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The Ear Inn

4.0 (483 reviews)
ModerateBars, American
Open • 11:30 am - 4:00 AM (Next day)

The Ear Inn Photos

Business Info

THE EAR INN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Divey
Casual
Classy

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Recommended Reviews - The Ear Inn

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Outside
Maddy A.

Loveeee this spot for a post work happy hour or a cozy night for drinks! Great chicken pot pie, great service and LOVE that you can color on the tables. Will absolutely be back!

8 Oz Pat La Frieda Burger
Orrin E.

Early 2000's we would occasionally go to the Ear Inn for dinner before or sometimes after shows at The Jazz Gallery, back when it was located on Hudson Street. We always loved the food but sadly, we rarely find ourselves in that neck of the woods anymore. Sunday we were in the city and stopped in for dinner. The bar was packed, but we were able to snag a table in the back. Although I hadn't been there in years- it was exactly the way I remembered it. There was even a jazz quartet performing. I love the history of the building, one of the oldest bars in NYC, built for a black man in the 1700's. How cool is that? Back to the service. Our server was friendly and attentive. We started with a few drinks, and clam chowder which was awesome.We had a burger with blue cheese- served with crispy potatoes and a side salad- all were excellent. We also had the pasta special with sausage, which was quite tasty. I'm glad that we arrived when we did. By the time we left- it was packed. We're happy this business is still striving, we won't wait so long to return.

Menu
Matthew L.

The Ear Inn is a historic bar that opened in Manhattan, New York in 1817. It is one of the oldest drinking establishments in New York City. The bar is located on the ground floor of the historic James Brown House. It was constructed in 1770 for James Brown: an African aide to George Washington during the Revolutionary War. At the time, the Hudson River shoreline was just five feet from Brown's front door. The river was later filled to the West Street and new piers were built to facilitate the constant shipping traffic. In the mid-1800s, Thomas Cooke sold home-brewed beer and crocks of corn whiskey to a constant wave of sailors. At the turn of the century, the brewery morphed into a restaurant and a dining room was constructed where the backyard and outhouse once stood. There was no name, for it didn't need one. The bar was finally given a name when current owners Martin Sheridan and Richard "Rip" Hayman took over in the late 1970s. They called it The Ear Inn to avoid the Landmark Commission's lengthy review of new signage, simply covering the round parts of the long-standing neon "BAR" sign, leaving it to read "EAR." And so, a modern legend was born. There are a few friendly ghosts that have been known to make appearances, like "Mickey" who's been patiently waiting for his clipper ship to come into the harbor for the past hundred years. I recently stopped at the Ear Inn for dinner while I was in NYC for Ghostbusters Day. This was my kind of place: great food and drink, historic building, and home to ghosts. I think it was very fitting that I was still wearing my Ghostbusters flight suit. I loved the vibe here! There's all sorts of historic photos, painting and decor hanging on the walls. I started off with a plate of "Fried Pork & Chive Dumplings" and a pour of "Ear Inn Ale", which is brewed exclusively for the bar by Brooklyn Brewery. Afterwards I enjoyed the "9oz Lamb Burger" (w/ bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, homefries and salad) with a pour of Founders Brewing's "All Day IPA". That burger really hit the spot! Before leaving, I had a pour of Lagunitas Brewing's "IPA". Overall, I really enjoyed my stay here. Great vibes, great food, great drinks, and very friendly staff. This was my first visit, but I hope it isn't my last!

Drink menu
Kelly G.

We were very excited to stop in, for the hostory as the oldest bar in NYC and the Jazz advertised on Thursday nights! We heard the music cpuld be lovely and the acoustics of the space are great. Unfortunately, upon sitting for dinner we were told there would not be jazz that night. And the green and colored lights in the separate room distracted from the historic quality of the restaurant. And the menu listed online was a little different than what we were presented with upon sitting down. We ordered a burger (as recommended by other patrons) and the hot garlic shrimp (as recommended by our waitress). The hot garlic shrimp were very good, and almost soup-ish in the broth it came in. Perfect for the rainy week we've been having! The burger was good, a nother patron considers it in the top 3 burgers in Manhattan. I was a big fan of the sesame seed bun, but I dont love a tall burger. The flavor was good, but not particularly impressive. The fries were a disappointment, as it was just soggy roasted (almost vinegar tasting) potatoes. Lastly, I'm sure people come here for the beer or cocktails, but my wine came to me warm. Communication was crazy for a seemingly empty restaurant. As a party of 2, we were sat at a table that should seat 4 or 5, and were moved after our appetizer to a smaller table near some people we knew (that also came for the jazz, and were disappointed) but did not expect to sit with. This swap resulted in another order of the same appetizers coming out (that we did not order and could not eat) and a combining of the bill that could not be split back apart. I know this is a unique circumstance, but try your best not to complicate the order or the bill when coming. If I'm in the area I would consider coming back, especially for a kitchen open late, but I would bot go out of my way to catch a subway for this experience.

Heather R.

This bar was really really really great find of an establishment in NYC. It a very historical location in lower NYC. It's a friendly environment to have some drinks and surprisingly the food was really good. I had a piece of salmon over salad, which was actually really delicious. The salmon was made perfectly medium cooked that a I requested and placed on a lovely salad of micro greens, tomatoes and cucumber with vinaigrette dressing truly fresh. I had a ice coffee that was strong bold yes my favorite description of coffee, which I absolutely love

Kristin N.

When you're staying near a 200 year old pub, 'ya gotta go in. It was crowded and lively in the middle of a Saturday. We only had drinks, but our server was sweet and it's an unpretentious place to rest your weary legs if running around the area.

Bar shot

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Reviews are largely positive. Many highlight the historic atmosphere, friendly staff, and strong drink selection. Food is praised for being hearty and satisfying.

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We had a great Sunday evening of live jazz, good wine, great service (Eric) and good food!

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1 year ago

Small place but amazing food and unique atmosphere! Love coming to this place when we're in town

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Hands down THE best Crayon and Paper tablecloth bar in the city. Also the best ceiling to stare at when the 5 pints of Guinness hits!

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Ask the Community - The Ear Inn

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We visited on a Saturday evening and started to leave soon after arriving because the downstairs…read morewas packed (not complaining, there was a great energy and people were having fun - it just wasn't what we were looking for). As we were walking out, the host/person checking IDs at the front was incredibly kind and asked us if it was just the two of us because there was space upstairs (we didn't know that was an option!) I am so thankful to them because we were able to enjoy some of the best cocktails I've ever had. The staff was incredible - they checked in with us throughout the evening, explained the menu and gave excellent recommendations. We started with their old fashioned drinks (Lock and Key and the ash and molasses) - both were excellent. After that I tried the psycho killer (a whiskey drink with cacao nib campari, roasted banana and absinthe) - I have had absinthe in a Sazerac before, but this drink was unique and truly special. We couldn't help but get one more to share before leaving -- the Belfast Bred, a cold brew drink with a delicious cream on top. We didn't order food on this visit, but everything looked great. Highly recommend stopping here for some of the best cocktails you'll ever have.

It's one of my favorite bars in Fidi and was best bar in the world one year…read more Inside, it's pretty comfortable and casual - and feels like a typical Irish pub with sawdust on the floor and dollar bills on the walls around the Irish and guiness paraphernalia on the walls. But the food are very high quality. You must get an Irish coffee!

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Paradise Lost - Amazing atmosphere!

Paradise Lost

4.4(175 reviews)
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Thank goodness we FOUND paradise LOST. You ring the doorbell, and are buzzed in to be put on the…read morelist. For my group of 2, it was approximately a 25 minute wait on a Saturday at 7. We jumped over to the bar right beside and drank some girly drinks before getting the notification our table was ready. As with nearly every establishment in NYC, it is very close quarters in paradise lost. We stood at a table while waiting for seats at the bar to become available. Which, we didn't mind. I could see how this might be a little harder to get a seat for a bigger group if you aren't there before 6. It seemed that once a group got a big table, they camped out. The drinks were strong and creative. Friendly bartenders, good music, and yummy options for bar snacks. Also, the bathroom is a nice touch. Given the hell theming for the bar, the bathroom is a 180 and while using the Lou, you can listen to the bible being recited. Theres also a spooky surprise if you press the button in the bathroom. Speaking of the bathroom, it is at the bottom of some decently narrow stairs. So, try and stay sober enough for stairs or you may fall. Go to this bar. You will have fun.

The vibe is cute, and the ambiance is cute, but everything is overpriced, although most tiki bars…read moreare. I don't know if I've ever had such a bad pina colada in my life at a tiki bar. I mean, I've had bad pina coladas at dive bars, but I expected more from this place. I would say it was very strong, though, so you know what? That's a good thing to be very strong for that price I'm paying. The spam musubi was also a rip-off. You see two here, but each one costs its own $10, so save your money. Eat somewhere else. Eat a pizza across the street.

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Paradise Lost - Beautiful interior

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The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

The Woo Woo

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I was looking for a place to hang out while waiting for a few friends to see a Broadway show…read moretogether. The Woo Woo is in the heart of the theater district, and it looked fun! I didn't realize I was stumbling into a speakeasy. Password is enforced, but easily accessible! I found myself walking into a basement, and before me was a small sex shop equipped with toys, Playboy magazines, and tapes.... LOL after the host verified the password and welcomed me in, I was prompted to go into a curtain and walk through a bookcase. The space is so fun! I loved the decorations and the lights - it was giving a very fun, silly, 80s vibe. All the tables seemed to be reserved at the time, so I sat at the bar. Service was kind, friendly, and quick! I ordered a couple of drinks and the Happiest Meal, which is basically an adult Happy Meal. It comes with a small 80s toy, a cocktail of your choice, and food. I ordered the fish tacos along with the Eye of the Tiger cocktail. The bartender was really nice and explained how the space used to be a peep show in the 80s, which is why they leaned into the bit when opening the speakeasy. And there are brunch specials and karaoke sing-alongs on the weekends, and later in the night, a DJ comes in. What a surprise - I have to come back!

Review #1,122 Posted on 10.6.26…read more We came here for some drinks after some shows on Thursday night September 16th when in town in New York for my wife's 40th birthday. This spot was a cool place for gathering. It's a dark inside atmosphere, almost like a club, but not too loud either. Speakeasy's are the hip new thing for a bit now, and this 80's themed one didn't disappoint. They kept the jams going, and got the drinks out fast, & there was plenty of space to sit too.

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The Woo Woo - Buffalo Chicken Spring Rolls

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The Woo Woo - A speakeasy bar in the basement

A speakeasy bar in the basement

The Woo Woo - The end of the bar. Pay no attention to that small TV.

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Attaboy - Tiny bar which is why the long waits to get in but cozy and cool vibe

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4.1(886 reviews)
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Bar with no menu. You have to tell the the staff what you like and they will make you something…read moreaccording to your taste. Everything we ordered was great and fit the profiles we asked for. I asked for something along the lines of a singapore sling and I was pleasantly surprised with what was given to me. My advice? Be as descriptive as possible and be open to their suggestions. Along with double chicken please this is a must try in NYC

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Attaboy - Small space but good vibes

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The Press Room

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I usually go to Alamo Drafthouse in Brooklyn to watch movies but I got an invitation to a Soirée…read morehere for the movie, Wicked. I didn't know what to expect but I loved the Broadway show and I'm always down for immersive events. So I arrived at the Press Room and saw that there was a bar with a couple of tables surrounding it. It seems to be where the kitchen is for all the wonderful food that Alamo provides during the in-dining movie experience. I had to approach the bartender to find out where exactly this party was and he instructed me to look beyond the large curtain to the side just as if I were searching for the Wizard of Oz. As I tugged myself behind the curtain, I walked into a decent-sized room and with balloons and the words, "Welcome to Emerald City" in the front of the room with a DJ playing today's hits and of course, songs from the Wizard Broadway show. At first, I thought this was going to be a dance party but soon realized that it was going to be a craft party instead. There was a station for making your own broom, one to make a friendship bracelet, and another one for letter writing along with sealed wax to use on the envelope with different stamps. I sipped away an Old-Fashioned in my souvenir Wicked cup while singing along to the Wicked soundtrack and making a friendship bracelet for my daughter. This experience was relaxing and joyful so now I know my type of party consists of a craft night. Close to the end of the night, I participated in a Wicked costume contest. I lost but nevertheless, I had a good time. Ended the night with an order of burger before heading home to show off my creations. I can't wait to check out their other events and come here again!

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The Press Room - Movie Poster

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The Press Room - Menu 8/17/23

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Apotheke was one of my first experiences with a hidden speakeasy a number of years ago, and it…read morestill remains the OG in my vast encyclopedia of experiences. :) Strolling down Chinatown's busy and gritty Doyers Street, looking for any sign of Apotheke is a fond memory, then finally figuring out where it was, and entering through the mysterious and otherworldly threshold resulted a transformative experience that made me feel like I time traveled. Mood lighting, comfortable seating, great drinks in a cozy and Victorian-inspired space are the perfect blend of unique and. I always felt like I was part of something special the few times enjoyed creative, delicious, and strong libations from the pros at the bar. While it has always been pricey, I do feel like the excellent service ambiance, and drink quality warrant this, but may prevent more folks from becoming regulars so to speak. I love the clever and compact bathroom design, too. IYKYK Long live Apotheke!

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Apotheke - The bar

The bar

Apotheke - Live Band

Live Band

Apotheke - Beautiful bar

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Beautiful bar

The Ear Inn - bars - Updated October 2026

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