This is another somewhat new spot in Harlem whose vibe I can't quite grasp, mainly because I'm not sure who they're trying to attract. It feels like a coffee shop, bar, café, lounge and pre-party stop all at once. The bar staff were "nightclub friendly", they had party energy that this place doesn't warrant. They'd make fun hosts for a great party. The space itself is confusing in an interesting way. It's cold from the tiles and exposed pipes, yet warm from the wooden walls and historic decorative figures. Maybe the idea is that you show up with your group and shape the experience into whatever you want it to be. Still, I'm of the opinion that it's a shared effort. If I'm coming out and spending my money, I deserve an experience. Let me know who you are, and I can decide if you pass my vibe check. This mystified, vaguely eclectic, "we're different but won't say how" approach makes it harder to give new places a chance. I don't see a long shelf life for this one, but hey, I'm just a customer. Came, saw... ehhh. read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Came here on a Wednesday night during happy hour. A friend suggested this spot, mentioned it was her go to spot and I could see why. The place is narrow but long and def maximize the space which made it feel big. Got a couple Narragansett Lagers ($6 each) to start and the Spanish & artichoke dip ($16) which was really good and it's served with sliced buttered baguette bread that was toasted which was a great compliment. Also got a Kentucky mule ($17) which was solid and pretty strong. They also have a backyard patio with seating, def a chill vibe. I could see why this is my friends go to spot. This is now my go to spot if I'm ever around the area lol Highly recommend this spot for chill night with good convo. * Everyday Happy Hour * Street parking * Good service * Can be kinda LOUD outside the surrounding area (ain't no music on) but quiet inside read more

Mess Hall - Happy hour. September 2025 - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Mess Hall is one of my go-to spots in Harlem! It's hard for me to find a bar where I feel totally comfortable going solo, but Mess Hall is the exception. Their happy hour can't be beat - drink specials until 8pm! The drinks are strong, the prices are right, and the vibe is always chill but fun. The space has a cool, laid-back feel, and if you go in the summer sit in the front sidewalk seating. Or their cute backyard. The staff are all great and genuinely kind people. read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Love the ambiance in this place. Super chill, intimate and cozy, perfect for date night! Yummy drinks and fun games. I just found out they have themed nights like martini Mondays and trivia Tuesdays (which I want to go to!) It's a safe bet going here any day of the week. read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Came here late night on Thanksgiving to meet a date. Very cute spot with great ambiance. They didn't really offer mocktails, so I went for a N/A beer. The only thing that could have made this place better was French fries. I'll be back (perfect place to meet someone new). read more

I love this place. It's small but mighty. The one server and bartender were friendly and hospitable. The service was quick and well managed. I loved the music, you can't go worry with Harry Styles playing lol. But I really enjoyed the pickleback shots and the happy hour deals. Check em out!! read more

Quaint bar with some good beer/shot deals. can be a bit loud but fun and the patio seating is nice. read more

mess hall was a super cute local spot in harlem for a drink with friends! it was a little crowded but there's a super cute outdoor area in the back that you can sit at. the drinks are delicious and we went for martini mondays for $12 - every single one of us loved our drinks and we ordered pretty much all the different types of drinks on the menu. we also got the wings, which were soooo yummy and made fresh for us when we ordered. the bartenders were super sweet and got to us quickly as well! highlyyy recommend. read more

Great bar! The bartenders do a great job, because sometimes they get crazy busy!!!! But they always see the bar and take care of it!!! ‍‍ I only wish they had more wine choices! Just a few really good ones! Harlem will pay!! read more

I love this bar so much! I have been here on dates, catch up with friends, and just go have a drink before heading home. It's casual and warm. Nice in the summertime, the wintertime, or any time of year. The drinks are strong and delicious! They have a good menu selection and a great happy hour. But you can also just order whatever you would like. Typically, the music is a great selection. A fun classic pop hits, but there are also a few old score hits occasionally. They have plenty of seating and have a projector in the front that shows movies in case you need something to look at. They also have a few historical black figures on the wall, which I always love to see. The food is pretty good...... I would say the spinach and artichoke dip is great. The disco tots can be hit or miss, and the sandwich is good. I have been here a few times and will return in the future! Also the service is great! All the staff is so friendly! read more

Mess Hall - Mess Hall Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

11/10!!!! Just hosted my 30th birthday here and I cannot imagine a better venue. Service was excellent, drinks were perfect and super well priced. The ambience on the back patio is perfect. Water jug was always full, tables were always cleared, and me and my friends always had a drink in hand. Thank you Aaron, Ben, and the whole team for enabling such a perfect night!!!! read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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After that incredible coffee I had next door I try the bar which is connected with that cafe. The bartender if I'm not wrong Derek was friendly too. I had a margarita which was amazing and strong as well. I also loved the decor at the bar . read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

I started my "moving on from my ex" project by accepting a date here. I didn't have high hopes for this date since it was literally my first time back out in the market since a very brutal breakup where I was still talking to that ex (it was also the friendliest breakup ever, like something out of a Woody Allen movie). Before walking in, I was listening to M People's "Moving on Up" and when I walked in, I saw they were playing the movie "Waiting to Exhale" on the projector near the back. Those were good omens for me as I had just bought "Waiting to Exhale" and was looking forward to seeing it on my own. This is definitely more the place for you if you're a drinker vs. a non-drinker like myself. I had some sips of a drink, which tasted fine but the date itself was probably not great since I was just trying to get ready to date again but we all have to start somewhere. It was a nice find and I'd never been before. It wasn't the least bit crowded. read more

2nd stop on a night out exploring the area. The old fashion was good, executed as it should be. Venue is quite small but was cool that played home alone 2 on the wall through the projector. My bill was incorrect and had to take some time for it to be corrected which made the experience a little frustrating. read more

Mess Hall - a glass of whiskey sitting on a bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Loud bar (because of the music, not the customers) with lots of spirits and a ton of personality. They have a $5 beer happy hour 4-8p every day. The outside patio is a plus, but get there early if you want a seat. read more

Just ok. Menu was limited. Drink offerings were nothing special. And vibes were weird. Unless you're an avid dart player, I'd probably skip.

This was the classiest looking "dive bar" I've ever seen. The decor was minimal with slight industrial and earthy touches, this gave the space a welcoming feel. The drinks were pleasing. There's a beer & shot combo for $9 which I believe is a nice starting point. The only complaint I have is that they no longer serve the speciality hot dogs, & happy hour is no more. If you're in the neighborhood then Mess Hall is a solid bar to enjoy some libations. read more

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My favorite neighborhood bar. The staff is great and the drinks are awesome. Their bar food is really good too.

Double Dutch and Mess Hall are side by side: DD has your daytime java fix while MH has your alcoholic evening libations, both are nicely set up with attentive staff and a larger menu than expected. Nearly anything you want to drink, Mess Hall has. Don't be deterred by the dark and kitschy interior, just look over the counter at the fresh fruit and herb garnishes. MH may not have upscale ambiance but they do have quality cocktails. If that's not your thing, their small selection of craft beers had some good choices, too. Bonus points for having a menu of hotdogs for late-night eats! read more

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Love love love the home vibes here. The staff was awesome....I believe it was Adam on Sunday evening and he was so much fun! This is the kind of bar you want to hang out at because it's comfy, good vibes and good company! Can't wait to come back! read more

Visiting from out of town and my friends brought me to their favorite local watering hole. It didn't disappoint and we finished the night here. A good mix of people, with space in the front and back and some bar seating along the middle. The drinks were strong and the beer was smooth. The hotdog was a nice touch and hit the spot too. They had table service, and our waiter was a character who added to the wonderful night. Highly recommend and if I'm back visiting I'll be back too. read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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This is such a cool spot in Harlem! I love it here! I must come back. It's a narrow space in the beginning of the bar but when you go further down there's a bit more room and tables. They have a cool list of drinks and really eccentric hotdogs. When I got there about 10:30 PM, they had no more hotdogs unfortunately so I have to come back to try that. It's a good first date spot however, the music can border obnoxiously loud. As long as you're next to somebody, you should be able to hear them fine. They also have a huge screen projector for watching games and picnic table-like tables to sit at in front of the screen. read more

Great hole in wall spot for drinks with friends or drinks before a dinner date. The food menu is limited as this is more of a cocktail bar but it is still nice to have something to eat while drinking. The service was very nice and the bartender was very attentive. read more

There's really not much that I did not like about Mess Hall. It is a very low key bar that has a nice rotation of draft beers and small bites. Mess Hall is a great place to meet up with a couple of friends for a chill night. We visited on an early Sunday evening, and Mess Hall was somewhat empty. Plus, the bar has happy hour every day until 8 pm, which is very inviting. The service was a bit disappointing (I think the servers were in between a shift change). That said, one of the servers comped a couple of our hotdogs. read more

Mess Hall - I was here. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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$4 shots and cheesy poofs? Sold! Whether you're in the mood for shots, cocktails, or a glass of wine, Mess Hall has you covered. Need something heftier than cheese balls and pretzels? Order a hot dog or two - before 11pm - to fill your stomach. There's a rear patio if you're feeling outdoorsy, or as outdoorsy as you can feel when you're at a bar in Harlem. Credit accepted. read more

Mess Hall - Exterior - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Free Cheese balls and mixed nuts? Check Whiskey? Beer? Wine? Check, check, check Friendly service with generous pours? Check Great atmosphere? Check Chalk walls in bathroom? Check Movie on projector? Check Tables for groups? Bar seating? Backyard?! CHECK!! Hot dogs!!!! And a DJ? Check Happy hour specials and an "adult happy meal"? Check I have to be honest: there was little that I did not like. The bar is stocked with all types of libations and more. It is the type of place one can go to alone or with a group or to cap off a great date with conversation and knowing glances. Although it is a small space, it certainly packs a punch. If the front looks packed just head to the back- there is plenty of room in this railroad style bar. Wonderful decor and spotlessly clean. read more

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Really, really neat little place up near 119th Street. It's a beautifully decorated space with a garage-style door up front that opens all the way. The interior is long and narrow but leads you to a small back garden that has several tables. In front of the bar are a couple of large, communal tables that fix six nicely and maybe eight if you're very good friends! The beer and drink menu is nice. The beer list isn't too long, but it is well selected and there's something for everyone. The cocktail list is very nice and my friend enjoyed the cocktails he had. It's a very chic place and to be honest, I felt like a bum in a t-shirt and cargo shorts. The design is really lovely, cool and hip. All of the mirrors and photos and taxidermy really give it a unique feel. The complimentary cheeze balls and pretzels put this place over the top! I love those things, regardless of how bad they are for me. Service was great from everyone. I really, really like this place, but next time I go, I'm going to try to dress a little fresher because the clientele here really steps up their game. If anyone wants to be my personal stylist, let me know and I can be your male Eliza Doolittle as you unleash the improved version of Bill on Mess Hall. read more

I love this place! Their hot dog are soooo good (and pretty messy if you eat like I do)! I've managed to try all of them and I can't pick a favorite. They also have a meal with a hot dog, a shot and a beer for pretty cheap (I usually get it). The staff are great and the atmosphere is that of a classic dive bar (not fratty, more of a old wooden classic). Their drinks are good too. Nice selection. Side note - I'm a omnivore but I have a bunch of friends that are vegetarian and this place has what I am told is "a really good veggie dog". read more

Awesome on a Wednesday night for happy hour and bingo! HH is 5-8 and bingo is 7-9. I won a free hot dog ($5.50) and a silicone ice mold. ;) Bartenders are friendly but no-nonsense which I love. Free cheese balls and spiced nuts! The hot dogs are GREAT, locally sourced and made from brisket. (Veggie options available.) I had the Uptown Bahn Mi which I rationalized as "healthy for being loaded with cucumber and carrot and a Tex-mex hotdog with avocado. Everything was delicious and drinks were strong! Chalkboard in the bathroom is fun too. Come here! read more

Mess Hall - Bingo and happy hour on Wednesday nights? Sign me up! - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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Solid, popular spot in the area! Expect it to be popular even on a weekday night. Nice cocktails, and great specials (AFTER midnight- $10 for a shot, a beer, and a hot dog). Hot dogs are so good! Tip- ask for cheese balls- they're free! In the back, there's a dart board. You can ask for darts. read more

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Yay, Mess Hall! I came here for a private wedding reception. First, I just want to give a shout-out to the bartenders and waiters who were ridiculously friendly and professional despite a heaving crowd of semi-drunk people wandering the narrow space. You guys rock. If you handled us without losing your cool, I feel secure in your capacity to handle any Friday/Saturday night crowds. Second, the drinks were ON POINT. I stuck to one and only one drink throughout the night: Gin, Tan, and Laundry. A) Great name. Someone clearly wins the Jersey Shore puns. B) The drink itself is so good and nabbed one of those fancy wrestling belts for contenders in the Battle of the Bars. There are cucumbers, rosemary-infused gin, and egg whites. I also tried the Dante's Punch, which was some spicy, tequila-based drink with a chili-salt rim. Third, I did not get to try the famous cheese puffs but I saw two or three jugs of it in the back so there's a good chance those will not be running out. Fourth, if I lived in the neighborhood, this would be my go-to bar. The Happy Hour specials looked pretty enticing. Fifth, if you're a hot dog person, you'll love the many variations of hot dog they've got going on in the menu. I took a bite of the Harlem Dog with the fried onions and shredded cheese. More than enough to soak up the alcohol. Sixth, look for the mounted buck head and the back patio. read more

If you are looking for a place to start or end your night , then definitely pop into this place . If you are looking for ambiance , and great food, you won't be pleased . The only food available is a hot dog , folks mentioned cheese puffs and nuts, never saw those or offered. The best part of this place is the wait staff , nothing else was a hit for me . read more

What a hidden gem!! Almost don't want to share this great find. It's a narrow bar but they have a big outside patio where you can be served. I went on a semi chilly night and it was still good. I cant imagine how great it is in the late spring and summer. Here is the best part they have a adult happy meal which is a shot of tequila or bourbon, a can of beer, and a specialty hotdog for 11 bucks. What a nostalgic idea! Great steal. No doubt I will be back when the weather gets warmer. read more

came here for my friend's coworker's happy hour celebration and I found Mess Hall to be such a cute & cozy bar! They were about 8 of us in the back of the bar so it got crowded really quickly haha there was also another table of 4 people right behind us so that also contributed! Wanted to get the adult happy meal (beer with their gourmet hot dog for $10) but had to save room for charcoal kbbq in ktown. Did try their happy hour cab sauv ($6) & it was so good! Usually, I don't expect much of house wines/happy hour wines because they end up being somewhat off but theirs was great! Service was friendly as well :) would def come again! read more

Mess Hall - front of the bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

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I used to come here regularly before the pandemic. I used to love it here. Tonight I dropped in for a drink and man, has the place gone downhill The staff weren't unfriendly just uninterested- I ordered a beer, it was flat, undrinkable - I pointed this out to the bartender who insisted that he could see bubbles in the glass. I insisted that the beer was no good so he poured me a different one - it was the same so after a couple of sips I left it on the bar and went somewhere else read more

Fun atmosphere and cool staff. Was a busy trivia night when we visited so service was a little on the slow side, but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. Definitely would head back on a non-trivia night to check it out again. read more

Cute neighborhood hipster/dive bar with good drink options. They only serve hotdogs but allow you to bring outside food or order delivery. They host trivia every Tuesday night which is a lot of fun but very crowded. read more

I don't get to frequent this place as much as I would like, but the few times I have enjoyed myself. Was there for the tail end happy hour a couple weeks ago and I was actually able to snag a seat at the bar! The staff was super gracious and kind. Our bartender took his time to go over the menu, HH specials and some of his favorite drinks. The drinks are great, especially after coming from 67 Orange where a simple Old Fashioned is much needed to finish (or start) the night. I personally love their Negronis, Although the menu is limited, the hot dogs and topping themselves punch a lot of flavor. Looking forward to visiting many times more! read more

Great pickleback shots, and atmosphere. They have movies playing on the walls with the sound off. They have a dart board in the back. The waiter was dressed so casually that I was convinced he wasn't a waiter at first, but he was a cool guy nonetheless. The bathroom situation is a bit odd. They have a key on a clipboard, which isn't very sanitary. I don't know why they need a key to the bathroom. It's full all the time anyway, so it wouldn't be anyone's first choice to use if they were trying to come in off the street to use a bathroom. read more

Mess Hall - Cocktail Bars Near Me - New York, New York

Nice bar up in Harlem. A bit small and narrow but it more than makes up for it with the spiffy cocktail and draft beer list here, not to mention the killer backyard patio seating. Free cheesy puffs and mixed nuts. Chalk walls in the bathroom to scribble your dirtiest sayings and pictures. Movies projected on a brick wall (The Mummy last night). Happy hour deals. Specialty hot dogs. Dart board. A DJ too. Attentive service and a friendly laid back vibe. Cool decor and clean bathrooms. 80's and 90's tunes playing. The type of place the locals love, good for groups of friends to drop in, or for a nightcap after a hot date. Um, heck yeah to all of the above! What more can you ask for? I think I'll be heading up to Harlem more often. Those cheesy puffs are calling me back. read more