Central Bar
New York, NY 10003
Phone: (212) 529-5333
- Cross Street:
- 4th Avenue
- Directions:
- 6 at Astor Pl; L at 3rd Ave
- Hours:
- Daily 11am-4am
Editorial Review for Central Bar – by Lisa Marie Rovito
The Scene
The leading edge of the East Village isn't edgy at all. This sparkling, two-story giant comes off as an Irished-up version of Heartland Brewery or a downtown spoof on a Dublin pub. While the aesthetic isn't bad--dark-wood walls and tables, arched ceilings and elegant glass partitions--the overall effect feels contrived for the masses. And masses it draws: Pint-hoisting 20-somethings from NYU business school shriek over the din, shots lined up at attention. Oscar Wilde, on the wall in pictures and quotes, looks like a stranger in a strange land.
The Draw
Late night on weekends, an upstairs lounge opens up. It's a copy of any downtown club's chill-out lounge, and a complete departure from the frat music-filled main floor. Pillowed benches beckon and spotlights dot the ceiling. Intimate and romantic, with loads of space and separate bar, this is where the meeting and greeting gets a nudge toward sophistication.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoPatrons may ascend to the upstairs space after 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
User Reviews for Central Bar
05/09/2008 Posted by Shuhlay
On a Thursday night around 230 am, my girl and I were finishing up our tab and were kissing on one of the back couches. Not making out, not groping, nothing gross. The bartender shouts from across the bar "GIRLS!" (in that mother scolding tone of voice). I ask him what was up and apparently he was worried that the 5 other guys there would get "too excited seeing 2 girls make out" so we needed to stop. We argued, I asked him for his name so I could speak with manager the next day and he refused to give it. Luckily, he was hitting on my friends earlier in the night so I got his name from them. I went to college in the area, I mostly go out to straight bars, and I've never encountered anything like that before.
04/04/2008 Posted by rt246
I hate this place. I was there on a saturday night with friends. Beyond the fact that the place has no real ambience at all, it was really crowded, and everyone there looked about 12. If you want to be in a crowded bar with a bunch of college kids, this is your spot.
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