Quiet bar in NYC
June 2, 2004 8:37 AM Subscribe
Anyone know of a nice, quiet (not seedy) bar in NYC where people can sit and talk and actually hear each other?
there are tons of them--we were at a few on the meetup day--dba, tilebar, etc...Every neighborhood has them, and it's more a matter of time of day/day of the week than anything else.
posted by amberglow at 8:52 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by amberglow at 8:52 AM on June 2, 2004
A lot of neighborhoods have the local bar, the one you would never really notice or send someone from out-of-town to visit, but that serve the ice cold nectar in peace and quiet. What general part of town are you considering?
posted by milovoo at 8:53 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by milovoo at 8:53 AM on June 2, 2004
dba was quiet and good for conversation? Yeah, it has a lot more to do with time of day / week...
posted by mdn at 8:59 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by mdn at 8:59 AM on June 2, 2004
Citysearch is actually pretty good for bars and you might have luck adding the keyword "quiet" or "lounge" to your search.
posted by milovoo at 9:09 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by milovoo at 9:09 AM on June 2, 2004
Response by poster: yup, the bee is in the big apple. has been for years.
Here's the problem. My wife likes to go to bars; I don't. We're pathologically co-dependent and do everything together, so she's not likely to go to many bars on her own. I sometimes go with her, just to make her happy, but I can't seem to hide the fact that I'm having a terrible time.
My main issue with bars is that they tend to play really really loud music. Though I'm fairly young, I'm like an old man in my musical tastes, both in terms of types of music (I don't like much written from the 50s on) and in the volume.
When I was in high school, I never went to loud parties or rock concerts, like the rest of my friends, so I guess I never got practice talking and listening over loudness. I also have no ability to read lips. So when we go to bars, I'm always saying "what? What? WHAT? Huh? Eh?" or just pretending I can understand what's being said and smiling and nodding my head.
I know, I'm the life of the party.
In any case, I think the way to solve this is to find a bunch of quiet, civilized bars. I'm picturing oak paneling, bookshelves, and Noel Coward playing the piano.
Okay, I'm kidding. I just want a place where the booze flows freely and the music doesn't cause my ears to bleed.
PS. Some bars don't have loud music, but they tend to attract loud party types (i.e. many college bars), so they're just as bad from my party-pooping angle.
Our work tends to take us all over the city, so I'm hoping to learn about many bars in many neighborhoods. But we probably spend the most time in midtown.
We tend to go to bars in the nighttime, which I know makes this harder, because many bars are quiet, but only during the day.
The final criteria is that the bar can't be ultra expensive. I know I could find what I'm looking for in many fancy hotel bars, but I can't afford a week's salary per drink.
posted by grumblebee at 9:15 AM on June 2, 2004
Here's the problem. My wife likes to go to bars; I don't. We're pathologically co-dependent and do everything together, so she's not likely to go to many bars on her own. I sometimes go with her, just to make her happy, but I can't seem to hide the fact that I'm having a terrible time.
My main issue with bars is that they tend to play really really loud music. Though I'm fairly young, I'm like an old man in my musical tastes, both in terms of types of music (I don't like much written from the 50s on) and in the volume.
When I was in high school, I never went to loud parties or rock concerts, like the rest of my friends, so I guess I never got practice talking and listening over loudness. I also have no ability to read lips. So when we go to bars, I'm always saying "what? What? WHAT? Huh? Eh?" or just pretending I can understand what's being said and smiling and nodding my head.
I know, I'm the life of the party.
In any case, I think the way to solve this is to find a bunch of quiet, civilized bars. I'm picturing oak paneling, bookshelves, and Noel Coward playing the piano.
Okay, I'm kidding. I just want a place where the booze flows freely and the music doesn't cause my ears to bleed.
PS. Some bars don't have loud music, but they tend to attract loud party types (i.e. many college bars), so they're just as bad from my party-pooping angle.
Our work tends to take us all over the city, so I'm hoping to learn about many bars in many neighborhoods. But we probably spend the most time in midtown.
We tend to go to bars in the nighttime, which I know makes this harder, because many bars are quiet, but only during the day.
The final criteria is that the bar can't be ultra expensive. I know I could find what I'm looking for in many fancy hotel bars, but I can't afford a week's salary per drink.
posted by grumblebee at 9:15 AM on June 2, 2004
Sheckys is a lot better than citysearch, in my experience... esp. since I don't think citysearch has had any writers working for them in over 3 years (they fired everyone long ago), and the bar world changes pretty quickly.
posted by malphigian at 9:16 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by malphigian at 9:16 AM on June 2, 2004
Response by poster: Yeah, Citysearch has some good info on it, but I wish someone would buy it, clean it up, make it user-friendly and put a candle under its ass. It's slow and complicated.
posted by grumblebee at 9:19 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by grumblebee at 9:19 AM on June 2, 2004
mdn: We were out back, and we occupied about half the chairs and tables. So we created most of the atmosphere, and if there was music playing outside, I don't remember it.
grumblebee: Oh...I was going to ask why you weren't at the last two meetups, but I guess that explains it. Pity.
Maybe next time we can meet at some sort of throwback speakeasy joint that plays only swing? Or is that too raucous? (Realy, I'm not trying to make fun of you...post-40s music doesn't bother me, but I do much prefer bars where you can converse easily.)
It occurs to me that establishments which serve dual purpose as restaurant/bars might in general have a better chance of fitting the bill.
posted by bingo at 9:37 AM on June 2, 2004
grumblebee: Oh...I was going to ask why you weren't at the last two meetups, but I guess that explains it. Pity.
Maybe next time we can meet at some sort of throwback speakeasy joint that plays only swing? Or is that too raucous? (Realy, I'm not trying to make fun of you...post-40s music doesn't bother me, but I do much prefer bars where you can converse easily.)
It occurs to me that establishments which serve dual purpose as restaurant/bars might in general have a better chance of fitting the bill.
posted by bingo at 9:37 AM on June 2, 2004
In any case, I think the way to solve this is to find a bunch of quiet, civilized bars. I'm picturing oak paneling, bookshelves, and Noel Coward playing the piano.
Sorry not in NY. Sounds like you need a "swanky" place not a bar for hanging out. Where would you folks take Carry Grant? Maybe a bar lounge in a famous hotel? Don't think citysearch or any search will work here. His request is more of a place that is word of mouth, like a classy dating tip a friend would pass on. This would be easy in Dallas, common Big Apple lets hear it.
posted by thomcatspike at 9:41 AM on June 2, 2004
Sorry not in NY. Sounds like you need a "swanky" place not a bar for hanging out. Where would you folks take Carry Grant? Maybe a bar lounge in a famous hotel? Don't think citysearch or any search will work here. His request is more of a place that is word of mouth, like a classy dating tip a friend would pass on. This would be easy in Dallas, common Big Apple lets hear it.
posted by thomcatspike at 9:41 AM on June 2, 2004
For good guides, Time Out New York is a must, both for restaurants and bars. What my friends and I do sometimes, is to pick a neighborhood and plan an evening around restaurants and bars there, and have backups. Some bars I frequent:
LES/NoHo:
* dba
* Barramundi
* Tom 'n' Jerry's [sat night it can get rowdy]
East Village:
* KGB
* Music Box
* Niagara [can get very crowded, but the downstairs tiki room opens at 10pm]
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
* Pencil Factory [my neighborhood bar]
* Enids
posted by plemeljr at 9:58 AM on June 2, 2004
LES/NoHo:
* dba
* Barramundi
* Tom 'n' Jerry's [sat night it can get rowdy]
East Village:
* KGB
* Music Box
* Niagara [can get very crowded, but the downstairs tiki room opens at 10pm]
Greenpoint, Brooklyn
* Pencil Factory [my neighborhood bar]
* Enids
posted by plemeljr at 9:58 AM on June 2, 2004
Sheckys is a lot better than citysearch ... I don't think citysearch has had any writers working for them in over 3 years
Also, dodgeball is similar albeit uglier, but you said the whole point was to avoid the hip crowd, ergo, use the old crappy search engine.
You know, this site is fairly well-read, if someone posts their secret rendevous, it won't be nearly as secret. That being said, Von is pretty nice, at certain times of day (comfy not swanky).
posted by milovoo at 9:58 AM on June 2, 2004
Also, dodgeball is similar albeit uglier, but you said the whole point was to avoid the hip crowd, ergo, use the old crappy search engine.
You know, this site is fairly well-read, if someone posts their secret rendevous, it won't be nearly as secret. That being said, Von is pretty nice, at certain times of day (comfy not swanky).
posted by milovoo at 9:58 AM on June 2, 2004
Von is rather nice, but the last time I was in there someone (I think the bartender) had two pitbulls. They were very sweet, but still not my cup of tea.
Other than the dogs it's great. Unless you like dogs, in which case I guess it's a bonus.
posted by bshort at 10:21 AM on June 2, 2004
Other than the dogs it's great. Unless you like dogs, in which case I guess it's a bonus.
posted by bshort at 10:21 AM on June 2, 2004
A concierge would know the place you are looking for.
posted by thomcatspike at 10:51 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by thomcatspike at 10:51 AM on June 2, 2004
Response by poster: bingo, I would brave the scary world of bars to come to a meetup. I just couldn't come to any of the recent ones, because I generally work all day and then have rehearsals at night. And during the last two meetups, I was working on two books as well, so my free time was rather limited. I'm starting to come up for air now.
posted by grumblebee at 11:19 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by grumblebee at 11:19 AM on June 2, 2004
If you can get someone to give you the phone number for Milk and Honey, that'd be right up your alley.
The scavanger hunt to get in is obnoxious, but it's actually a nice, quiet, low-key place.
posted by malphigian at 11:34 AM on June 2, 2004
The scavanger hunt to get in is obnoxious, but it's actually a nice, quiet, low-key place.
posted by malphigian at 11:34 AM on June 2, 2004
Response by poster: Okay, now I want in. Who has the Milk and Honey number?
posted by grumblebee at 11:36 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by grumblebee at 11:36 AM on June 2, 2004
Strangely enough, their phone number is listed in Vindigo.
posted by bshort at 11:59 AM on June 2, 2004
posted by bshort at 11:59 AM on June 2, 2004
Gentleman may not introduce themselves to ladies.
That one is sure going to ensure a non-typical atmosphere.
I wonder if it's ok to introduce yourself to harlots?
posted by bingo at 12:00 PM on June 2, 2004
That one is sure going to ensure a non-typical atmosphere.
I wonder if it's ok to introduce yourself to harlots?
posted by bingo at 12:00 PM on June 2, 2004
Give "Milk & Honey" and "Lower East Side" a whirl in the old Google Love MachineTM, and the numbers will appear. It sounds interesting, if only for a drink or two.
posted by plemeljr at 2:39 PM on June 2, 2004
posted by plemeljr at 2:39 PM on June 2, 2004
Cool, that search also led (2nd link) to a really nice little blog / list of NYC bars.
posted by milovoo at 2:50 PM on June 2, 2004
posted by milovoo at 2:50 PM on June 2, 2004
As luser said, hotel bars are what you want. Since my enforced exile in the nation's capital, I've discovered the joys of a nice quiet plush hotel bar. (I like a little quiet swankness myself - these kids today and their music!) The Algonquin is nice for both atmosphere and history.
Just stay away from the Oak Room unless you don't mind paying $20 for bar scotch.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:23 PM on June 2, 2004
Just stay away from the Oak Room unless you don't mind paying $20 for bar scotch.
posted by CunningLinguist at 7:23 PM on June 2, 2004
plemeljr
The Barramundi must have an antipodean ambiance ...
Although a quiet Australian bar maybe an oxymoron.
posted by johnny7 at 1:02 AM on June 3, 2004
The Barramundi must have an antipodean ambiance ...
Although a quiet Australian bar maybe an oxymoron.
posted by johnny7 at 1:02 AM on June 3, 2004
Go to Brooklyn and avoid ickiness. Some suggestions.
Southside Lounge, Williamsburg
Gowanus Yacht Club, Cobble Hill (summer only)
The Lakes, Park Slope
Bar Reis, Park Slope
Pete's Candy Store, Williamsburg
Enid's, Greenpoint
Matchless, Greenpoint
Black Betty's, Williamsburg
Moe's, Fort Greene
Someone's roof.
posted by Dukebloo at 9:25 AM on June 11, 2004
Southside Lounge, Williamsburg
Gowanus Yacht Club, Cobble Hill (summer only)
The Lakes, Park Slope
Bar Reis, Park Slope
Pete's Candy Store, Williamsburg
Enid's, Greenpoint
Matchless, Greenpoint
Black Betty's, Williamsburg
Moe's, Fort Greene
Someone's roof.
posted by Dukebloo at 9:25 AM on June 11, 2004
This thread is closed to new comments.
That was years ago, though. Not sure what it's like now.
posted by jpoulos at 8:44 AM on June 2, 2004