gentlemen friends also enjoyed their drinks, particularly the presentation of said drinks. I consider this a "special occasion" bar for post-show beverages. read more

Bar Centrale, a secluded, unmarked bar housed in an old brownstone apartment, this spot is serving up speakeasy vibes and classic cocktails. Feel like you are walking into a residential building. But behind the door is a hostess and a restaurant. We sat at the bar, had a couple drinks but didn't have a chance to try their food (was after dinner drinks). Great time to go is when everybody is at the theater, great place for a drink. read more

Bar Centrale - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Got drinks here with friends. Ordered a Paloma and it was one of the worst I've ever had. Extremely watery and still $17 for some reason. Prior to meeting we debated staying for dinner but left because the food probably sucks too read more

WOW! What a great place!! It's super lowkey and cozy inside and literally hidden away on Restaurant Row. The interior and vibes are A+ and they have all of your classic cocktails. Id highly recommend if you're looking for a quieter and more intimate place:) read more

Bar Centrale - a glass of water and a glass of lemonade - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

This place will give you an okay-ish speakeasy vibe. Food: Not that great but I guess you are not going there for the food. Drinks: Strong. Nice and flavorful. The whiskey sour was good. Ambiance: A cool dark place. Looks neat and posh. Staff: The waiter was not very skilled, he could not tell what was special there, he would run to the menu every time we asked for some suggestion. In-all: it's a little toward the pricey side but the place is a treat. Recommendation: As you can see that there is not much to write about this place so I would say, take a judgment call, though I assure you didn't miss out on anything if you skipped the place. Though there is nothing special about this place, it's just a good feeling sitting there and sipping on your drink over a long conversation. Would say it is more of a "Date night" kinda place. read more

Bar Centrale - Whiskey Sour - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I attended a matinee performance of "Some Like it Hot" and decided to stop in afterwards for a drink and a snack. It was my first visit to Manhattan, never mind seeing a Broadway show. I walked in about 5:15 and the hostess asked if I had a reservation, which I did not (total newbie mistake) but she was very nice and found me a table, apologizing that it would only be open until 6:30. That wasn't a problem, since I was flying solo that day anyway, so I thanked her and she escorted me to the table. The server came over right away, and she was fantastic. She was attentive, made suggestions, and kept my water glass filled, which was especially appreciated.The hostess talked to me about 20 minutes after I came in and told me she had a cancellation, and that the table was mine as long as I liked. Super nice. The server asked for my drink order and, since I was also driving solo, gave me a run down on non-alcoholic options. They don't have a non-alcoholic menu, per se, but they do have several tasty sounding things they will make for you. I had a lime drink that was very refreshing after all of the traipsing around I did earlier in the day. The food was even better. The grilled cheese was on real sourdough bread and had goat and fontina cheeses, and bacon bits. The best thing I had there, however, was the cucumber salad. Fresh cucumbers, olives, halved cherry tomatoes, goat cheese, and the most subtle mint that absolutely tied everything together. I would come back for the salad alone. The atmosphere was intimate because of the smaller tables and slightly subdued lighting, but still fun, and not a trace of snobbery was to be found. I was dressed very casually (scrub trousers and a t-shirt) so I know it wasn't my attire or possible wealth that generated the treatment I received. One thing that first-timers may not realize is that this is a place largely frequented by theater patrons and show people. Tables may be empty but they are reserved for a period of time, instead of just a dinner seating, to accommodate schedules of the many shows. I don't know why some of the reviews were so negative on here, unless Bar Centrale have since cleaned house. The great service, and genuine kindness, make this a place I will go whenever I'm in town. read more

This place is amazing, I almost don't want to review it to keep it more of a secret...this is a "hidden" bar (no sign outside) in the theater district. Their drinks are impeccable and average price for the area. They are very broadway oriented and will rush a check to make sure you're not late to a show. read more

Bar Centrale - cosmo - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Very hard place to find. I'm not sure if there is usually a sign here normally but when we went there was no sign and it looked like we were going up to someone's townhouse. I expected a speakeasy-ish type bar because of the entrance. The menu had no description of the drinks. When we asked the waitress what was in each drink, we thought she would be happy to teach us about the drinks as they usually are in other speakeasies. However, she impatiently said well cosmo is ____, manhattan is ___ and acted like we should know what they were. My friend and I proceeded to tell her we know what those are since they are common but other non-common drinks we didn't know. In the end, we had to google the ingredients in the rest of the drinks. It wasn't like she was busy either as we were the only ones there. I ordered potato skins as an appetizer and I would not recommend that as it was a dollar a potato skin and it was nothing that a regular sports bar could serve for half the price. read more

Bar Centrale - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

We had dinner at 8:00 on a Saturday night. Four friends from different parts of the country met in the city for the weekend. The food was quite good. However, the server had an attitude for some reason. We were not loud. We ordered drinks and food and respectfully vacated out table at 10:00 as they requested when we made the reservation. We fully understood there would be a theater crowd afterwards. With plenty of great dining options nearby, I doubt I will go back there. PS: We tipped generously, because that's what we believe in doing (unless there is something seriously wrong). To the disaffected server: You're not special because you live in the city, so maybe get over yourself. read more

This is my kind of spot - loved sitting at the bar - seats are limited but If you can get one order the caviar and champagne! read more

Bar Centrale - 10 seats at the bar great service. Caviar on the menu yum! - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Nice little speakeasy in the theater district. The cocktails are fine and the food was decent. read more

Bar Centrale - Chickpea fries - Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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A cool speakeasy in the Theater District... Call ahead exactly one week before for reservations since they don't take them further out. We stopped in before our show on a Tuesday night and the place was full. I expect the same is true any night, so don't attempt without reservations. Remember the address since the number on the door is the only indication that you are there. It looks to be a brownstone apartment from the outside... The food, as one might expect, is better than most bars. We had lobster and shrimp dumplings followed by skirt steak. Both were well presented and tasty. They were on the small side, but this isn't about the food. Yes it's a bar... Drinks were expertly prepared and generously mixed. Service was pleasant. I suggest that gentlemen wear a jacket, but it's not required. If you are here to see a play and want a refined bar to enjoy before or after, I highly recommend Bar Centrale. read more

Sweet quiet place for bevs and a snack before heading to your theater. Great ambiance, and service. Impeccable beverage presentation and good food. Loved and will be back! read more

Hidden, unassuming little bar behind a brown stone door- no signage outside- PERFECT. Pricey of course due to location but the chickpea fries and the whiskey sour were spot on. Describe d a drink to the bartender and he made something extremely close to what I asked- Impressive!! Would totally go back after a show. Quiet but alive. Love this place! read more