(This review is concerning the Round Table restaurant section of the Algonquin- part of the issue is it's really not clear where the Blue Bar ends and the Round Table begins! It's all the Algonquin, so..) It's a rough realization to learn that one more former New York institution has slightly fallen from grace. The Algonquin is storied and imposing, with a history that should demand respect- at least, it used to be. Now, it's another cool building in midtown that you could easily walk right by. I visited tonight for a quick dinner before a show; nothing extensive. The food was ultimately fine (overpriced) but the service was poor. From the two people sitting at the front desk who didn't bother to pause their conversation to direct us when we walked in, to the server who walked over and literally said "Hi. What do you want?" when we sat (ourselves, by the way) to the gentleman by the door who never looked up from his phone as we left, my overall impression is a burnt out and disinterested staff who has absolutely no interest in even pretending to care about an atmosphere of hospitality. My partner's burger was good, well cooked; my turkey sandwich looked like something that had been purchased from a suburban deli and cut into triangles. (I was unimpressed that for $32, they couldn't even spare the expense of a nice ciabatta and instead stuck with WonderBread style Country White.) The French fries were good, and there were plenty. I will credit the fact that once we moved sections to escape a noisy table neighbor, a second waiter attended to us who was much kinder. I was, however, slightly bemused when I asked for a side of mayo and got handed an all-but-empty Hellman's squeeze bottle. Overall- confusing is the word. If you're a New Yorker fan, stop by for a cocktail and fries- but be prepared to seat yourself. read more

Blue Bar - Turkey club - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This is the replacement for both the old Blue Bar and the former Round Table Restaurant. Even though the two former venues have been combined in theory, the resulting space is much smaller. The old Blue Bar was much larger, had a separate entrance, and far more blue, everywhere. The new one has just a faint streak of blue neon above the bar. The old Round Table had two rooms. The drinks are good but the quality of service from the bartenders varies greatly. Some are friendly and helpful, others not. The grilled cheese sandwich and tomato soup was excellent, but a tiny portion for $25. read more

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Dirty martini was cold and perfectly mixed. Bartender was attentive and helpful. Loved the Al Hirschfeld caricatures featured on the walls and display screen. Fellow customers were charismatic and lovely to spend time with read more

Very nice little bar in a great hotel. . . enjoyed spending time here and really nice wine and drinks. . . Will definitely visit when in the area. read more

My colleagues and I stopped at Blue Bar to grab a quick drink after finishing dinner. We were actually heading elsewhere but the blue hue that exuded from the front doors attracted us so we decided to go in and check it out. Even though it has its own separate entrance, Blue Bar is actually the hotel bar for the Algonquin Hotel; it's located right next door and you can access the lobby from the bar. We walked in around 8:30pm and we were lucky enough to find plenty of open tables so we situated ourself in the back. As suggested by the name, the main aesthetics are blue, and they really take it seriously. You're literally completely engulfed in the color blue - it's in the lights, on the chairs, the decor, and on the bar. I'll admit it's a tad overpowering, but I actually thought it was pretty cool. Anyway, dranks. The menu had a number wines but my eyes went to the creative selection of cocktails they showcased. At $20 a drink these are on the higher side for Manhattan, but it kind of makes sense since this is a hotel bar. Even though it's February, the Christmas cocktail looked appealing so I went with that. I'll be real I don't remember the kind of liquor in it, but it was garnished with cranberry and had hints of cinnamon in it. Overall I thought the drink was fine - it didn't blow me away but also wasn't bad; I guess I expected a bit more. Lots of reviews here complain of the service, but I actually thought that was a highlight of my experience. We were greeted promptly and even though we were seven people they had no hesitation seating us. Servers were quick and on top of our orders, so I really have nothing but praise to give. While I didn't feel my drink matched the price they charged, I would be willing to return to see if my opinion changes. In the meantime, the great service but underwhelming cocktail lands them at a 3 from me. read more

Blue Bar - aesthetics - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I'm traveling for the marathon and staying at The Algonquin; my English degree feels vindicated that I chose such a location to call home for a couple days. Everything about this place is lovely and the blue bar is a beautiful compliment to this atmosphere. The bartender was very friendly and accommodating, right off the bat; talkative, personable, and professional. I felt right at home within moments of taking my seat. I had already perused the menu and knew what I was hoping for and went right for it. I had an old fashioned and paired it with the duck confit that was on their menu; with the spicy slaw and crispy scallion pancake. It was delectable and very satisfying after a long day of travel. I thoroughly enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere and listening to the conversations around me. The duck leg confit was tender with a little hint of crisp to the skin and the Thai style sauce was a nice compliment. The slaw had a hint of spice to it and the scallion pancake was umami savory delicious. If you're staying at the Algonquin, it's completely worth the trip down to the Blue Bar for a fantastic dining experience and a unique atmosphere. read more

This could have been our favorite bar in NYC. We're staying at the Algonquin and the bar is connected. great cocktails and delicious small bites. However, Henry, our server was absolutely one of the rudest servers I've experienced. I had to ask 3 times for water and there was no crowd to take his attention away. There were only a few occupied tables and another server on the floor. I truly have NEVER been rushed out of a bar before closing time. He was so intent on closing us out(3 hours before posted closing time) we could barely finish our drinks. Henry certainly doesn't live up to the standards of the rest of the staff at the Algonquin. Every other person has been perfectly lovely. Too bad that one bad apple is in this outstanding establishment. read more

I believe others have best described the Blue Bar as being a wannbe dive bar at Manhattan prices. That may seem odd as it is the bar of the Algonquin Hotel and the bartenders seem to be top professionals at least at making drinks though seemingly missing the pleasing personality of the job. But the drinks, though pricey, are solid far better than the average and perfectly mixed. I'd venture to say that their best drinks are those of the classics as opposed to those of the more exotic involving caipirinha concoctions or Matilda variations. As for the décor of the place, blue is its name and LED blue, blue, blue it is. The crowd is most of the well-heeled 30's to 40's something, rather decently dressed and generally fun loving as a group. read more

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Fun place to catch a baseball game and some great great drinks. The bartenders are quick, attentive, and witty. Old fashioned is excellent. Nice atmosphere. Excellent service. read more

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This is the bar for the Algonquin Hotel. Closes at 12;30 pm. Let's delve into the menu. Shall we? Under The Table Cocktails include "The Hamlet " etc. All $18. White wines are 15 -17,most expensive bottle at 84. Priciest red wine bottle's 425 (Ao Yun China) they have food too. The chef's "soup du jour" is $10. The rest go from ( Yes, they have veggie burgers at 22. Under their Bomb burgers, you can eat a NYC classic, a slider , and even a crab cake. I didn't try the food since I already ate at my hotel. Buuuut. I see duck here . And the room is BLUE As a James the James Cameron movie read more

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I came here one night for a Happy Hour and was pleased to find out relaxing and posh this place was. From the outside, it did look pretty trippy and cool but once you entered it was probably 10x better! The drinks are decently priced for a swanky Manhattan venue and the place was filled with guys in suits. The service was a bit slow but it was pretty busy and they looked like they were understaffed. Overall, I did enjoy the place and would come here again for another Happy Hour! read more

Stopped in today for a cocktail, and SO UPSET they've closed the Blue Bar! Loved this place over the years! Many visits here, and as a long time New Yorker, it's sad to see yet another Landmark Institution gone. There's a new bar in the lobby that is "supposed" to take it's place, which has yet to open, but as everyone knows, there's never anything which can recreate an Original. The new owners obviously seem not to be aware, or care about the fantastic history of the place Bring it back! read more

A nice little bar located on 44th just down from Times Square This place always features new cocktails by the bartenders and shares the kitchen with the hotel It has a very interesting history and makes for a nice edition to the overall experience The staff is very fast and attentive throughout the time we were there and ensured that we were well taken care of Recommend stopping by if you in the area read more

Came here on Sunday afternoon. Plenty of open tables so we were about to get seats immediately. The cocktail menu is the same as the lobby of the Algonquin. It's not a huge selection but I had the Dorothy Parker and really loved it. The drink was great and the atmosphere was unique and classy. Here's where the two stars come in... the service was HORRIBLE. Our server was absolutely so rude, standoffish, and bothered by the fact there were people in his section. He never checked on us, we constantly had to wave him down. We also interacted with two bus boys who were equally miserable. Shocked at the awful service considering the Algonquin staff in the lobby and restaurant are so exceptional. Have a drink in the lobby and enjoy the same great drink but with professional and friendly service. read more

Blue Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came for a quick drink and it was an OK hotel bar. The area was packed so I felt lucky to get a seat and order a drink. The drink was fine, the service was fine, the decor was fine - it's the Algonquin Hotel bar. There are other options around but this bar is just as good as any in the area. Prices were standard NYC hotel bar prices ($20 or so for a drink). read more

Came in on a Monday night. Sat down and waited - and waited - and waited. No service. Personnel was too busy to chat with people they knew. Never got service, so we left. On the way out a waiter asked: Would you like something? We responded: It's too late. We waited a long time and nobody came. Waiter: OK. Good Bye. Really? Welcome to NYC's charming waiters! We will never go back! And I know: They don't care. read more

Had a round here at a front table with my Mom who stays regularly in the attached hotel (and loves it). Ordered a sidecar and a Manhattan. Sidecar came out tasting like orange sugar water. The sidecar should be a pretty cognac forward cocktail - this is why it is served with a sugar rim. I can't remember the last time I have sent a drink back (maybe never?), but I exchanged it for a Manhattan and the bar obliged. I was not rude and the waiter took it back no questions asked. I would not normally write a negative review like this but I am reasonably sure they spit in my replacement drink. There was a bit of foam and some light mucousy film on top of the drink. My mom's identical cocktail next to mine had no such thing. And the drink is stirred not shaken so there should be no bubbles from that. Even after settling for 15 mins the film and foam remained. Obviously I can't be sure about this. It doesn't seem like a bar of this caliber would act in this way. $60 for two cocktails including tip. Go to the Royalton across the street to be safe. At least you can be sure you get what you pay for there. read more

They have everything in their favor and just don't care. It's a hotel bar with hotel bar prices ($20 drinks) without any of the hotel bar charm, service, or complimentary nibbles. The interior wins the "worst of the '90s" design award. The nice wood paneling is hijacked by the glaring blue overhead lighting, the chrome Home Depot sconces and the ugly slab that has been attached to the bar top. It's like they were shooting for the most Subway Inn-styled hotel bar they could fashion. The service is abrupt and minimal. I was shown to a seat, paper cocktail napkins put in front of me (three, for a party of two) and one menu. As I was settling into the booth, the menu was whisked away and given to another customer. No water was brought throughout our stay, and nothing to eat. Why anyone chooses to go here twice is beyond me. Drink (a classic cocktail) was OK but had a mysterious, but not off-putting, aftertaste. Music was low. Glassware was nice. read more

a holes starved us and brought out one single tray for roughly 200 people. rude as all hell.

Blue Bar is my typical second choice when the main lobby at the Algonquin is full, as it was a couple days after Christmas (naturally). The drinks are the same, the gruff waiters are the same, and the ambiance is darker and more like the kinda joint where you might see Carol and Therese sipping martinis and eating steak. That is, rather than a posh hotel lobby where you might see Parker and Benchley sipping martinis and eating steak. Heh. The ghosts, they are all still there. Drinks are expensive. If you don't give a damn about the Round Circle or the hotel's rich history, you're not going to love this place at all. I mean... your round of drinks for the two of you will get you a decent meal somewhere. And if you're looking for a chic hotel experience, you'll probably be looking for the Mark Hotel bar. Here you'll see the over 60 set having late afternoon that turns into evening cocktails. I'm AOK with that. The drink menu has improved from your typical sugary sweet drinks and martinis made with Smirnoff (of all things. I still can't believe that was a thing here), so that's wonderful. They've also switched from mixed nuts to a bag of crack... I mean, extremely oily and spiced popcorn. I stuck to one glass of red wine and my guy had a decent Moscow Mule. At first we were seated at the single most awkward table in the place, right by the door, actually almost in a direct path to the door, and when a better table opened up and we asked to change, we got some attitude, but whatever, people. Don't expect warmth and kindness here. Like I said, the waiters are gruff and that's just how it is. I smiled at a waiter on the way to the bathroom and he glared at me. Suddenly all was right in the world. read more

The guys who work here are seriously so nice. I really wish I could remember their names. Just --- all of them! Very friendly and welcoming. We happened to have a few drink tickets from our stay at the hotel. I loved the Madeline cocktail. My mom got a pear martini, (her favorite) and she said it was the best one she ever had. (I had a sip and it wasn't the BEST I ever had, but it was still better than some others) ;-) $22-25 for one martini is a bit.....yeeahhhh.... I mean I know it's NYC. But I'm glad we had the drink tickets. read more

"Let's get out of these wet clothes, and into a dry Martini" - Robert Benchley (copied from my cocktail napkin at Blue Bar) Even though Blue Bar opened in the 90's, it feels like it has been there forever. Connected to the historically famous Algonquin Hotel, this dark-wood bar with its blue booths feels like a literary haven. You almost expect to turn around and see Dorothy Parker and her cronies deep in an alcohol-enhanced debate at the table behind you. Drinks are strong and named after the famous writers who inspired them (I indulged in the "Parker", natch. Strong, but not nearly as much bite as its namesake). They are not cheap ($15 for all cocktails), so sip slowly. The servers look about as old as the place feels. It really feels like you've stepped back in time, as they wait on you in their blue uniforms and their slick-backed hair. Blue Bar is a funky and quirky little place, and I really enjoyed my recent visit there. It is the polar opposite of the bar at the Royalton across the street - so much of a non-scene that I have always overlooked it in the many years that I have stayed on 44th Street. Well, that will not be the case from now on. Blue Bar, you and I will be old friends before long. read more

Blue Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I experienced Blue Bar as a "closing time" spot--you know, that last place you stop by after a long night of drinking at multiple venues, so my review might be colored through cocktail goggles. I remember that we had the munchies, so we got some edibles to go with our drinks. The Brooklyn Potato Pancake was crispy but a bit too burnt, and the Tomato Soup with Sourdough Cream Cheese was amazing. For drinks, we got the Mary Pickford and The Matilda. I remember the pours being rather generous (though still Midtown Manhattan prices), but I honestly can't remember anything else about them. Which is generally a good thing, because I'm a pretentious snob when it comes to mixology. Also, the bar is really blue. And when you're on your nth drink of the night, that kinda makes you feel like you're sitting in the ocean. read more

My friend and i met up in Manhattan to catch up after a long time apart. We went to Bryant Park for the Winter Festival then wandered around to find a spot to grab a drink. I was thinking quite, cozy and uniquely New York. Then we stumbled upon the Blue Bar. This place is unlike any place I've visited before, I don't go out in Manhattan often. It was such a nice experience drenched in an aura of old New York. The menu is even shaped like an old book. The part that wasn't so cute was the prices of the drinks but my friend and I splurged and each got the Matilda. The waiter was very kind and friendly and told us our drink was named after the hotel cat. I love cats so I loved that. The restaurant has a blue tint and old fashioned chairs. We were able to sit there and nurse our drinks for a long time. Very quiet and calm atmosphere, good for having a conversation. They even gave us some seasoned popcorn to snack on. We definitely enjoyed this place. I'd recommend if you're willing to pay $17 for a not so strong drink and a cool classy atmosphere. read more

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Went here a bit ago with a college friend. We haven't seen each other in a while and had A LOT of things to catch up on. I didn't plan on drinking a lot, but we met up after my yoga class and went here. We had a hard time finding it because my friend didn't listen to me when I told him it was in the hotel. The drinks were fine. I just had rose so I am not quite sure what their cocktails tasted like. The ambiance is pretty fun. It is all blue. It would actually be an intimate place to have a first date? Blue is calming so you'd be calm? I'd definitely go back after a long day at work to cool down. read more

Chose the Blue Bar to meet out of town guests staying at the Algonquin Hotel. Pluses: * Well-known destination bar * Convenient midtown/Times Square location * Upscale. Suitable for business get-together...and not too noisy * Good not great selection of bourbons including Russell's Reserve, Buffalo Trace, and Knob Creek Rye. Gripes * As others have commented, you might need a loan * Gin martini served in chilled silver cup...kinda cool to look at, but changes taste of the martini Tip/Opinion: For business and friends out of town, Blue Bar is perfect; for local friends and work colleagues, I'd find an Irish Pub read more

Not to razz on the Blue Man Group, but you're bound to look like one should you enter the place, due to the colored lighting. (No offense to the Blue Man Group -- they're awesome!) Still, don't let that stop you, because it's all fun and laughter once inside. I've been in here twice now, two nights in a row with some friends. Good times indeed. As many other reviewers on here also identify by name, you will do well if you interact with the barkeep Christian. He knows his drinks, is definitely a professional, and your evening can only improve once your conversation begins with him! read more

Blue Bar - Blue Bar! - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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After spending most of the day roaming Manhattan with a co-worker, we decided it was time to grab a drink somewhere and relax before dinner. My original plan was to visit the Lantern's Keep - but I quickly discovered that we were too early (they weren't open until 6pm). Apparently my happy hour clock is out of sync. A nearby hotel doorman recommended Blue Bar to us, so off we went! If you like classic cocktails and you enjoy a little history, this place is for you. The interior is very cool with the blue lighting and I really like the booths where you can relax with a small group of people. Upon entering, one of the servers let us choose where we wanted to sit and took our drink order within minutes. I will warn you in advance that the prices here are steep - but you will also find this at other places around Manhattan that are in the same caliber as Blue Bar. A cocktail will set you back $16 and a glass of wine will run you between $16-19. Beers run between $8-12, depending on what you ask for. Take a minute to flip through the cocktail menu. This is the little cloth-bound book that is sitting at your table. There is some interesting reading in there that will tell you all about the history of the bar, as well as the Algonquin Hotel. Being a fan of classic cocktails, I went with the "44th Street Manhattan", and it did not disappoint - excellent choice if this is one of your favorites. A small cup of popcorn goes on every table, but if you find this snack to be too light, they also have a small menu of miscellaneous snacks you can choose from. Calamari, pork sliders, shrimp cocktail and crab cakes, to name a few. Since we were heading off to dinner next, we tried out the herb steak fries, seasoned with garlic and served with a spicy ketchup that will have you asking for more. They were the perfect choice to hold off our appetite - and tasty, too... Blue Bar is a great place to relax with a drink in a comfortable setting and meet some really nice people. It's pricey here, but the service is good and the atmosphere is both classy and cozy. If you are ever in this part of Manhattan, I really recommend giving this place a try - I don't think you will be disappointed. read more

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I make it a point to stop of here for a drink whenever I can. The drinks are the best in NYC. The barman cares about his work and isn't the typical "I want to be an actor..." type of kid that works in the typical NYC dive. I haven't had a meal here (yet) but I like what I've seen delivered to the people who were there around me. This is one of the better bars in the city. It is always quiet, elegant, and relaxed. read more

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Sitting in the dark on an evening in a bar in Manhattan, with an old friend who talks softly in French-accented English while we discuss how the world is going to hell, you need a real drink sitting in front of you. In my case, this drink was an Old Fashioned, well mixed by a tuxedoed bartender in the Blue Bar using Maker's Mark and served in a heavy, stylish tumbler over a big pile of ice. Perfection. You might be a part of the Algonquin Round Table, and you might not know who Dorothy Parker is, and you might not give a damn, but that is one well-made cocktail. (Pricey, too, at $20 per cocktail--but at the time I didn't care. Seems crazy in retrospect but what the heck, this is NY and it is the Algonquin. I'm not in NYC every day but don't be shocked and don't say I didn't warn you. I still go but not everyday.) (My only nit is...the waiters could be a little more friendly. Tuxedoed does not mean you need to seem to be evaluating the patrons as to their status and acceptability to be drinking there. See, the world is going to hell!) read more

This place is super fancy! A very high class place to have a few drinks and some overpriced appetizers. We did not look at the menu or reviews prior to sitting down, and our eyeballs popped out of our heads when we saw the prices. We were actually looking for happy hour somewhere. And found this place by accident. The blue lights and dark atmosphere really drew us inside. This is not the place if you want to throw back a ton of drinks and be a loud, sloppy drunk lol this is more of a fufu place you go to when you want to slowly sip on a glass of wine, and enjoy some amazingly prepared food. read more

Blue Bar - Love the inside... it's all blueeee - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I wish it were closed--terrible experience. Had of a $22 cocktail and the bartender, Christian, gave us the check and said there were other people waiting. I think? there was a couple waiting but not like a bustling crowd. . . I was with a colleague, and it was so embarrassing. I asked if I could finish my drink and he was like, well but of course, but then he kept clearing the stuff from around us. We had been there 45 minutes. I mean, aren't you paying a price like that so you can rent a barstool for at least an hour LOL?? read more

I know it's amazingly touristy and cliché, but I wanted to do it anyway. And I'm just so glad I did. This place delivers all you need to make your Dorothy Parker writing-in-a-bar dreams come true. I had a glass of Prosecco, $15, and a plate of olives, $7. The very mellow, nicely appointed little blue cocktail bar at the Algonquin satisfied my Vicious Circle fantasy, and I got some writing done. You might expect it to be full of literary tourists like me, but the only other patron we saw was a guy at the bar talking business and complaining about the bad lighting for newspaper reading. Perfect. And you can pop into the back hallway to peek at the famous-writers painting next door in the more classic Algonquin dining room, which was also not full of tourists but instead, ladies lunching. Delightful. read more

AVOID. Overly priced drinks and awful service. We ordered cranberry vodkas. They gave us club soda and vodka. We asked to fix and they proceeded to pour half the wrong drink and just added cranberry. Then gave us attitude and said "we took the club soda out, the vodka sits at the bottom". We all know that's not how it works. read more

Yes, it is blue. Drinks are.... well, let's be clear. At $20, shouldn't I expect an extremely well crafted rye old fashioned? I think so... But then why a maraschino cherry? The horror. The horror. read more

I have no idea what those bad reviews are about; I had nothing but great, attentive service with proper cocktails. I'm an elite Marriott member (the bar is part of the autograph collection), so if there was an issue I'd complain to the right people. I read the bad reviews and felt the staff needed the credit they deserve. Plus it's a great atmosphere close the the heart of Times Square. read more

Cristian is AMAZINGGGGGGG!!! Honestly, come here just for him and his great drink concoctions! We loved him and will definitely come back to Ny just to see him and have one of his amazing drinks!!! read more

Blue Bar - Whiskey Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Since a renovation a few years ago, the ancient Blue Bar is now literally a blue bar, the windows glowing into the street like an old tritium watch. It makes for a weird landmark and hard to miss it if you're wandering around the theater district, but a cozy enough place to stop for a while if you're not feeling price-sensitive. The cocktails are, in general, good, and at times, we've had some entertaining bartenders. Yes, it's touristy and aggressively overpriced. However, that's also a description of the entire neighborhood. read more

What a horrible experience i had at this place. it's quite dismaying to read the great experience others have had in this place. I went in at 4:55pm and got a bar seat right away, then i waited and waited and waited for the bar person to acknowledge me. My son showed up at 5:30pm when i was just ordering a Stella Artois. He asked for an old fashioned, when he got his drink the orange peel looked dry and was put atop the ice rather than on the side and after a few "taste" of the drink we finally agreed that it was what he had ordered. The bar was crowded with people who were not speaking loudly, they were screaming and it was quite annoying to have that happening right over your shoulder. After two beer and two cocktails we decided it was time to go, we got the bill it was $64.00 the OFs were $22.00 each. I have been to many places where cocktails have been higher than that but the mixologists are people who take pride in their craft and service those who go there to taste their creations and old fare. I'd say to this staff, continue charging the prices you do, i understand there's a huge NYC overhead, but take the time to cater to your clientele, and most importantly take pride in what you do and how you do it. Doing so will bring them back. For now i will stay away and not patronize this wannabe institution. Sincerely, Very disappointed read more

My wife and I stopped in here twice on our most recent visit to NYC. With its blue-themed decor, it has a trendy vibe about it. The staff is quite professional and attentive. On our first visit, our bartender from Barbados gave us a complementary Champagne toast when he heard that it was my wife's birthday. The only real downside here is the pricing, which is high (i.e. $9 for a Bronx pale ale). I don't necessarily mind paying higher prices for higher-end ambiance and service, but if I were a local, the pricing here would prevent me from returning as much as I would like. read more