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    Caledonia UWS

    4.4 (81 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated over 3 months ago

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    Islay Old Fashioned
    Alan L.

    GREAT neighborhood bar! The Whiskey selection is quite good, particularly the peated Scotch options from Islay. Some of the cocktails are memorable and the draft beers are interesting. The room is small. Be prepared to have conversations with other patrons who you don't know. The happy hour specials are very reasonable, particularly for the UWS. The food is good and the service is friendly.

    Alisa J.

    Cool bar with many whiskey and scotch options. Bartender was nice and service was quick.

    Allison W.

    This has become our default "night cap" spot in the neighborhood. We love wandering in here as we make our way home for one final drink. We typically stop by here late on a Friday/Saturday and can typically get a bar or table spot pretty easily. You typically always have to order at the bar as only 1 person is working so they can't do full table service. Although they don't have a ton of staff - they are always great to work with. They know the menu, can give recommendations and are just generally nice. Our go to drinks is typically selecting one of the "Brewsky" selections - a 12 oz beer and a 1oz whiskey pour or exploring their extensive whiskey list for something we haven't tried before. This space always feels warm and cozy to me - perfect for a cold winter night or rainy day. They only watch out - this is a WHISKEY bar - they do have some wine and beer options, but this would not be the best spot if your group has a wide range of drink preferences.

    Region Flight
    Molly T.

    It's a curious psychological phenomenon. When places are in your own backyard, they're somehow less compelling. Intrigue comes with distance--I suppose due to the mystery that comes with travel time? That said, it's also objectively the case that the Upper West Side tends to be a wasteland when it comes to the bar/restaurant scene. Venues are "good for the UWS" but rarely considered elite when compared to those in other neighborhoods. So I had a clear reason why a visit to Caledonia Bar never seemed imminent. I knew of its original existence years ago when I hung out in Yorkville a bit more often and saw its original outpost. But it's been on the UWS for a minute now, and I finally made the choice to pop in. A pop in, though, when it comes to whiskey, is never just a quickie. I settle in, make conversation, get to know the selection and before you know it a pop-in becomes a post-up. Such was the case on Saturday night. The bf hates whiskey so that's partly why whiskey bars aren't high on my list these days, but he entertains my intrigue from time to time. For the UWS, Caledonia is an excellent bar. Overall, still solid. It boasts a lengthy scotch list and offers a short list of flights as well as some whiskey cocktails. If you're looking to refine your palette and/or learn more about scotch, Caledonia is for you. Came here at around 10pm on Saturday night. The place was about half-full and we found two seats at the bar fairly quickly. The space itself is pretty bare bones but still cozy. The lighting is kept fairly dark so you could definitely come here if you're looking for an intimate vibe (think sharing a whiskey tasting with a date). For those looking to explore, discover, learn, better understand their tastes, I highly recommend a flight. I happen to actually really dislike scotch, yet I love rye and like most bourbons. I've known this about myself for years now but will still occasionally try to force it due to stubbornness. Most whiskey-lovers will say it's blasphemy to not love scotch. So I continue to try--only when the ideal circumstances present themselves, such as this one. I gave our bartender my spiel and though I could feel his judgment oozing through his pores, he recommended the Region Flight (Auchentoshan 12 | GlenDronach 12 | Bowmore 12) for me. It features one scotch from the main three regions in Scotland: Lowlands, Highlands, Islay. With three 1-oz. pours of each whiskey, you can start to begin to discern elements that might be influencing your proclivities. I appreciate that they feature flights like these on the menu, because I often find whiskey bars to be quite daunting. There's no shame in being basic in this instance. The power of choice is dizzying most of the time. Caledonia makes it more approachable. As it turns out, the only kind of scotch that I can somewhat enjoy is that from the Highlands. I can use that information to make more informed choices in the future, so they did me (and all those who come here) a service. But if we're being real, my conclusion is still that I will always opt for rye and bourbon over scotch. And if Caledonia can't change my mind about that, I'm not sure what can. After my scotch flight, we switched to cocktails. Though initially wary, I eventually opted for the Barrel-Aged Boulevardier (Jim Beam Double Black, Campari, Cocchi Sweet Vermouth). Our bartender convinced me when I was on the fence. For some reason I thought I didn't love campari, but this drink was outstanding. Deep, rich, warming and spirit-forward. A drink where the whiskey shines, the other elements serving to enhance the spirit beautifully. Because we were at a whiskey bar, I refused to order anything other than whiskey. So I convinced the bf to order the Bee's Knees (New Amsterdam Gin, lemon juice, honey, housemade lavender bitters), which is one of my very favorite gin cocktails. He doesn't like whiskey and tends to like shaken drinks to my stirred, so it worked out well. As I expected, well-balanced, well-executed and dangerously yummy. I'm considering returning just to urge the owner to sell me a liter of those lavender bitters. Cheers!

    Kiki K.

    I was in a part of the city I don't visit very often, had some time to kill and Yelp to the rescue! I like whisky, it's a few blocks away, so I'll try it. Jeff the bartender greeted me right away (with his awesome accent). Gave me the bible, the menu and a glass of water (without requesting it, thanks Jeff). I reviewed the menu and was completely undecided. Jeff helped out. He asked what I normally drink and what was I in the mood for. We chatted for a bit and he finally recommended the Old Fashioned. He said he's not a mixologist but he can make all the drinks on the specialty drink list perfectly. I liked his honesty and confidence so OF it was. He wasn't lying! He made in Perfectly. It was strong and tasted of whisky but the blueberry and orange peel added a soft, deliciously sweet layer of flavor. The best OF I've ever had. I was also eyeing the Scotch Egg. Jeff said do it, it's amazing. And I did it. Wow. It was completely cooked through, the pork sausage had great flavor and a crust that added texture and an extra hint of saltiness. What a great little happy hour/ pre-dinner snack. Very differ from the usual wine and cheese I'm accustomed to having. It's a bit pricey (nearly $10 for one egg) but definitely worth the experience. A couple next to me ordered burgers and they looked good, large and juicy. Next time I will try that.

    Old fashioned (good, not too sweet).

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    1 year ago

    The Scottish bartender, Jeff, is amazing!! He makes everyone feel at home. I will be back!!!

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    3 years ago

    Rude/ aggressive bartender. There wasn't much of a vibe. But at least it wasn't crowded.

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    4 years ago

    Small little hidden jewel with a fantastic whiskey selection. A must try for an intimate date.

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    4 years ago

    Incredibly gracious and welcoming staff - bar tender is patient and convivial, great bar

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    2 years ago

    friendly staff, great drinks, monday night drinks are $10 all night. have t tried their newer food menu yet but looks good.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Caledonia UWS

    Does this bar serve food? I want to stop by for HH but curious of the food menu? Thanks! Anything…

    View All 2 Questions

    Review Highlights - Caledonia UWS

    It's not the kind of bar where you can get anything you like- there's whiskey and scotch and some beer and wine.

    Mentioned in 11 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Caledonia UWS - whiskeybars - Updated May 2026

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