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Automatic Slims
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (Traditional) Restaurants Mexican Bars, American (Traditional), Mexican
733 Washington St(between Bank St & Bethune St)
New York, NY 10014
Neighborhood: West Village
(212) 645-8660
- Nearest Transit:
-
Christopher St - Sheridan Sq (1, 2)
8 Av (L)
14 St (1, 2, 3)
- Hours:
Tue-Wed 5:30 pm - 2 am
Thu-Sat 5:30 pm - 4 am
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night
- Music:
- Juke Box
- Best Nights:
- Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Gizzi's full bar elates sippers with imported and domestic bottled beers, premium wines, a bevy of liquors, Live Music 7 days a week. Gizzi's gourmands… read more »
51 reviews for Automatic Slims
Review Highlights
"And hoo-RAY for happy hour specials."
(in 7 reviews)
"This place is laid back and unpretentious while still..."
(in 5 reviews)
"...look-at-me Meatpacking district fashionistas, and a mix of..."
(in 3 reviews)
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51 reviews in English
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Review from Ultimate L.
11/10/2009
Atomic Phil's - A good spot.
Just go during the week to avoid the "B&Ts" defined herein ("anyone that has to take a cab or subway to get there"). When it's full of local villagers - get ready for a night reminiscent of Phil Simms partying with 10s circa 87. -
Review from Tanya P.
New York, NY
1/14/2012
I bought a http://restauraunt.com deal early in the summer and keep popping over hoping to try this place out. Usually it's packed with people, or it's closed. I called ahead tonight and made sure they were open. They said kitchen is open until 11:30 on the phone. I live a bout a10 min walk away and was there around 8:00. We find a seat. I spend ten minutes at the bar trying to get the bartender's attention and show him the printout and go to order and he walks away. Okay, he's busy. Deep breath. He takes the entire bar left to right (me)'s order and then grabs a group that just walked in's food order, then is finally ready for me.I rattle off what we want and ask if that's enough because I did the math but wasn't sure. He looks at the deal and says, yeah, it's okay.
We get two orders of chorizo soft tacos. ($6+$6), citrus beef fajita ($6), and lime cilantro chicken entree ($12) - total $30 + 2 jack & gingers. http://Restaurant.com deal is for $25 off if you spend $35, but alcohol is included. Food comes 20 mins later.... Other reviews explain the place is skeleton bones staff and shotty service. I get it, it's seriously one guy in the place and someone downstairs cooking that he keeps running and getting food from.
I don't love the taco, but I'm starving. My date is loving his chorizo taco. I thought the fajita was good, but cold, and the lime and cilantro are strong but good on the chicken. The mashed potatoes are like a mountain and the asparagus is the best I've ever had.
So I finish and go back up to the bar, try to get the guys attention for a while, finally do, ask if I can pay. He gets the check and tells me I have to spend $15 more for my coupon. Uhhh okay. Would have been ideal if he mentioned that when I originally asked him, but okay, we're still hungry, it kind of sucks, but it's okay. Honest mistake. He says I can order two more mixed drinks and it'll be fine. I decide on settling for crappy beer and getting a side of the asparagus. No prob he says. He puts it all on my card. I know there's 18% included already, but I feel bad for the guy and I tip him an extra $10... on $41, after it's originally $66, for some appetizers and an entree. Geez, so much for saving money with the restaurant deal.
I'm not a huge complainer. I have a rather big tolerance for crappy service. I'm extremely patient when it comes to restaurants and social situations. I'm not a diva. I live in the village but I'm not a barbie bitch. I've worked in the service industry and I like to think I have a bigger tolerance than most when it comes to poor service.
BUT. Tonight's different.
They would have gotten a three or four star from me had I gotten my asparagus. I really really tried to give them a chance.
I went up about a half hour after I ordered the side of asparagus to check on it, nothing yet. After 45 minutes, a bouncer came in, a second bartender came in, a bachelorette party came in, lights turned down, music turned up. I went up to the bar and tried to get one of the bartender's attentions. The girl poured herself a glass of water and leaned back watching people before she finally noticed me. I didn't want to seem like a bitch so I asked, "Is the kitchen really backed up?" She said, "No, it's closed." And I gave her a surprised look. I said, "I ordered asparagus almost an hour ago, I just wanted to know if they were almost ready." She walked over to the original bartender (a guy) and said something. He went to the kitchen, came back out, GRABBED A PLATE OF FRIES that had been sitting on the bar SINCE I originally ordered at 8:30 and said, "Here's your order!" with a smile on. I was like... that's not asparagus and it's cold. He said, "Oh, oops. Kitchen closed at 10?" It's 10:05. He already charged my card (around 9 when I ordered it) and the $10 I tipped is gone. He offers me a free drink, on the house, hands me bottom shelf vodka on the rocks.
I'm still hungry. I'm super pissed. It's the absolute worst place i've gone in Manhattan in the five years I've lived here. It's door to door brahs watching football and dumb barbie girls. There's not enough room to breathe. It's loud. The food's okay but not worth dealing with the imbeciles. I felt bad for the staff, until the guy tried to pass off three hour old fries as asparagus. I am not only NEVER going here again, I am going to make sure no ONE I know ever does either. This place sucks. -
Review from Jill F.
5/14/2011
It's 3am.
You want to dance more.
You want to leave the other two bars you were already at.
You don't want to go home with your date...yet.
So you go here.
You drink more.
You dance more.
It's a big party.
Feels like college.
Is it college?
Everyone here is in college.
But who cares?
Shake your groove thang. -
Review from Megan C.
10/18/2010 1 Check-in Here
Divy, Great Happy Hour
(LOVE THIS PLACE)
Some places you have to appreciate for what they are. This by no means is a bad review, actually it's a GREAT review. I just don't want to elevate your expectations and have you be upset.
1. GREAT Chorizo tacos (I often stop by on my rollerblades to have an order) The portion size is pretty small but hey it's $5 for three of them and they're MORE than flavorful. Take note http://www.yelp.com/bi... charges a fortune for three tacos. Granted the location is better - these tacos I actually like more.
2. SUPER cheap happy hour.
3. The place echos (so if there are a bunch of people talking - it gets noisy fast) It's a really small spot, and honestly it doesn't take much for it to get loud.
4. Bartenders are friendly and nice. The service is pretty laid back (you could wait a while) but not pretentious.
5. Bare walls/floor etc - the decor isn't something to write home about. Simple, casual, but decent music (depending on which bartender is D.J.ing). I have my favorites.
So why all the compliments and only three stars?? To be honest it's a 3 star place. You just have to know what to expect and make the most of it. Come for Happy Hour before you go to dinner nearby.
Note: I've never been here on a weekend.
Date Rating: 4
Pick up Scale: 1
Strong Suggestion: Don't come here to meet people just come here to be down to earth, chill and low key. -
Review from Louis R.
4/16/2010
A. Tiny
B. Tiny with a ton of people
C. Tiny with a ton of young people
D. Tiny with a ton of drunk young people
E. Tiny with a ton of drunk young people singing bon jovi tunes
F. Not enough bar space due to...tiny bar
G. Weekend infusion of d-bags
I will hit again, psyche. -
Review from David D.
Manhattan, NY
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
If there were 3.5s I would give it this. It is what it is. Buck fratastic pickup spot in the west village. You come here to run numbers. Period. Bartender is overworked and aloof. The DJ plays top 40 plus Madonna and the drinks are average priced for NYC.
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Review from Alan G.
New York, NY
4/23/2009
*The following takes place between 3am and 4am.**
I meet my lovely friend outside. I hear Jon Bon Jovi. I walk in, peering into the dim, red lit interior. Then I open the second set of doors.
What in the hellllllll (AKA Automatic Slims) is going on here!?!?
Camera flashes are going off every 5 seconds amongst a large group of people who are OMG SOOOO WASTED AND SOOO HAPPY TO SEE YOU! People "dancing" (a bastardized version). People "singing" (also a bastardized version). People "playing drinking games" (take a wild guess).
It reeks of hedonism and debauchery - of body odor, beer, and the potty.
In the hour I was here this past Saturday night/early Sunday morning, the following occurred:
- I was knocked into, not once, not twice, not thrice, but 5 times by a particularly motor skill deficient group of people attempting to dance. I haven't seen anybody as sloppy as these 2 guys and 2 girls since freshman year of college. They were like lemmings who've had too much cough syrup.
On more than one of the occasions I was knocked, it was rather hard, akin to a flagrant foul in professional basketball; luckily I am a pillar of strength and as agile as a cheetah, thus deflecting the blows which would've felled many a lesser man. They then gave my friend the stink eye when she told them to calm the eff down, holding the gaze for a sloppy millisecond, thus losing any intimidation factor.
- A girl and guy were attempting to do the Dirty Dancing thing where the girl jumps up into the guy's arms and is lifted up so it looks like she's flying or whatever. They did a decent job after a few failed attempts; I'm just glad I didn't have to call an ambulance.
- A guy busy fist pumping raised his beer bottle and then lowered his beer bottle... Right into the top of my head. Thanks for knocking a couple of brain cells out mate, but I'm not sore considering I'm still beating you by roughly a gazillion.
- Noticing the floor is ridiculously sticky everywhere, I pick the large shards of a broken beer bottle off the floor that's been neglected, as my friend is wearing open shoes and I don't want her pretty little feet getting cut.
- Guy slips and falls on the floor, hitting the back of my knees on the way down. I stumble before regaining my balance thanks to the bar/friends. No harm done; Wipeout Guy actually seems a little embarrassed, so I decide not to give him a hard time. I can't tell if he's drunk or just pea-brained - possibly both.
- My friend and I are waiting for bathrooms. She tries a door and opens it to see a guy pissing. He slurs out something about closing the door (as if we were just casually enjoying the view?) while my friend shrieks and lets go of the door. It is shut quick and he comes out a few moments later, giving us the nastiest look ever before trudging up the death stairs back to the bar.
Use the friggin' lock, buddy.
- There is a man on his knees on the floor, playing air guitar rather vehemently. He nails the solo, but loses at life because his pants are now damaged beyond repair by the filth on the floor.
- A bro's bro plops down on a bar stool near me while I stand. He is staring at me. It is making me nervous. WHY IS HE STARING AT ME? He then greets me by saying, "You're too good looking, man..." and proceeds to give me the bro's bro handshake and hug, topped off with a kiss on the cheek.
Minutes later he asks me if I've got cocaine that I'd be willing to share. Sorry bud, go fish.
- This was very late in the evening, so I am not surprised by the crowd, just glad I do not get as stupid, inconsiderate, and flat out rude when drinking...
Or do I?
I ponder this on the subway ride home. My verdict? Nope. Am totally not an imbecile.
So, Automatic Slims, I'm not your regular late night client, and I don't know if I ever will be. You've got some entertainment value though, so I'm not hating. It's not your fault you're mobbed by ridiculous individuals who think they're actin' all badass and cool in the Meatpacking District/West Village when really they just look silly. I mean, they're having fun, and I'm not anti-fun, but I'm not into having fun to the point that I'm basically assaulting innocent bystanders.
Oh well.
*I realize this made you think this was going to be a 24 themed review, so as not to disappoint, let's just say that Jack Bauer would come into Automatic Slims to investigate a terrorist threat then simply say, "Screw it... Let 'em blow this up - it ain't worth savin'!"
(Except he'd save the employees, who are exceptionally cool and seem to recognize the ridiculousness of their predicament.)Listed in: The 5000 Club.
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Review from Andy H.
Brooklyn, NY
12/1/2008 2 photos
Good burgers by day...decent drinks by night.
The decor reminds me of the old basement from my childhood. Red and black checkerboard floor and whitewashed brick walls. -
Review from Jennifer Y.
New York, NY
1/7/2010
Wow I wish I had read these reviews proper to stopping by on a Saturday night.
Music was pretty good but the setup was a little weird. Tables to sit at where big groups were drinking and talking. Leaving a small amount of floor space for bar bystanders. Most people standing at the bar were way too squished to move. Some of the people who were taking up space looked like they were miserable just being there.
Bouncers and bartenders were really friendly and had the right attitude about the squeeze.
I'd go back but def as a late night, hop to and fro place. Wouldn't hang my night on it. Trust me isn't nearly as big as it looks in the pictures. -
Review from Demitasse E.
Manhattan, NY
11/2/2008
Attention all sisters: ***Total sausage fest***
I haven't seen a guy-to-girl ratio like this since taking upper level stat in college. Except these were not the guys in your stat class, they were taking rocks for jocks.
If that's what you're looking for, I won't judge... just saying it's not for me. -
Review from Bobby J.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2008
My girlfriend and I stumbled upon this place while traipsing around lower Manhattan on a Thursday afternoon.
The place is intimate, which adds a lot to its charm. I was impressed by the small but diverse beer selection...even more impressive was the $3 Stellas! Being a Thursday during happy hour, the crowd was also very diverse. You had everything from your after work suits to your local hipsters...all drinking in harmony. The music was from a play list on a laptop behind the bar and was the perfect mix for happy hour. The bartender was very friendly and responsive.
I will definitely seek this place out again the next time I am in the West Village. -
Review from Charm N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/3/2008
It was a late Saturday night when we got here and by we, I mean six girls who have been enjoying a good amount of liquor and just wanted to dance dammit (who doesn't by that time)! Who would have thought we were asking for it? It = head douchebag at Bachelor Party who was desperately trying to pump up his friends up and make them do "stuff" with chicks. The bachelor and his friends though were sweet and also thought "it" was a douchebag. Phew!
They were playing top 40 (duh) and that one annoying song that came out in the 80s which everyone sings along and there was not much room to dance. But I did spot someone dressed as a Sea Captain with their first mate. They were in full regalia: brass buttons, long white beard, pipe, parrot and for a minute I thought I was in SF....but they dress up like grungy pirates there. -
Review from Pej A.
New York, NY
5/29/2008
Ok, so it's really about what you are in the mood for here kids.
If you want a quiet place for a neighborhood drink, or a place to catch the game, or someplace to sip on some chilled chardonnay and talk about your fiances (for finances), Slims is not that spots. I'm a three year 'regular', and I can tell you that I only come here with one intention, have down and dirty good time - by that I mean do a few shots, get a little rowdy, and sing along to some timeless classics. So check out the pics of jazz stars of yesteryear, look past the occasional stale beer stench, and put on yo' dancing shoes. They're not afraid to go Jay-Z to Bon Jovi to George Michael to Kanye, in that order, while bringing down the house. And if you so happen to jump on the bar to shake your money maker, they probably won't pull you down.... that fast.
Crowd is generally mixed up, with plenty of 'singleness' to be had. Place is small, but relatively speaking the actual bar is not and the service never takes that long. Thursday are probably the best night as the legend has spread across the rivers and lands so Fridays and Saturdays can get a bit too crowded, but never before 1am. Oh did i mention that, no need to show up before 1am, that's amateur house. -
Review from Victor L.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 9/20/2008
I guess I'm still a fan of this place, however, the times that I've been back during the evenings just didn't cut it, I loved the afternoon vibe better. It seems a lot of young actors come here to be dramatic, and I really dislike that, couple that with the extremely loud music and you have yourself a place that just feels disjointed; they have all these great photos of great musicians on the wall and all they could come up with is top 40 crap? Come on.
And the 7 dollar bottles of beer. Come on.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/29/2007
3 dollar bottles, 4 dollar well, happy hour on Saturdays? TASTY. This place is perfect, period. Its… Read more »
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Review from Nancy D.
7/5/2009
I have yet to come here and not be entertained. Let's recap the last time I stepped into my favorite West Village dive bar:
- Completely wasted librarian type girl freaking every man who walked in the door. Her style of dancing = Elaine from Seinfeld. Hard to not stare at a train wreck!
- 2 OLD suits trying really hard to blend in in a sea of young finance dudes. Out of place much?
- Sleazy dude chatting up some clueless girls while also attempting to hit on Melissa A. and I.
- TONS of drunk ex-frat boys forming some kind of dance circle.
I guess after coming here I've come to the conclusion that finance people just want to get wasted and dance around in their suits after work. It's okay, I love a good laugh so I'll keep coming here. Plus the drinks are cheap and they get the job done. Enough said. -
Review from ashley S.
New York, NY
2/19/2010 1 Check-in Here
Little dive bar down town. Interesting set up, its kind of a long narrow bar. I stopped by with a friend for drinks (I was already pretty drunk and probably shouldn't have continued but that didn't stop me) I got a drink and I had a peice of a chicken finger in some type of sweet and sour sauce. It was actually pretty good. I was sad there was no more left for me to poach.
Drinks were pretty standard, the food looked pretty good. I wouldn't make the trip back down there to go to the place, but if I was around I would stop in and get some more chicken fingers. -
Review from jill H.
New York, NY
2/11/2009
This place is Okay before 10pm. But then it turns into douchebag central.
If you like being squished in a smelly bar against lame dudes with grabby hands...this is the place for you. -
Review from Talia R.
3/8/2009
Strictly daytime or very late night. Although it's around the corner from my apartment, I stay away from Slims between 9pm - 3am. I find it nice & relaxed in the afternoon or early happy hour. Late night I usually don't remember anything so assume it's okay. All of the times I've gone in between I've basically wanted to shoot myself but couldn't push my way through the sea of douchebags to find a loaded weapon.
Last weekend the bouncer took one look at my pushing 30 ass in chuck taylor's & a t-shirt & was like "I really don't think you want to go in there." He was right. He's always right. -
Review from Heather S.
Boston, MA
2/7/2011
The density and feel of the crowd immediately brings me back to a BU frat party circa 2002. Oh wait, isn't that...? Hold on - I know you. I haven't seen you since that frat party at BU in 2002! And you know what? It's sort of been too long. If you're in the mood, its a damn good time. Kind of feels like home, you know?
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Review from Alison C.
2/27/2010
Our second stop on a Saturday evening romp through the West Village included the hidden Automatic Slims. I had never heard of the random bar, but was intrigued to be introduced to it. The cool spot was located on a quiet corner amongst the cobblestone streets and silent residences just south of the hectic Meatpacking District. It would have been very easy to walk right on by, except for the massive crowd packed into the tight space.
The long, narrow bar served up moderately priced drinks to the youngish crowd that braved the masses for sole purpose of downing some cocktails. Though it might have looked like a refined version of a neighborhood watering hole, we could not be fooled. This was still a filthy, dingy spot, which essentially brought a dive bar feel into the glamorous, expensive area. We were able to avoid the cramped standing room by pushing our way over to the lone booth that was tucked away in the back corner. Though we happily took the seats, the grimy restrooms located down the slippery staircase were not worth the similar excursion.
Automatic Slims' success lies in its exclusive destination, but placed anywhere else, it would simply be another dive bar. -
Review from Dan H.
New York, NY
5/28/2010
Uncomfortable !
Went by on a Thursday night around 11. Loud & Hot !
Walking by the bar you'd think it's a nice cool laid back place to get a drink & relax.
Nope !
Went in with some friends last night & was disappointed. Place had no air- conditioning & the music was turn up loud as !@#%!$^!#.
Could barely hear my friends, who were sitting next to me, talking.
2 beers & a diet coke cost $17 buck.
Not worth it. -
Review from Annie R.
2/11/2011
If you want a waspy/preppy night in NYC this is it. Packed full of Middlebury/Trinity alumni. the age range is mostly 24-35. It does get a bit packed, its a small narrow place, but if you are looking for some preppy new england finance boys this is the spot.
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Review from Lindsey G.
Beverly Hills, CA
1/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We walked by the first time and there was a private party occurring until 11pm. After waiting the 30 minutes in another bar we went to Automatic Slims. A group of 6 walked right in and were able to secure some bar stools at the end of the bar. The bartenders were great and ended up knowing one girl's little brother which made ordering all the more easier. A great crowd on a Saturday night, wonderful music and strong drinks. There was enough room for everyone's group to hang out - but still felt like a packed bar.
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Review from j t.
New York, NY
9/22/2008
We drunkedly stumbled here (really just to pee) on our way home from a treacherous day of drinking. The place was empty (it was 7 on a Saturday night) but the music was great. the lone bartender let us dance on the bar (she def had to be thinking we were nutty) and we each ordered a beer (quite expensive I remember thinking but I can't swear on a price).
The steps to the bathrooms are so steep I am surprised no one has killed themselves yet. seriously!
We were trying to make convo with the female bartender who told us she grew up across the street. It bothers me incessantly when people lie. She was not a native nyc'er. Not sure why this bothers me so much. But it does. We were 3 harmless girls. Stop lying. Next. -
Review from Tad A.
West Village, Manhattan, NY
10/7/2010
Atomic Phil's (as locals refer to it). Venerable watering hole in West Village. Always a raging good time if you are up for it.
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Review from May T.
San Francisco, CA
6/14/2008
stupid, drunk and badly dressed jerks seem to exist everywhere. i haven't had to shove a man in a really long time, and it was surprisingly easy. hmm. maybe those kickboxing sessions with eric are working.
if you're reading this, buddy, you need to rethink your bad suit and step away when girls tell you to back off, no matter how drunk they seem.
aside from that douchewad, this place is stellar. the dj was super cool to me even though he told my friend to "shut the hell up" and the bouncer spoke japanese to me and told me i was a great dancer.
side note: dancing on bar tops is not limited to bad b-movies with horribly named actresses like piper peraboo. -
Review from Phil M.
Manhattan, NY
1/8/2011
I get the feeling this is where the ivy leaguers hang out on the weekends after they graduate. Crowd is late twenties and early thirties and very preppy (even I didn't feel waspy enough to be here)!
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Review from Chantelle K.
New York, NY
7/29/2008
There was a period in my life where I went to Automatic Slim's every weekend. And every time I would shimmy my way across the cab seat, stumble onto the street, straighten my skirt, look up and then elbow my friends and go, "Have I been here before?" (Apparently there was also a period of my life where I got black out drunk every weekend.) So, I'd love to be able to tell you about the decor (I can't); how expensive the drinks were or weren't (I have no idea) or perhaps what type of people were there (don't even ask). I can tell you the place is a box. The bathrooms are down some steep stairs. They have a crazy ass ipod hooked up and will play every single GNR song in existence and I know for sure I have been in the middle of the dance floor/drinking area/stairwell/street air guitaring like a maniac and pretending I'm Slash. So, yeah. No idea why I stopped going there...
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Review from Javier M.
New York, NY
7/8/2007
*Bias switch on*
As if New York didn't have enough awesome hangouts, here we have Miami's coolest bar, alive and well in the big apple. No, let me rephrase that; alive and KICKING!!
What a proper way to be a counterpart; just like in Miami, Automatic Slims is near the "hip" bars and clubs in the Meat Market district, but keeping his distance.... it is as if both franchises would be saying to their stiff neighbors: "I want to be on prime location too, but I am NOT one of you"... and thus, just a short walking distance from Little West 12, this corner bar has everything that my fav Miami bar has; the raunchy attitude, the laid back feel, and the MUSIC...
Let me attest to something that will probably make the day of a has-been rocker; I came here last Friday, finding the same mix of 80's expected from Automatic Slims; they were playing "Pour some sugar on me" at full blast, everyone was totally drunk and/or high, I went for the bathroom... I came back up, I make my way to the bar where my friends are, my friend Margarita (who was visiting) was surprised at the rowdiness (and to be honest I was too, a bit) and I was trying to reassure her when the intro of Eddie Money's "Take me home tonight" fills the environment....suddenly the whole place starts screaming, and as soon as the song starts, every voice on the tiny bar starts singing the lyrics along... it was electrifying and I got goosebumps all over (that's one of my favorite songs), I just couldn't believe that a semi-obscure hit of the 80's would garner that much enthusiasm, and from 20 somethings to boot!!
I bet that Eddie Money, in whatever Malibu home where he might be reminiscing about his platinum years, would never think that his song is celebrated to this day, and in such a way. Just for that alone Automatic Slims receives an Automatic 5
*Bias switch off*
CAUTION: This place gets waaay overcrowded and its very difficult to navigate once inside. You have been forewarned.Listed in: The Sound of Bias
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Review from Andrew J.
Astoria, NY
4/30/2007
This place had a great Happy Hour. Three dollar beers and four dollar well drinks? Yeah that's right up my alley. Aside from the drink specials though, there isn't much else to this place. It's small, minimally decorated, and the staircase to the bathroom has a ridiculously low overhang than I'm sure hundreds have smashed into while inebriated. But the bartender was a pretty nice guy, and there was a great Ska poster in the bathroom which I enjoyed looking at while peeing.
Listed in: I Like to Rock and/or Roll…, Cheap Booze, Good Times
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Review from Jason G.
8/1/2010
I've come in here several times, and it was completely packed. Also, full of douchiness. Not fun at all.
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Review from Inquisigal M.
Brooklyn, NY
8/9/2009
I stumbled upon Automatic Slims after a stroll through the new Highline Park, and discovering this bar was as enjoyable as seeing the amazing garden that's been built up on the old Highline tracks. My husband and I were looking for a spot to enjoy a late afternoon cocktail and an early evening nosh, and Slims satisfied on both accounts. The room is unpretentious but comfortable, and reminds one of a NYC neighborhood bar, pre-gentrification; no designer flourishes, no overwrought, look-at-me Meatpacking district fashionistas, and a mix of customers of all ages, ethnicities and gender preferences. The music playing on a Friday around 6:30PM was perfect for my 40 year-old ears: hip 60's, 70's, and 80's tunes playing at a level just loud enough to be enjoyed - when you want to sing a bar along with Lou Reed or David Bowie - but by no means too loud to ruin conversation or the lazy afternoon sunshine vibe.
Service was excellent. All tables were full, and there were a few patrons sitting at the bar, but the bartender handled everyone like a champ: she was efficient, pleasant, and had a close eye on everyone's needs. We ordered food, and got the nachos, chicken tacos, and a side of cilantro rice and black beans - the portions were generous, the food hot, and the flavors interestingly executed. Slims clearly puts some thought and quality ingredients into the food. And if all this wasn't a great enough surprise, our check, for 3 drinks and the above-mentioned food, only came to $38.
We probably left at around 8PM, and there was still no sign of the antics described in some of these other reviews. So, it seems there are indeed a few perks to getting older, and doing your drinking before the sloshy twenty-somethings even leave the house at night. -
Review from Chris L.
New York, NY
4/2/2006
The crowd is hit or miss here depending on the night - but music is always good and vibe is laid back and fun. Slims fun little bar in the Far West where the music is the bartender's choice but will inevitably include a lot of fun classic songs we all know and love from the 80's and 90's - despite the tight quarters people tend to get rowdy and dance (sometimes on the bar!) - sometimes a bachelorette party favorite (which can be annoying), but at others can be pretty even. A good random but chill night out kind of place.
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Review from mag m.
Brooklyn, NY
8/27/2008
my four-star rating really only applies to weeknights before 9 PM. weekends and late night, it's a different bar. read the reviews referring to "automatic hook up" and "stupid drunk and badly dressed jerks" to see what i mean.
but for happy hour, you can't beat it. the food is GOOD (seriously, try the goat cheese salad or the shrimp and spinach quesadillas), the happy hour specials are ridiculous ($3 drafts, $4 wine, $4 well), and the bar tenders are really nice.
around 9 or 10 PM, big bouncers show up and remove all the tables and chairs to allow this hole in the wall to reach maximum occupancy. they cover the 2 windows with cardboard and set up a rope outside.
and i go home. or to dublin. or the white horse.
i don't think i'd meet the dress code anyway.Listed in: burger. heaven., pubs PUBS pubs
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Review from Melissa R.
New York, NY
4/18/2010
This is a great bar in the west village. In fact, it quickly became one of my favorite neighborhood spots. The overall size of the bar is small and it gets very crowded as the night turns into morning. The bar is basically set up in a L shape - it is pretty long and narrow and definitely is wall to wall people on some nights. Sometimes the crowd is a very local crowd of regulars while on other nights you get some overflow from the MPD. The music is typically good and the crowd usually always dances. This is a good spot to bring your friends to close the night, especially if they like to dance.
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Review from Melanie W.
NY
3/20/2007
I've been once to the one in NYC and once to the one in Miami, and the one in Miami far surpasses the level of the one in NYC, HANDS DOWN! Automatic Slims in NYC is a small little bar, white walls, nothing too special. I'd say it's nothing worth traveling downtown for, but if you happen to be in the area, why not stop in? When I was there (on a Saturday night), they were playing a mix of top 40 & hip-hop music -- so it was definitely fun, but nothing to make me feel the need to come back... I can get that anywhere.
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Review from Irene H.
5/1/2010
We ended the night here. The place is tiny and an yuppie dive bar. It was crowded in a manageable way, music was good, and the girl/guy ratio was definitely in favor of the girls. I think drinks were reasonably priced. I really can't recollect much else about it, except I wouldn't mind stopping here again. Great for a small group of friends!
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Review from Alexis K.
New York, NY
3/20/2009
A group of nine of us had a rockin time here last night. Great (if slightly cheesy) music, cheap drinks ($3 beer, $4 well, $5 you call it 'till 10pm), fun crowd...I didnt get the Douche McGouche vibe that other yelpers got..but maybe we just lucked out!!
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Review from Ayni R.
San Francisco, CA
5/1/2006
sometimes i would walk down the block in my pj pants for an afternoon beer... and sometimes i would throw on 4 inch heels and a dress and dance all night with my girls.
whatever your feeling, if you want something both neighborhood and cool, this place is bangin. -
Review from Al K.
New York, NY
12/3/2008
I was there in it's "heyday" and it is just another bar in my neighborhood...
