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The Ready Cantina

3.5 (193 reviews)
Closed • 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

The Ready Cantina Photos

Business Info

THE READY CANTINA ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Happy hour specials
Good for groups
Outdoor seating

Recommended Reviews - The Ready Cantina

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Reviews With Photos

Jessica R.

This is the sports watching experience I'm looking for. TVs - but not the main focus of the room DJ - spinning straight hits Food and drink - never ending and tasty Environment - outside with amazing views and great light Pro tip! Get a reservation for larger groups as it gets busy

Margarita
Fabienne M.

Came here after work during our spring solstice and it was a vibe... great crowd, beautiful view, great service and not to mention the $1 tacos were pretty great for a buck very delicious and full of flavor fresh and hot I really enjoyed them and the margaritas were made well, nice kick not tart. Great afterwork vibe.

Frozen Margarita
Jando S.

One of the brighter spots to come out during the pandemic, The Ready Cantina (aka "The Ready Rooftop") became an instant hit in the East Village with cocktails galore, stellar views of Lower Manhattan, and a solid selection of Mexican fare. (#1) A product of the Tao Group, the rooftop was supposed to be a casual place for gatherings, backyard vibes, complete with garden-like aesthetics to keep the floral spirit alive in the EV, typically known for its grit and artistic scene. The retractable roof means this is a year round venue and a space that is ideal for group and date action. The most popular time is the happy hour, which is daily from 4pm-7pm and 12-3pm on weekends. Drink deals include $6 beers, $9 micheladas, $11 margaritas and frozen margaritas for $14. (#2). The Mexican fare isn't mind blowing by any standard, especially given the price. Tacos go for a cool $7 each and the "baja snacks" are bar food appropriate with nachos ($16/$36, quesadillas ($14), chips and salsa ($14), and chicharron ($14). When in doubt, shoot for the chicken tinga, which is really just rotisserie chicken, tomato drenched in a chipotle adobo salsa. Service varies big time. While walk-ins are doable, reservations are the way to go. The larger the group, the more likely one is needed even during their slower days of the week. There is a slight pretension with some of the bartenders, which is why I tend to prefer being served via a cocktail waitress, even if the wait is a tinge longer. Ultimately, the sell is being able to drink, mingle, and eat with a view of the city. It's not the most incredible scene by any means, but for EV standards, this is a reliable and solid option. __________ (#1) For Mexican starved New Yorkers, this is always a pseudo-win. (#2) Only in a place like Manhattan is this considered a good deal. My photos: https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/the-ready-cantina-new-york?userid=ysCBsXWPB-LAiewVS3jZfQ

Chips
Nikita K.

This is a great indoor-ish rooftop so it's not too cold. The view is really pretty and there's lots of tables/seating. The music is nice too. The drinks were yummy! The complimentary chips and salsa they gave us were so good and probably my favorite food item. I also got the burrito and nachos and they were okay. The drinks are the main event here. Service was also good

Drinks
Antonia D.

I really liked this place because they had good happy hour deals but when we got there it was very crowded and it took them a while to take our order. The DJ was playing great music if you like a little bit of everything. I did not taste the food so I cannot talk about that. The drinks were good but we missed happy hour and they were average NYC prices. The views are pretty for a rooftop and it's a nice place to meet people and mingle.

Hibiscus Margherita
Carina H.

My friend and I visited because of the tacos special during Happy Hour, but it looked like that day was when they stopped serving the tacos special. (They had included the $1 tacos in their Instagram biography just the day before.) I ordered a second Hibiscus Margherita during the Happy Hour because the first was so good. It wasn't too strong. The staff was friendly, and the service was prompt. On a Thursday night, there was plenty of seating. It wasn't too loud, which made it a perfect place to catch up.

Jessica Z.

$1 tacos and $9 Margaritas The ready rooftop bar is open at 12 on the weekends. It is conveniently located close to the Union square station. I ordered both the chicken Tinga and the mushroom corn. The chicken tinga was by far my favorite. I recommend going early for the seats and the amazing view, otherwise you'd have to stand. Reservations are also preferred. Overall, the experience was great! The tacos were very filling and at the price, it really can't be beat! Inflation, who?

Desiree F.

I was excited to give this rooftop bar and grill a try! When I arrived I parked on the street nearby. I was greeted when I walked over by a very nice young lady, Jasmine. I took the elevator up, and the place was gorgeous! I loved the decor! Carlos was my bartender, and he was great! I started with the frozen apple cider, which was ok. I then had the frozen espresso martini, and that was delicious! For my meal, I got the elotes, chips and guacamole, black truffle quesadilla, and the mushroom and corn tacos followed by the chicken tinga tacos The menu is limited fyi. My favorite was the chicken tinga tacos. The experience I had was pretty good, and I would definitely return!

Corn and Mushroom Tacos
Marina B.

3.5 Stars for me. I've been curious about their $1 Tacos during happy hour and finally got a chance to try them today. Here's the run down: Pros: - We we're able to walk in around 5:40pm and get a table for three without a reservation or wait - You can easily place an order from your phone and have as many tacos and drinks as you like - I was able to get my tacos without cilantro even during happy hour - At $1 a pop the tacos are a great deal! Cons: - The rooftop is rather small and doesn't really have much of a view - It's pretty crowded and noisy so the atmosphere is a bit of a mixed bag - The $9 happy hour margaritas are only okay (I'm pretty sure the make them using marg mix) - They only serve the chicken tinga as well as corn mushrooms during happy hour All in all, I think you can have a fun time here if you know what you're getting into!

Ruby N.

I visited the Ready Rooftop Bar for the first time and was amazed by how beautifully decorated it was. It was crowded because I went during Happy Hour and a lot of seats were taken. I didn't make a reservation but was glad I still got to stand by the bar. The employees are scattered around and constantly moving and we did have to wait a bit for our order since it was busy. I ordered the chips and guac and it was super delicious and crunchy. We ordered chicken tacos for $1 each during the deal and were blown away by how flavorful they were. Definitely worth the visit!

Chips
Taylor K.

This is a fun place but expensive if you don't go during happy hour. Happy hour is an awesome deal here - $9 margs and $1 tacos. The chicken tacos are delicious but I'd skip the other tacos. I also loved the chips here and the churros. The margaritas aren't anything special but they get the job done. This place is fun, they play good music and the service is very friendly!

Small hot cheese nachos with guac, crema, al.pastor, and jalapenos
Anita W.

I came here for their Happy Hour deal, which i s $1 tacos and $9 margaritas. This Happy Hour deal runs Tuesday - Friday, 4pm-6pm and Saturday - Sunday, 12pm-3pm. It's great that the offer exists on the weekend so you're competing with people after work. Logistics: I made a reservation about a week in advance for a 12pm on a sunday and had no problems doing so. They have someone check your ID downstairs and then they direct you down a hallway toward the back where there is an elevator to take to the rooftop. I rode the elevator a few times and no one has ever gotten off on a floor other than lobby and elevator so I'm not sure if this is actually connected to the Moxy. After getting upstairs, we were seated right away. You order and pay from a QR code so there wasn't much interaction with the waitstaff, which is great for people who just want to eat in peace without getting interrupted. It makes leaving easy as well so you don't have to ask for the check and wait for everything to come back as the place does get very busy. Be sure to read the description when ordering. The pictures may show 3 tacos (and it lists it as $7) so it makes sense to assume it's 3 tacos, but the description says " single taco." Decor: The interior looks exactly like the pictures and instagram posts I've seen that charmed me into coming here (along with the great deal on tacos). It's very aesthetic and the couches and pillows lined up against the windows were comfy. The abundant sunshine from the windows was really warm and nice on a cold winter day. It did feel a bit warm after awhile like we were sitting in a greenhouse. Food: The tacos being $1 were very good. It was a bit disappointing that the $1 menu only had the chicken tinga option and the mushroom & corn option to choose from as this was not stated on the website. The regular menu has al pastor and beef brisket barbacoa at the same price. I'm just a bit confused how the regular menus price each single taco at $7. that's a very stark difference than the happy hour prices. I'd come back only at the happy hour price point. Bathroom: They have gender neutral bathrooms one floor down the stairs. I'm sure you can get to it via elevator as well.

Ready Rooftop Bar

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1 month ago

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7 days ago

Horrible employees and atmosphere all around from the way up to the servers. It was practically self serve.

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5 months ago

Went on a Sunday night and it was so much fun! Great DJ and drinks! Highly recommend!!

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Ask the Community - The Ready Cantina

For a reservation, must the full party be present to be seated?

You should always have your party with you maybe 1 or 2 stragglers

Will staff be upset if you bring your own to go container for the $1 tacos? (I know it's supposed to be dine in only)

To bring your own should be at your own venue. This is a place to enjoy and support the good time at the establishment

Are you able to only order tacos (no marg/drinks) for the happy hour price?

Yes

Is there a full bar?

Yes

Are there a lot of standing areas at the rooftop?

You can stand at the bar or around the bar, but everything else is seating

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Valerie

Valerie

4.3(1.4k reviews)
1.8 mi•Midtown West
•$$

As a tourist from the Midwest, I want to first start with the decor. The absolute homage to the…read more1920s is beautifully reflected in the decor. The tile on the floor to the sconces hanging from the walls. The bar is a beautiful scene for a backdrop for photos, but more importantly than any of that is the service provided. We specifically want to mention included Daniel. Daniel was the most hospitable, the most gracious and absolutely the most accommodating staff we have encountered in our trip to New York so far. Daniel made excellent choices and actually helped to custom craft drinks to our particular taste. In addition Daniel provided excellent recommendations for heavy snacking plate sharing and enjoying the overall experience.

I'm from New York and let me tell you something. I have eaten at thousands of restaurants in this…read morecountry. There's no comparison to my favorite restaurant Jerk and Jambalaya in Rehoboth Beach . The restaurant and Sintelle Taylor are excellent, excellent, excellent and did I say excellent. The food speaks for itself. The oxtails, the Mac and cheese, the greens the corn bread. Yes honey I will travel for great food. Listen up y'all restaurants, I will no longer be mistreated by bad and then asked for a tip. Jerk Jambalaya I support you and thank you for all you do. The standard has been raised . God bless you and your restaurant and team. Beautiful restaurant. Tell them Ms. Monique sent you.

Photos
Valerie
Valerie
Valerie

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Dear Irving on Broadway - Josephine Room

Dear Irving on Broadway

4.5(42 reviews)
2.3 mi•Midtown West

From the front desk in the lobby to getting our seats, it was a great experience here. My friend…read morefrom out of the country was in town and I wanted to show her a nice rooftop bar in NYC. It did not disappoint as it was high up on the 40th floor. We arrived later and the kitchen was closed, but the drinks were well served and the server was kind to check in with us the right amount of times within a time period. I also love that it's right next to Port Authority, so if you're from Jersey, it's so easy to catch the bus right after!

Had an awesome time at Dear Irving. We recently celebrated a friend's birthday here. We were…read morekindly greeted when we entered and directed to the elevator leading to the event space. DI reserved an area between the bar and patio for the event. Enough room for our party to gather and not impede on other patrons. I found all of the staff to be very professional and attentive while very busy. The menu has a variety of small bite options, which was shared amongst the group. Everyone seemed to enjoy them, suggesting one another to try this or that. The bartenders/ mixologists were on their A game. The drink menu is pretty extensive and from what I could see, our party choices ranged from wines to whisky's and several options between. The rooftop/patio was an extension of the comfortable but trendy decor. Great space for an evening, date or friend gathering. Dear Irving... well done. Thank you for a wonderful evening.

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Dear Irving on Broadway - Cocktails

Cocktails

Dear Irving on Broadway - Smoky & spicy cocktail it was ;-)

Smoky & spicy cocktail it was ;-)

Dear Irving on Broadway - Cocktail

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Cocktail

Sunken Harbor Club - Shallows drinks

Sunken Harbor Club

4.5(120 reviews)
2.8 mi•Cadman Plaza, Downtown Brooklyn
•$$$

One of my favorite bars ever! What a cool place tucked away on the second floor of Gage & Tollner…read more Their menu is so fun with levels of intensity to them. We went on a Friday night with a party of 3 and did a walk in. That was a risky move and to our luck, the hostess was so sweet and squeezed us in as the last party of the night! This is a must visit when in downtown Brooklyn. We couldn't try the food since the kitchen closed and we were the last to enter but we were able to try 3 drinks and I recommend them all! 1. Donkey Conga ($22) Bourbon and aged cachaça centrifuged with Banana. Followed by Cynar & sweet vermouth. 2. Manta Ray ($22) Coconut cocktail of apricot, ginger, and mint. London dry gin & Haitian Rhum. 3. Star cycle ($18) Shakened milk washed gin, Jasmine, and grapefruit

I've been trying to go to Sunken Harbor for over a year now. I don't know how it's possible but…read moredespite being local it always seems to have a private event whenever we have plans to go. The stars finally aligned this winter and I had the opportunity to try it out. The vibes are perfect. Fog and bubbles, sea noises and all of the art go together seemlessly. Drinks were great. We had three and left suitably sloshed for the night with no aftereffects. We didn't have too many bites but the food was very good for a bar. I'm excited to go back and I hope we have just as much luck getting in next time.

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Sunken Harbor Club - View of the bar

View of the bar

Sunken Harbor Club - Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Mary Pickford - IG @bougiefoodieboi

Sunken Harbor Club - Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

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Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner

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

Attaboy

4.1(886 reviews)
0.9 mi•Bowery, Lower East Side
•$$

Attaboy is hands down the BEST speakeasy I've been to--not just in NYC, but in the entire US! If…read moreyou love cocktails, do NOT miss this place. There's no traditional menu here. Tell the bartender what flavors and spirits you're in the mood for, and let them work their magic. I gravitated toward whisky-based, chocolate, and fruit-forward cocktails, and every single one was phenomenal. My husband stuck to Old Fashioned- and Manhattan-style drinks, and those delivered too. The bartender absolutely nailed our preferences, crafting delicious cocktails tailored to our individual tastes. Getting in is part of the experience: knock on the door, and they'll let you know if there's a spot available or add you to the waitlist. We visited on a weeknight around 8:30 PM and waited barely five minutes. I'll be coming back every single time I'm in NYC. Exceptional bartending, personalized cocktails, and an experience that genuinely lives up to the hype. Do not miss Attaboy!

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

Small space but good vibes

Attaboy - Paper plane

Paper plane

Attaboy - Interior bar seat

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Interior bar seat

Steight - Ichigo Ichie

Steight

4.6(44 reviews)
0.9 mi•Bowery, Lower East Side

yuzu highball mt highball…read more- highball was nice, basic, and refreshing; nothing much to note about but ive definitely had better - i liked the yuzu a bit more because the mt highball was a bit too alcoholic hojicha colada - hojicha is their seasonal menu and it also is my favorite! The tea was strong and fragrant - it is on the sweeter side, a bit like dessert, so i had to pair it with water, but it was still yummy and would recommend yuzu contact - this was alright! Typical yuzu but ive had better ones - personally feel like the yuzu can be brighter and a bit sweeter rating: 4/5 - the drinks were all good but nothing particularly stood out except for the hojicha colada - the vibe and the music really brought up my rating though! It was such a cute, cozy, intimate spot for dates - small speakeasy with only a few seats, similar to bars in japan; it's one of those japanese listening bars and i love it - there was light jazz in the background, not too loud that i had to shout - the mood was perfect; I couldn't stop staring at the interior decor and immerse myself in this little cozy corner - service was super quick, nothing much to note IG: @nom.noms.only

Very cute speakeasy hidden behind an empty hair salon. The decor was very fun, and I couldn't quite…read moretell what the theme was. It's a very small space, so it may be a bit of a wait for a seat. We came around 8:45 PM, and got a spot at the bar after about 20 minutes. We tried the yuzu contact and the ma-chet baker, and the ma-chet baker was definitely our favorite. It tasted just like a matcha latte, and I liked the bits of gen maicha in it. It wasn't very strong however. The yuzu contact was also very light and citrusy.

Photos
Steight - Sake Flight.

Sake Flight.

Steight - Oolong Punch

Oolong Punch

Steight

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Apotheke - Apotheke Bar Chinatown

Apotheke

3.8(1.6k reviews)
1.3 mi•Chinatown, Civic Center
•$$$

Had a really good time at this bar. From the outside, it…read moredoesn't look much, but once you step in, you get to soak in the amazingly lit bar. The drinks were also pretty good and fairly priced! Really enjoyed my cucumber chili oil drink, it was savory and unique. Seating was limited though but our party managed to snag one once another party left. definitely a first come first serve concept.

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 Ready Cantina - cocktailbars - Updated October 2026

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