"Gilded skulls on the wall, great ambiance and music."
(in 11 reviews)
"But just remember that not everything that glimmers is true gold."
(in 14 reviews)
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GoldBar
Rating Details »
Categories: Lounges, Dance Clubs
Neighborhoods: Little Italy, Nolita389 Broome St
(between Centre Market Pl & Mulberry St)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 274-1568
- Nearest Transit:
-
Spring St-Lafayette St (6)
Bowery (J, M)
Grand St (B, D)
- Parking:
- Street, Garage
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- DJ
- Best Nights:
- Wed, Thu, Sun
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Yes
- Coat Check:
- Yes
46 reviews for GoldBar
Review Highlights
Fun, beautiful and my god, I want to steal one of those gold skulls planted in the walls.
Our group of five walked right in without a wait or guest list but it was the night after Thanksgiving so the door may be much more difficult normally. Once inside they attempted to enforce a required coat check which we somehow shrugged off and went in to explore. While it was pretty empty the crowd was fun, beautiful and dancing their butts off to the same music that's playing everywhere. I tried to pry a skull off the wall but those things are nice and tight in there. We joined the crowd for a bit but ultimately folks got antsy and we bounced. Since my trip seemed a bit atypical, I can't wait to check out the scene on a normal evening now that Southside has worn out its allure.
Don't believe how much fun this place is?
See photos. : )
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
5/24/2009
So much fun!
I have been coming here over the past year. And every time I have a blast.
If you can… Read more »
Been here only once, definably coming back!
A great place to run away from overcrowded clubs/lounge in Meatpacking! the crowd is just as good as in MPD, but unlike any place in MPD u can have a decent conversation there without screaming/spiting into each others ear!
Love it during the week...not to quiet, no too loud....
Recommend having some connection before going in.
In a nut shell- attended a private party here. Great staff, (I would say great music, but we brought in our own DJ). The DJ booth was nice. The decor- definitely makes the bar unique- its awesome and I don't even like gold! The location is perfect- Little Italy area. I've heard this place is selective, so beware. But once you get inside its really nice venue/bar to host a party
The only reason we got in is due to being on 'the list' so my review is already going to be askew.
I believe it was the owner's birthday party or something because this place was packed to the gills and the music was extremely loud and kind of obnoxious.
Which is fine because due to being on the list, we were treated like STARS! First, the Dom was liberally poured into my glass. Not once did I set it down due to the heavy hand of the attractive servers. My glass was literally grabbed from my hand and filled to the brim with yet more Dom.
So I didn't even a drop a dime in here...
The decor was nice, the word 'catacombs' was dropped a few times and got a few upskirt views due to the low-lying mirrored tables.
Yes, there was Eurotrash-I had to assert my space due to the aggressive chest pumping.
Overall, I consider myself a fan.
Mkay, let me just start out by saying I should not be allowed to review this place because let's just say I wasn't fully conscious when I came here last night. I will post an update should I actually go back and see what it looked like. One thing though was how easy it was to get in. We must have came here around midnight and the bouncer didn't even ID us or hesitate.
However, what I do remember from last night is that I got yelled at for taking pictures inside. I took one of a friend and some rude paparazzi bouncer stuck his hand in my face and said no pictures! Uh, what? How will I piece my night together?
So this morning whilst trying to do exactly that my photos strangely end here...
The only way we were able to walk into this place was because it was before 11PM... and the only other people in here were crinkly-wrinkly-rich-old-guys feelin up their trophy dates. Yup...nothin but class all the way for us.
We tried the champagne cocktails, which were probably worth the $15 pricetag...but I'd prefer to spend that at a speakeasy than a place like this. Sitting amidst a wall of gold skulls and chains almost drove us to try to do a ghetto remake of a 90's Alice and Chains music video. I will say the dj is LIVE... and the only reason I'd go back is to dance to his grooves. It's a place you want to be "seen," but ya know what? I'm happy being seen as a drunkass lunatic on Avenue C.
I've been dying to go this place FOREVER.. let me repeat FOREVER!!!!
I did research of this place.. it looks VERY HOT and PRETENTIOUS.. don't take it wrong way.. PRETENTIOUS sometimes can be hot..
I typically never second guess myself.. I have the confident of walking in a room/club/party without questioning myself whether I am HOT OR NOT..
THE MOMENT I STEPPED INTO GOLD BAR.. A COMPLETELY GAME CHANGER.. I HAVE NEVER SEE SO MANY ATTRACTIVE FACES IN A SINGLE CLUB.. YOU LOOK LEFT.. YOU LOOK RIGHT.. THERE IS NO DIRECTION IS A WRONG DIRECTION TO LOOK..
I do have to admit.. there were many euro trashes.. but hey europeans are hot even they are trashy..
I couldn't help myself but leave this HOT place cuz this is first time in my life i actually felt UGLY.. that I do not belong to this place..
but I promise myself in the end that I'll bring my HOTTEST self here one day to feel fit in =)
GOLD BAR I"LL BE BACK!! BECAUSE YOU ARE HOT!!!
I came here for one fashion launch or store opening celebration or another. I don't remember what it was for, because I def didn't come for that purpose. LOL. But there was an open bar. And when I say open bar, I want you to not think about the crappy http://myopenbar.com experiences you've had, ok I've had.
This was the dopest. I walk in and the bartenders actually looked legit like those you'd see in at a hotel bar -- button downs with a little vest and shirt cuffs. Details, people. In any case, I ordered a mojito [natch] and the bartender brought out the muddler and grinder, and from that moment on my heart was his. It helped that homeboy's cheekbones were killa. I guess, since the door was kinda tight and snooty, there was no crowding around the bar, no chaos. It was all very civilized. Oh, and everything was top shelf; cheap vodka open bars is not the business. ok, I lied, you can find me in Happy Ending every Tuesday again this summer. HOLLA. I had maybe 4 or 5 drinks? They were all very good -- I told dude to remix some stuff for me.
Oh, the decor was cool. I dug the gold skulls. I dig gold period cuz I'm a G, you feel me? They don't allow photos, but I must've missed that bit when I had a photo shoot with my friends.
Rad Hourani has hosted his Fashion Week parties here two seasons in a row, if it's good by him, then it's good with me.
I'm in the city for work and my boss and I get a suggestion to hit up Goldbar. its saturday night around 11 or 12? (time flys when youre on the train to wasted...)
we had some trouble with the velvet rope so while waiting for some friends to join us some boys let us be there "dates" in.
we get a table and my boss orders champage to thank the guys for inviting us in. great dj, friendly bathroom staff and strong drinks, plus random drug invitations make this place extra special. we left at 4AM and i could have kept going - thats how amazing this place is.
If i could get past the velvet ropes i would rage every night.
so if you get a chance - go in. you'll love it but be prepared to order room service bc your ass isnt going anywhere the following morning.
Wow. Garish to the point of coolness.
Great space size and faux portraits of royalty. Vanderbilt meets Parisian catacombs.
So, me and my drunk a** good friend were walking around aimlessly finding something that would be open on a Tuesday night at 1am. We just finished up a cosy night at 8 Mile Creek and was walking around and then found the big doors and velvet rope. On a limb we just asked the two guys at the door 'Whats this place? Whats going on here?' One guy spoke and said 'Let them through the ropes' and we were in. Easy!
No cover charge which I expected. So this place was legit!
Went straight to the bar and was quite impressed with them. Grabbed the Pear Crisp (I'm a sweet drinker) and thought for a $15 cocktail was quite small, couldn't naturally taste the alcohol but thought yeah good effort. Friend grabbed a Chardonnay. We then managed to take 2 photos but was told very nicely that we weren't allowed to from one of the guys just walking around. Was weird, lounge policy but thought 'Well we got 2 photos?!'.
Walked into the lounge section and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The drunk ones were dancing in the minimal space, lots of talking and gossiping and schmoozing.
3 drinks later we were ready for home at 3:30am. Would have to say I liked the adventure we had and ending a night like that. Didn't know this place was 'exclusive' if I didn't come onto yelp. Also we were mildly dressed so I'd say just act like you know someone. Or try your luck at 1am haha. Anyways, definitely come here again and see what the fuss is about on the weekend, but thats when I can be bothered!
I came here at 2 in the morning on a friday night with a guy friend of mine and we had a great time. The door bs was kept to a minimum (we both got in without cover, being well dressed charming, good looking and fun does have its advantages). The staff was cool and had in my mind the perfect amount of people. It was filled without being packed, easy to order drinks, there were places to sit without having to get bottle service. The crowd was attractive and clearly out to have fun.
I also came here with some friends and got bottle service here on a Sunday about six months ago. The Sunday scene was way more packed, but still really fun, though in a more conventional club way.
As some of the other reviewers mention, the decor is a little over the top, but so what, its clubbing in new york after all.
Bottom line, if you are interested in more upscale venues GoldBar is definitely worth trying. If you want to be able to talk come on a Friday or Saturday, if you just want to party sunday is your day.
This place has one of the toughest doors in the city. Brooklyn bred Johnny boy guards that door as if it was his sister's purity. He has even gone on record saying that he has denied his childhood friends entry (I am talking about the bar here). Once you finally get in, you feel as if you were in Donatella Versace and Christian Audigiers den. Gold and skulls galore. (It is not as bad or tacky as it sounds.) The party doesn't get rolling till late and Sundays the crowd is a tad more diverse. (aka a bit less eurotrashy). Occasional celebrity spottings can occur. If you manage to get past Johnny, it can be fun. But just remember that not everything that glimmers is true gold. (fool's gold bar?!?)
Went here last night and had a good time. Came for a company after party so I'm not sure about the doorman, but I could see him being a problem on a normal night. Great space, good DJ, and a well rounded crowd. Points off for a depressing beer selection and a glass door -- always a problem when stumbling out.
i went on a friday night and shockingly the crowd was a nice mix. there were some hipster kids (the cleaner hipsters thank god), euro trash, some yuppies, trendy 20 somethings and than us, two asian girls from LA :)
the drinks are expensive but its the city, what do you expect? but i was floored when i saw the 20% added gratiuity. champagne cost about $20 after tip. yeah, bring cash or a boy.
i love the interior. if marie antoinette hooked up with mick jagger and had to co-own a bar, it would be gold bar. its a small space with a general sitting area with couches where everyone dances. the DJ kept us dancing until we needed to go outside for smoking breaks.
I'm determined to have my skull gold plated when I cark it!
Maybe I can arrange a special spot for it to nestle on the walls of the Gold Bar...so I can listen to the awesome chill out beats the DJ spins...
If only I can work out a way to stop people from kissing my skull and give me a puff of their ganja instead!
Maybe because I'm a South Beach native, I'm used to a different vibe, but this place takes itsself waaaay too seriously. It's nice, sure. Walls made of gold skeletons...well it's novel, but impressive? Uh, not quite the word I'd use.
I took a photograph for an online travel journal and one of the servers came, touched me (BIG no-no) and said, "Dahhhhling, no pictures." Yeah. Okay. This is a bar (a lounge, actually), not Fort Knox. Whole different kind of gold here people.
Yeah, yeah, I get wanting to keep the riff raff out, but honestly. Give me a break.
The place itsself is very pretty, but other than that, I'd spend my money -and my time - elsewhere.
I don't care how exclusive, pretentious, cool, trendy, special this place is. I don't care who you think you are--THE rudest bouncer ever.
GoldBar you are beautiful. The walls, the ceilings, the chandeliers, everything covered in gold--its truly a sight to behold. Of all the places I've been recently, GoldBar had the best music and the best crowd. While it caters to the loungier set, there's also people dancing about.
My only fault is the tight space and over the top door policy. Which I guess go hand in hand. But if you can manage, its definitely an experience worth having. Best bet is to try on a weekday.
Meh. Why was it so hard to get in here?
The name dropping it takes to get past the rope is just silly. Nothing special about this place. Plus one for the decor and the couch-lined walls. Minus one for the blaring overplayed hip hop & the overpriced drinks (how do you charge M&H prices if your cocktails are the standard run of the mill variety?). Not a place I'd frequent, though it could be a great spot if you book it for a small afterparty.
I love this place. I went on a Tuesday night to hear DJ Kiss and engage in some lounging with the fabulous "we-party-on-weekdays" people and had the BEST time.
This was more of a lounge than I expected, very few people were dancing. Mostly, everyone was sitting, talking, and popping bottles of champagne (oh yes). The decor is stunning - I wish my bedroom looked this decadent because I'd never leave. I'd get a dj table and charge admission fees.
I definitely recommend checking it out - for a better chance of getting in, try going on a week night.
This is a great place to get dressed up and yes bring out the 4 inch heels. The drinks here are expensive, but expertly made and delicious. Dont bother ordering a beer here. What a waste that would be.
For better luck getting in, just get dressed up and maybe get there slightly early and have a drink at the bar. You might be happy for that seat because it does get really really crowded. Fun vibe and delightfully decadent in decor. Great place to dance the night away and drink the night away too. Just plan on having your charge card or plan on making some new friends.
Not really sure what the big deal with this club is - sure it has big doors and velvet ropes but meh. The music isn't that great, and the people are just okay. Not too many lookers, just a lot of pretension.
Went with some overzealous friends. Didn't name drop, and got in - on a Saturday. Not sure what that was about - the place was barely full - guess they have to keep up the facade of exclusivity.
The skulls all over the walls and the overall theme is pretty interesting, but they need to NOT place their paintings by where people are standing/dancing because I can't help but knock into it.
The service is pretty good, music is mediocre - and when you're drunk, watch out for the glass doors at the entrance - definitely saw people walk into them more than once.
Get dolled up - and I mean it, this place does not play around. Revel in your victory over the velvet rope, afterall, who would really deny you? Once inside, you know you're overpaying for your drinks, but you get off on this kind of pretention, so sip it with pride, honey! If you wanted the happy hour specials, you should have ended up elsewhere. You notice the lack of bottles is being made up for by an unusually high number of models.
The love bracelet tables are interesting, the DJ fantastic!, the staff incredibly nice, and all the gold gives off a really pretty glow.
If you're ever bored on a Sunday night in NYC be sure to come to GoldBar to check out the show. As my good friend says: Only the freaks come out on Sunday. Be ready to get your "WTF" face on once you're past the ropes because as a person who does not go out often on a Sunday, I felt like I was in the twilight zone - in a good way of course! Tons of scenesters on drugs partying til the early morning hours makes for a funny story to tell your friends the next day.
- crowded even on a sunday
- wasn't a fan of the DJ
- overly expensive drinks
- nice enough of a place with personable bartenders
- not allowed to take pictures
Sat night was crazy packed during peak... I'm not a big fan of having my drink spilled and bumped into every couple of seconds but I still had a good time. Bathroom lines were not long to my surprise, but then again, it's not a huge place.
Inside decor is pretty unique and fun. Especially like the gold motiff and gilded skulls all along the walls.
Music was standard nyc club hip hop, etc... Barely any room to dance... And too loud to hear anything.
Was a fun experience though. Always nice to get into exclusive/ "velvet roped" places but you'll never see me waiting in line... It's cool to go once or twice but I prefer some personal space and maybe rooftops in the summer.... :-)
exclusive venue... love it... date a boyfriend who's in the industry.... it's great to go to places like this where they just don't let everyone in!!
SUPER FUN... and a sexy crowd!!
We will be back when were in NYC!
I didn't really care for the decor. It was intentionally strange from what I could tell, which I have no problem with. It's that it was strange for no reason. The drinks were pretty good. The bartenders know what they're doing and can make you a delightful cocktail.
+5 Stars for the "no cameras allowed" policy! +200 Stars for where the doorman told me he would shove it if someone used one inside!! Love it!
Think Double Seven (yes they're closed) but sexier and further downtown...
Uuber private, super sultry, upscale loungy bar with a guest list. That's right don't expect to get in if you're not on it -- so if you're interested in spending time here plan accordingly.
Date Rating: 8
Pick up Scale: 6 (Depends on the night but this place seems to be a great place to bring your party... not go looking for one)
Strong suggestions: Be on the list or don't bother.
I went here opening weekend and it looks like the boys from Cain have scored again!
Great music, a fun, fierce mix of old disco, house and some cool hip-hop. Fabulous interior - like being inside a piece of petrified amber - everyone looks good in a place like this. The service is also impeccable and the staff very attractive.
The door is tight, tight, tight. You won't be admitted unless you're on "the list" so don't even try going if you're not.
This place is what Bungalow 8 used to be before it was ruined by the celebutard crowd. A bonus here is I've heard they have a "no Paris Hilton" rule like Rose Bar - so no worrying about annoying paps and drink-grubbing bitches! Enjoy it while it lasts.
If only enjoyable venues were based solely on their plush decor, lighting, and their ability to attract beautiful people then Gold Bar would be heavens manifestation on the third rock. Unfortunately for Goldbar its actually all of these combined that make it a less than stellar place to enjoy your evening. Gold bar is a little ritzy space on Broom street off of Lafayette. The space is adorned with a gorgeous gold leafed ceiling ( done by my friends ex love by the way), walls encrusted with faux gold skulls, and terribly swank portraits of turn of the century looking ladies and gents adorned with gold jewelry about their necks and bodies. The chandeliers are impeccable, as well are the bathrooms which have fused lavished swank with street graffiti. The main problem lies in the alcohol price and the patronage of the establishment. Drinks are way overpriced and they are meant to be. The entire space screams " if you are not geogrous, rich or famous then stay the F@#% OUT! The clientele is mostly very rich Manhattan 40 something business men with major mid life crises going on, and attractive chain smoking ladies who love 40 somethings going through said mid life crisis. If you are not wearing a velvet blazer, 3 unbuttoned white collard shirt with long greasy hair then this place is probably not your glass of cocaine laced champagne. The entire vibe screams pretension with a total lack of sophistication. The DJ was entirely mediocre with the same track list being played at EVERY tiresome spot in the city. I was more excited drinking corona and dancing my tuchus off at the Annex then spending 5 seconds in this place. If you are looking for a good place to spend an evening look somewhere else.
I'll caveat that perhaps I just didn't come here on the best night. Myself and 3 girlfriends stopped by on a Saturday night on our way to another club. We had heard decent reviews and thought, why not - we're here.
Should have known by the fact that this "exclusive" bar had no line, that it wasn't worth going in to, but the crowd was "interesting" (and I don't mean in a good, attactive way) and the music horrible. Needless to say, we didn't even stay long enough to finish our $16 cocktails.
If you're in the mood for a club, there are much better choices in NYC - granted, I may change my tune on a different day of the week (Saturdays are never the best days to try clubs).
Thankfully i was on the list, because the woman with the clipboard didn't fancy me too much.
A very tough door, you must be on the list to get in OR EXTREMELY de-lish. Considering you're not then i would just try going somewhere. I really hate going to places like this because of their policies. I always get really nervous and tense and tend not to have a good time at all. Hence why i made my phone call prior to arriving so that there would be no degree marks on my cute clothes. This place was very cute and you felt like you were a somebody once in. The women had legs that were just amazing and couture makings. The drinks were pretty ok as they had ice cubes in them, ice cubes the size of i dont know what..ive not seen ice cubes this large in my life. The music was pretty good it mostly reflected the past; which the straight men crowd tend to feel the most comfortable with. There are golden skulls up and down the walls in the back mixed with that old europe charm of a horse and beagle painting next to it.
This place is pretty hot right now..but this is New York, hard to say how long it will hold.
My Favorite Quote of the night:
(this is after i was already inside for two hours and stepped outside for some fresh air)
Lady w/ clipboard: +walking upto me+ HAHaha..ya know..i used to be as pale as you until i discovered i could tan on my roof.
Me: + Silence and went into a depressing shock..went back inside.+
Apart from the NY bitch on the door the staff were so extremely helpful, when they didn't have to be.
Me loves.
GoldBar is incredible. The chandeliers, the walls covered in 3,000 gold plated skulls, the tables, the bathrooms, everything is just gorgeous. If you can get past the "gold chain" rope its well worth it, and is a Manhattan bar experience like none other.
extremely average and way over rated. solidified my asexuality.
I had a really good time here. No problems at the door, the bouncers let me right in after a brief conversation. The music is really good, and the atmosphere is pretty cool. I must say, the drinks were very weak, and expensive. The girls are some of the best I have seen anywhere in the city, I think I hit on the right night. Make sure to come here after you have had a few drinks, or else your wallet is taking a hit for some city water!
Beautifully done intimate lounge. Very opulent looking. Tight door which I personally like. Crowd was interesting and beautiful. Girls were friendly as well as the boys. Music varied from old school to new hip hop, rock songs, club music. It's in a neighboorhood that has not been taken over by other clubs/lounges so the people who go there are not obnoxious. Enjoy it while it lasts
Nothing Gold Can Stay... but I loved this place. Gilded skulls on the wall, great ambiance and music. Door is definitely tight, but if you can get in- it's worth it.
